# Adding boxes Step 1: entering basic data · Updated: 2026-02-07 · Bas Software Web version: https://www.bas.software/en/onboarding/step-1-entering-basic-data/adding-boxes Add your box types to Bas with dimensions, prices and supplier. The dimensions are used for the m3 calculation during surveys. Boxes are the packing boxes you hire out or sell to customers. They play a role in the **survey tool** (volume calculation), in **box management** (tracking stock), and in **invoicing** (charging boxes on to customers). In this step, you'll add all your box types with the correct dimensions, prices and supplier. --- ## Step 1 - Opening the box overview Go to **WMS** > **Boxes**. Here you'll see an overview of all the box types already in the system. In a new environment, this overview is empty. Click **New box** to add your first box type. --- ## Step 2 - Entering the box details Enter the following details for each box type: | Field | What to enter | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | **Name** | A recognisable name your team will understand straight away | Standard packing box | | **Length** | External length in **centimetres** | 48 | | **Width** | External width in **centimetres** | 32 | | **Height** | External height in **centimetres** | 36 | | **Volume (m3)** | Automatically calculated from the dimensions | 0.06 m3 | | **Purchase price** | What you pay per box (excl. VAT) | EUR 2.50 | | **Selling price** | What the customer pays per box (excl. VAT) | EUR 5.00 | | **Supplier** | Who supplies these boxes | Example Packaging | | **Order** | Sort position in the list (0 = at the top) | 0 | ### Dimensions: always in centimetres! Enter the dimensions in **centimetres**, not metres. A standard packing box that's 48 cm long should be entered as **48**, not 0.48. The system automatically calculates the volume in cubic metres based on the dimensions. This volume is factored into the volume calculation during surveys - this way the system knows how much space the boxes take up in the removal van. `Note:` This is the most common mistake when entering boxes. If you enter the dimensions in metres instead of centimetres, you'll get completely incorrect volume calculations. After saving, always check that the calculated volume makes sense. --- ## Step 3 - Entering the purchase price and selling price The **purchase price** is what you pay your supplier per box. The **selling price** is what your customer pays. ### Why enter the purchase price? The purchase price might seem optional, but it provides valuable insights: - **Outstanding boxes per customer** - you can see exactly how many boxes are with which customer and what the value is - **Box losses** - you can see how many boxes you issue versus how many you get back - **Dashboard insights** - your margin on boxes becomes visible `Tip:` Always enter the purchase price, even if you don't have the exact amount to hand right away. An estimate is better than nothing. You can always update it later. --- ## Step 4 - Linking a supplier By linking a supplier to your boxes, you'll be able to log incoming stock later and have a complete purchasing overview. ### How do you link a supplier? 1. Click the **+** next to the **Supplier** field 2. Enter the supplier name (for example "Example Packaging") 3. Optional: enter contact details and VAT number 4. Click **Save** The supplier is now created and reusable. When you add your second box type from the same supplier later, you can simply select it from the list. --- ## Step 5 - Saving and repeating Click **Save**. Your first box type is now in the system. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for every box type you offer. Don't forget for each box: - Dimensions in **centimetres** - Enter the **purchase price** (even as an estimate) - Link the **supplier** - Set the **order** --- ## Example: a typical box set Below is an example of a complete box set as found at most removal companies: | Name | Dimensions (cm) | Volume | Purchase price | Selling price | Order | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Standard packing box | 48 x 32 x 36 | 0.06 m3 | EUR 2.50 | EUR 5.00 | 0 | | Book box | 48 x 32 x 25 | 0.04 m3 | EUR 2.25 | EUR 4.50 | 1 | | Wardrobe box | 50 x 48 x 135 | 0.32 m3 | EUR 12.00 | EUR 20.00 | 2 | | Clothing box | 60 x 50 x 135 | 0.41 m3 | -- | EUR 7.50 (deposit) | 3 | **Explanation:** - The **standard packing box** is at order position 0 because it's by far the most commonly used box - The **book box** is smaller and sturdier, intended for heavy items - The **wardrobe box** is tall and has a rail inside - ideal for clothes on hangers - The **clothing box** is reusable. Instead of a purchase price, you work with a **deposit price** here --- ## Tips - **Start with your 4-6 most used box types.** You can always add more types later. - **Sort from most to least used.** Put your most used box at order position 0, the second most used at 1, and so on. - **Always enter the purchase price.** Without a purchase price, you'll miss valuable data on box losses and your cost structure. - **Link the supplier straight away.** You need the supplier to log incoming stock. Get it right the first time. - **Check the calculated volume.** After saving the dimensions, check whether the volume makes sense. A standard packing box is roughly 0.05-0.10 m3. --- ## Please note - **Entering dimensions in metres instead of centimetres** is the most common mistake. A box that's 48 cm wide should be entered as **48**, not **0.48**. - **Skipping the purchase price** means you have no insight into your box losses and margin. At larger companies, the difference between purchasing and charging back can amount to thousands of euros a year. - **No supplier linked** means you can't log incoming stock. Always link the supplier straight away when creating the box. - **Not setting the order** means boxes appear in a random order. Your staff then have to search for the standard packing box in a list of 10 box types. --- **Next step:** [Creating suppliers and stock management](https://www.bas.software/en/onboarding/step-1-entering-basic-data/creating-suppliers-and-stock-management) - link suppliers to your boxes and keep track of your stock.