Ecommerce
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Today's online consumers demand the best possible shopping experience. The possibility to pick an optimal shipment option is no exception. Some of your customers may need next-day delivery for last-minute gifts or perishable goods. Others feel comfortable planning purchases in advance and flat-rate shipping. Those living abroad surely seek the most cost-effective option to get their purchases shipped and delivered. So, how can you best accommodate your customers' preferences? The right shipment software will help you do so, leaving all your hassles behind. The challenge is picking the one.
In our post, we've reviewed and compared the best ecommerce shipping software. Whether you're an individual entrepreneur, small venue, or enterprise marketplace, our overview will help you find the right shipping platform for your ecommerce business growth. We explain what to look for and how to choose the best shipping software.
If you need shipment software integration services or seek to develop custom ecommerce solutions, get in touch with NEKLO.
Shipping software, often called third-party logistics (3PL) software, helps you manage supply chain activities in your store. It’s normal practice for e-commerce businesses, especially small ones, not to have their warehouses and vehicles for delivering goods to end customers. Third-party shipment services come in handy in this matter, helping you manage these activities for yourself. With proper shipment software, you can print shipping labels for your online orders and effectively plan, schedule, and monitor the sending and delivery operations on behalf of your store.
While some vendors offer 3PL products specifically designed for manufacturing and transportation management, in our post, we focus on 3PL software that integrates e-commerce platforms. If you run a retailer business, marketplace or multistore, these shipping software solutions will help you close all your needs for streamlined shipments.
Here’s a quick overview of the most recognized shipping software vendors for e-commerce businesses. Some solutions best suit large international retailers, while others focus on domestic shipments. Check their prices, features, and possibilities to choose the one that best suits you using our shipping software comparison.
The choice of the shipping software integration may be bewildering. To make one wisely, consider your immediate needs, e.g. order volumes, supported carriers and channels, and also leave some room for future growth.
Here’s a quick checklist of steps you can take to choose the best ecommerce shipping solutions for your store.
Most shipping software providers offer a more or less similar set of features. Make sure the solution you integrate addresses the needs of your customers and lets them pick the best shipping option. Consider the additional features that may help you grow your store and accommodate your future business needs if you decide to extend your presence in new markets.
Now, it’s time to look at the best providers of shipping software. You can integrate this software into your e-commerce website to handle purchase shipments to your customers.
ShipStation, founded in 2011 by Robert Gilbreath and Matthew Danna, is a comprehensive shipping software solution for eCommerce businesses. It provides you with a centralized platform to manage your shipping tasks and you can integrate it with over 40 eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. ShipStation supports various carriers including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, so you can choose the best shipping option for your needs. The software is particularly notable for its robust automation features. You automate repetitive tasks such as label printing, order routing, and notifications, thus reducing manual errors and saving time.
ShipStation's features include batch label creation, where users can print multiple shipping labels at once, and customizable packing slips, which can be tailored to fit a business's branding. The platform also provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help you track your shipping performance and costs.
If you’re a multi-channel retailer and need to manage your orders from various sales channels, ShipStation is your way-to-go choice. The company has received various accolades for its innovative approach to eCommerce shipping, including recognition in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. However, its pricing can be a consideration for smaller businesses, as it may be more cost-effective for those with higher shipping volumes.
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Shippo, founded in 2013 by Laura Behrens Wu and Simon Kreuz, offers a flexible shipping API and dashboard to help you set the shipping process on autopilot. You can connect with numerous carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, enabling users to access discounted shipping rates and streamline the process of label creation and shipment tracking. Its API integration makes it an attractive option for developers looking to incorporate shipping functionality into their custom eCommerce platforms or applications.
Beyond its core shipping features, Shippo also offers real-time tracking updates, address validation, and international shipping support, including customs documentation. If you need a scalable shipping solution that supports a wide range of shipping volumes, the platform is well-suited for you. You can integrate it with an eCommerce platform of your choice — Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce. Shippo has garnered positive feedback for its ease of use and customer support, though some users have noted that its reporting capabilities are less robust compared to other solutions.
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Easyship shipping software, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hong Kong, provides access to over 250 shipping solutions across 100+ countries, making it an excellent choice for retailer businesses looking to expand their global reach. The platform offers a wide range of tools to manage shipping taxes, duties, and customs clearance, ensuring a smooth and transparent shipping process.
Easyship's user-friendly interface provides real-time shipping rates and delivery times, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective shipping options for your needs. The platform also supports multi-courier shipping and provides branded tracking and notifications to enhance the customer experience. Easyship's comprehensive analytics help you track your shipping performance vitals.
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Founded in 2010 by Jagath Narayan and Gary Carson, Ordoro is an all-in-one inventory management and shipping solution designed to support the operational needs of eCommerce businesses. The platform is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Amazon, providing a centralized system for managing orders, inventory, and shipping. Ordoro's robust inventory management features include automated dropshipping, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse support, making it ideal if your business has complex inventory management.
Ordoro shipping software also offers comprehensive features, including support for multiple carriers, batch label creation, and customizable shipping labels. The platform's detailed reporting and analytics tools help businesses track their performance and identify areas for improvement. While Ordoro's extensive feature set is beneficial for mid-sized to large eCommerce businesses, some users may find the learning curve steep, particularly when implementing advanced features. Nonetheless, Ordoro's strong integration options and powerful automation capabilities make it a popular choice among retailers.
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ShipBob, founded in 2014 by Divey Gulati and Dhruv Saxena, is a prominent third-party logistics provider that offers eCommerce fulfillment services. With headquarters in Chicago and a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, ShipBob offers fast and reliable shipping. The company focuses on two-day shipping capabilities, helping your eCommerce business meet your customer expectations for quick deliveries.
ShipBob's shipping platform integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. The company's comprehensive fulfillment services include storage, pick-and-pack, and shipping, allowing businesses to outsource their logistics and focus on growth. ShipBob's commitment to technology-driven solutions and its expanding network of fulfillment centers have earned it recognition in the industry, including being listed among the leaders in the G2 Grid for eCommerce Fulfillment.
Pricing:
Custom, based on fulfillment needs
Established in 2011, ShippingEasy is an eCommerce shipping software for small to medium-sized businesses. Based in Austin, Texas, the platform integrates with numerous eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, and offers discounted shipping rates from major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
ShippingEasy's cloud-based system provides tools for automations. You can automate certain tasks, e.g., set up shipping rules based on order weight, destination, and other criteria. You can also create basic email campaigns and loyalty programs, — a great advantage for those looking to nurture their customer relationships. Despite its many strengths, some users have reported occasional integration issues with certain platforms, and advanced features may come at a higher cost. Still, ShippingEasy's intuitive interface and robust feature set make it a popular choice for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses.
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Founded in 2013 by Nicholas Daniel-Richards, ShipHero offers a comprehensive warehouse management system and fulfillment services designed to optimize warehouse operations, inventory management, and shipping processes for eCommerce businesses. The company, headquartered in New York, provides a cloud-based platform that integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon. The feature choice is extensive too — real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-carrier shipping support are included.
Among the highlights, ShipHero offers fulfillment services through its network of warehouses, providing storage, pick-and-pack, and shipping services. While ShipHero's extensive feature set is beneficial for mid-sized to large eCommerce businesses, smaller businesses may find the pricing higher compared to other solutions.
Pricing:
Available upon request
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, Stamps.com is a well-established online postage and shipping software. It allows users to print postage and shipping labels from their computers. The platform integrates with major carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and offers discounted postage rates.
Stamps.com feature set is up to its competitors and offers you batch label printing, address verification, and detailed tracking. The software is designed to be user-friendly. It also offers customizable shipping labels and detailed reporting, allowing users to track their shipping expenses and performance. Stamps.com remains a popular choice for its ease of use and reliable service.
Pricing:
$19.99/month; 30-day risk-free trial
Launched in 2014, Pirate Ship is a free shipping software that provides access to discounted USPS rates. The platform is designed to be straightforward and easy to use, so if you’re a small business or an individual looking to save on shipping costs, make sure not to miss it.
Pirate Ship's web-based interface allows you to quickly compare shipping rates, create and print shipping labels, and track packages in real-time. It stands for transparency, with no hidden fees or subscription costs.
On the technical side, the platform implements powerful validation features to help you reduce shipping errors and make sure your packages reach your customers. While Pirate Ship is limited to USPS shipping, its competitive rates and user-friendly interface make it a popular choice for businesses seeking an affordable shipping solution.
Pricing:
Free to use; no subscription fees, with fees based on postage purchased
Founded in 2012 by Andrew Chan and Teddy Chan, AfterShip is a shipment tracking platform made to help your eCommerce business create a better post-purchase experience for your customers. Based in Hong Kong, AfterShip integrates with over 700 carriers worldwide, offering real-time tracking updates and automated notifications to keep customers informed about the status of their orders.
AfterShip provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools. You can track your shipping performance operations and identify areas for improvement. The platform is customer-focused. It lets you collect feedback and gather insights directly from your customers and thus improve your service quality. While AfterShip offers a robust set of features, some advanced options require higher pricing tiers, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses.
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Founded in 2007, 2Ship is a multi-carrier shipping software with a range of features. You can enable rate comparison, shipment tracking, and reporting, to streamline logistics operations in your ecommerce site. 2Ship integrates with major eCommerce platforms and carriers, providing you with a centralized system for managing all your shipping needs in one place within a clear dashboard.
Among its competitive features, you can compare shipping costs across multiple carriers and choose the most cost-effective options. The platform also offers automated shipping rules, customizable shipping labels, and detailed reporting to help you track your shipping daily routines. While 2Ship's comprehensive feature set is beneficial for businesses of all sizes, some users have reported occasional technical issues and higher pricing for advanced features. Despite these challenges, 2Ship remains a popular choice for its effective rate comparison and robust integration options.
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OrderCup, founded in 2008 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, is an eCommerce shipping software that provides tools to simplify shipping, order management, and customer communication. The platform integrates with various eCommerce platforms and carriers, offering features like discounted shipping rates, batch label printing, and automated notifications.
OrderCup's interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses to manage their shipping processes with ease. The platform's integration with major carriers — you are most likely to find the needed one on their list. It provides detailed tracking and reporting tools, enabling businesses to monitor their shipping performance. Despite its strengths, some users have noted that OrderCup's advanced features come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses.
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Navigating the world of shipping software for e-commerce can feel overwhelming. Still, the right solution can make a world of difference for your retail business. Whether you’re looking for robust features, seamless integrations, or budget-friendly options, there’s a tool out there to accommodate your needs and the needs of your customers.
As you evaluate these options, consider NEKLO as your trusted e-commerce software development provider. We can help you integrate the right solution, create custom functionality, and achieve a shopping experience that delights your customers. Get in touch!
US-based and operating globally, NEKLO spearheads digital transformation initiatives for businesses worldwide. We deliver software solutions complying with your market and legislation.
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