Hi!
The Pro version is not that different from the free one, in the sense of layout and settings. The CSS would only allow you to work with “what you got”, in terms of layout.
Thank you for the example. From what I can tell there are basically 2 labels for each order and the required layout is a bit different. Your labels basically have columns, while my plugin outputs each detail in a separate row.
Maybe one day I’ll make a plugin with a visual interface to support any kind of layout ^-^
Anyway, if I had to make it fast in this case, I would use the Pro plugin as a basis and hard code every static detail (the store branding/return address) simply as a table or something (instead of flexbox the plugin uses by default for handling variable number of detail rows). As well as the necessary default CSS.
I guess the shipping method is part of the WooCommerce $order object so you can extract it as well in the label generating loop in PHP.
From looking at the example I had a few questions:
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There are 2 labels here (“blocks”), with different sizes, one of them is marked to cut. Maybe the store needs 2 label printers? Or they are going to print them on a regular printer? – In order to scale the business you need to minimize the effort you put in each order to zero, if possible. Meaning the best-case scenario is when the worker packs the order, prints the label, sticks it and it’s done. I’ve seen stores where it took the staff 3-5 minutes to generate a label, print on regular printer, cut the label and tape it manually with a tape. Think “Amazon”, in terms of productivity. If you absolutely have to print everything on one sticker label – there are things called “die cut” and “punch press”, which can be custom made (some crafts people make them by hand and sell on Etsy) so the staff can cut them faster.
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Does the shipping requires integration, like a tracking number? In this case you might need to look for a different plugin or have several labeling systems, based on the provider. Here in Israel, the national post has a basic tracked parcel service which adds a small barcode sticker. While in US (USPS) I believe they have their own shipping label generating system.
If you have any more questions or want to consult on something – send me a message on Facebook messenger.
Dima
