Launch Operations
Part of DTC launch operations
Coordinating packaging, product pages and dispatch readiness
Keep each launch SKU's page, package and dispatch instruction aligned before Australian customers can order it.
For every SKU, maintain one approved, versioned item record and check the product page, physical parcel and dispatch settings against that same version before launch. Release the SKU only when its contents, packaging and stated dispatch terms agree; if any of them change, repeat the checks for each affected SKU.
Keep one current item record
Use the SKU as the key for a current item record containing the approved product version, contents, dimensions, instructions, warnings, package specification and dispatch route. Give each revision an identifier, owner and effective date, and keep earlier revisions so orders can be matched to the item and terms in force when they were placed.
For each change, record the SKU, previous and new revision, field changed, owner, effective date and affected product-page fields, packing steps, postage settings and support answers. Keep the record and change history together so the page and dispatch team can check the same approved version.
Show purchase-relevant details on the page: what arrives, which variant suits the buyer, and material, care or use limits where relevant. Check ACCC product safety guidance to see whether a mandatory standard or ban applies to the goods; these apply only to certain products.
Applicable mandatory standards can set requirements for performance, composition, contents, manufacture, design, construction, finish, packaging or labelling. Information standards may require details such as ingredient or care labelling. Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers must not supply goods that fail an applicable mandatory standard; non-compliance can lead to enforcement action, fines and penalties.
Key Compliance and Operational Metrics
- Mandatory standards apply to
- Certain products under Australian Consumer Law
- Non-compliance risk
- Enforcement action, fines and penalties
- ACCC consumer guarantee coverage
- All goods sold in Australia
- Australia Post prepaid satchel weight limit
- 5kg and under (size-based postage)
Compare the promise with the parcel
| Page or checkout statement | Operational check |
|---|---|
| Included items | Are the same components in the approved pick and pack instruction? |
| Variant name or size | Can the packer identify the correct unit and label? |
| Dimensions or material | Does the received item match the current specification? |
| Dispatch time or delivery option | Are stock, packaging and carrier handover arranged? |
| Care or safety information | Does the page agree with information supplied with the item? |
For each SKU, compare the live page and packing instruction with the approved record, then check that the physical parcel contains the recorded item and components. Record each mismatch with the SKU, revision, page or process location, approved and observed details, correction owner and recheck status.
Correct inaccurate page information on the page; correct a missing component in the product or packing process. Do not release the SKU until the mismatch is corrected and the page, packing instruction and parcel have been checked again.
Confirm the finished parcel
Prepare packing steps for typical single-item and combined orders. Identify the package, item placement, cushioning, closure and label position, and state what happens if the approved package is unavailable or an order does not fit.
Weigh and measure the packed order before relying on shipping settings. Check the charging basis and restrictions for the exact goods and chosen service. For Australia Post prepaid satchels, check the 5kg-and-under condition: postage for prepaid satchels and mailing boxes is based on size, not weight, and prepaid satchels come in five sizes.
A package change may affect protection, dimensions, cost or the delivery option available at checkout, so recheck the related settings and stated dispatch terms. Keep the dispatch promise to terms the operation can meet.
Control changes before release
When a supplier substitutes a component or a package size changes, identify every affected SKU and update the approved record. Recheck the page fields, stock identifiers, packing steps, postage settings and support answers against the new revision before releasing it.
Release each SKU only when the page accurately describes the available item, the approved package can be assembled and dispatch can meet the stated terms. Otherwise, hold the affected SKU or narrow the promise until the discrepancy is resolved.
