Advanced Configurations

Learn how to handle complex restriction scenarios, optimize performance for large stores, and create sophisticated shipping rules that adapt to your business needs.

Working with Multiple Rules

Understanding Rule Interactions

When you have multiple rules, they work together to create comprehensive restrictions.

How multiple rules combine:

• All applicable rules are evaluated
• Restrictions accumulate (they add up)
• Product can't ship if ANY rule blocks it
• More specific rules override general ones

Complex Scenario Examples

Example 1: Wine Store with Multiple Requirements

Your needs:

• Can't ship wine to certain states (legal)
• Can't ship to dry counties (local laws)
• Premium wines only to verified addresses
• Non-alcoholic items ship everywhere

Setup:

Example 2: Multi-Channel B2B Distribution

Your needs:

• Dealer A: Northeast exclusive
• Dealer B: Southeast exclusive
• Direct sales: West Coast only
• Some products available everywhere

Setup:

Seasonal and Time-Based Restrictions

Managing Seasonal Products

Some products have shipping restrictions that change with seasons.

Heat-Sensitive Products (Chocolate, Candles)

Summer restrictions (May-September):

1. Create tag: "heat-sensitive"
2. Tag affected products
3. Create summer rule:
   • Name: "Summer Heat Restrictions"
   • Tag: heat-sensitive
   • Block from: AZ, NV, TX, FL (hot states)
   • Message: "This item cannot ship to hot climates May-September"

Managing the change:

• Option 1: Manually enable/disable rule
• Option 2: Remove tags seasonally
• Option 3: Change rule locations by season

Cold-Sensitive Products (Plants, Liquids)

Winter restrictions (November-March):

1. Tag products: "cold-sensitive"
2. Create winter rule:
   • Block from: Northern states
   • Message: "Cannot ship during freezing temperatures"

Holiday Shipping Restrictions

Managing peak seasons:

Thanksgiving Week:

• Create tag: "no-holiday-shipping"
• Temporarily restrict perishables
• Clear message about holiday delays

December Rush:

• Limit express shipping areas
• Restrict fragile items to nearby zones
• Adjust messages for realistic delivery

Implementation tip: Keep seasonal rules but disable them when not needed. This preserves your setup for next year.

Custom Messages by Scenario

Dynamic Message Strategies

Different situations need different customer messages.

Legal Compliance Messages

Be specific and helpful:

Temporary Restrictions

Keep customers informed:

Alternative Options

Offer solutions:

Message Variables

Use {product} to include product name:

• "The {product} cannot ship to military addresses"
• "{product} requires signature on delivery in your state"

Performance Optimization for Large Stores

Optimization Strategies

For 1,000-5,000 Products

Best practices:

1. Use categories/tags instead of individual restrictions
2. Consolidate similar rules
3. Keep active rules under 10
4. Regular cleanup of unused restrictions

Example consolidation: Instead of:

• Rule 1: Ammo to CA
• Rule 2: Ammo to NY
• Rule 3: Ammo to IL

Use:

• Single Rule: Ammo to CA, NY, IL

For 5,000-10,000 Products

Advanced optimization:

1. Upgrade to Pro (essential for performance)
2. Organize categories hierarchically
3. Use parent categories for inheritance
4. Implement caching strategies

Category structure:

For 10,000+ Products

Enterprise strategies:

1. Pro version is mandatory
2. Use import/export for bulk updates
3. Implement rule templates
4. Schedule maintenance windows
5. Monitor performance metrics

Database Optimization Tips

Keep your database lean:

1. Remove unused product restrictions
2. Clean up old tags
3. Delete inactive rules
4. Archive seasonal rules when not in use

Regular maintenance:

• Monthly: Review active rules
• Quarterly: Audit all restrictions
• Annually: Complete cleanup

Advanced Rule Logic

Combining Block and Allow

You can use both logics for sophisticated control.

Scenario: Regional product with exceptions

Want to ship only to West Coast, except not to certain cities:

1. Rule 1: Allow only CA, OR, WA
2. Rule 2: Block specific cities in those states

The block rule overrides the allow rule for those cities.

Nested Restrictions

Create hierarchical restriction levels:

Level 1: Broad category restriction

• Category: Regulated Products
• Block from: International

Level 2: Specific product type

• Tag: hazmat
• Additional blocks: HI, AK

Level 3: Individual product override

• Specific product: Allow certain locations

Using Variations Strategically

Smart variation restrictions:

Product: Ammunition Box

• 100 count: Ships everywhere except CA, NY
• 500 count: More restrictions
• 1000 count: Maximum restrictions

This lets customers in restricted areas still buy smaller quantities.

Troubleshooting Complex Setups

When rules conflict

Debug process:

1. List all rules affecting the product
2. Check rule priority (variation > product > category > tag)
3. Test with a simple product first
4. Add complexity gradually

Testing multiple rules

Test systematically:

1. Test each rule individually first
2. Enable rules one at a time
3. Document what each rule does
4. Use test orders to verify

Common complex setup mistakes

Mistake 1: Overlapping rules

• Having conflicting allow/block rules
• Solution: Map out rules before creating

Mistake 2: Too many individual restrictions

• Using product-level when tags would work
• Solution: Group products with tags

Mistake 3: Forgetting inheritance

• Not considering category restrictions on products
• Solution: Check all levels of restrictions

Best Practices for Advanced Users

Documentation

Keep records of:

• Why each rule exists
• When it was created
• Who approved it
• Review schedule

Template example:

Change Management

Before making changes:

1. Export current rules (Pro feature)
2. Test in staging if possible
3. Document the change
4. Have rollback plan
5. Notify affected customers

Monitoring and Alerts

Track these metrics:

• Cart abandonment by state
• Restriction message frequency
• Customer service tickets about shipping
• Order patterns by location

Set up alerts for:

• Unusual restriction patterns
• High cart abandonment
• Multiple failed purchase attempts

Pro Tips for Power Users

Quick Wins

1. Use naming conventions: "YYYY-MM-RuleName" for easy sorting
2. Color-code tags: Use prefixes like "RESTRICT-" or "ALLOW-"
3. Create rule templates: Document standard setups
4. Batch similar products: Update many at once

Time Savers

• Create "template products" with standard restrictions
• Use Quick Edit for bulk tag additions
• Keep a spreadsheet of state restrictions by product type
• Set calendar reminders for seasonal changes

Advanced Workflows

Monthly review process:

1. Export all rules
2. Review in spreadsheet
3. Check for redundancy
4. Update as needed
5. Import back (Pro)

New product workflow:

1. Assign to category (inherits rules)
2. Add specific tags if needed
3. Test with one product
4. Bulk apply to similar products

Ready for advanced features? The Pro version is essential for complex setups. It provides the performance and tools needed for sophisticated restriction management. Upgrade to Pro