๐๐จ Supercharge Your E-commerce Shipping in 2023! Discover the Best Shipping Software Platforms ๐
Attention e-commerce store owners! ๐๏ธย
Shipping is one of the most vital components of running an online business.ย
You want to make sure that your orders reach your customers promptly and safely.ย
The good news is, there are many shipping software solutions that can help you manage your orders, inventory, and shipments efficiently.ย
In this Substack, Iโve compiled the best shipping software solutions for e-commerce store owners to help you find the one that fits your business perfectly. ๐ฆ
Without further ado, let's dive right in and explore my top picks that will help you scale your business:
๐ ShippingEasy: Best for E-commerce
๐ Stamps.com: Best for Small Business
๐ EasyShip: Best for Discounts
๐ Shipstation: Best for Amazon Sellers
๐ ShipEngine: Best for Volume
But first, letโs start with the basics:
What Does Shipping Software Do?
โ Integrates with your online store to print labels with ease.
โ Integrates with your chosen shipping carrier to make tracking expenses simple.
โ Helps you capture shipping discounts compared to dealing with the carriers, or allows you to use pre-negotiated carrier discounts.
โ Makes it easy to track customer orders and handle returns.
A few more detailsโฆ
๐ EasyShip: The All-In-One Solution
Covers all major carriers
Competitive pricing for multi-carrier options
User-friendly interface
Free plan available to get started
๐ ShipStation: The Powerhouse
Seamless integration with all carriers
Easy and efficient quoting tools
Great deal starting at $9.99/month
๐ ShippingEasy: The Discount Master
Provides deep discounts from major carriers
Integrates with numerous platforms
Free plan available (25 labels/month)
What's the Difference Between Fulfillment Software and Shipping Software?
Traditional fulfillment software helps manage and streamline the process of storing, packing, and delivering products to customers. It's more complex and geared towards businesses with a large volume of orders or complex requirements such as multi-location inventory and international shipping.
Shipping software, on the other hand, is solely focused on the delivery aspect of the supply chain. It helps businesses calculate shipping rates, print shipping labels, track packages, and manage carrier relationships.
E-commerce Shipping Best Practices
To ensure your customers have a positive experience, who will become loyal customers for life, implement these tips below.
Find the Right Shipping Solution: Invest in a reliable shipping solution that automates your shipping process, calculates accurate shipping costs. It should provide multiple shipping options to your customers so they can choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Put Effort into Packaging: Your packaging is an extension of your brand so make sure you use durable, eco-friendly materials that reflect your brand's personality. Consider including a personal note or small freebie to surprise and delight your customers.
Provide Tracking Information: Customers need peace of mind knowing where their package is at all times. Send timely updates via email or SMS about the shipping status and expected delivery date.
Set Expectations for Delivery Timeframes: Setting realistic delivery timeframes is essential in managing your customers' expectations. Avoid promising overnight delivery if you can't fulfill it. Instead, provide a range of delivery options such as standard, express, and same-day delivery, each with its respective timeframe and cost.
Display a Return Policy: A clear and fair return policy eases your customer's worries about buying online. Communicate your return policy on your website and include all necessary details such as the return period, condition of returned items, and refund process. Offering free returns can also enhance customer satisfaction and foster loyalty.
How To Choose the Right Shipping Software
When choosing the right shipping software company, consider these core features in relation to your business and ecommerce shipping process. Look at the carriers they offer, international shipping options, returns management, fulfillment services, and insurance.
Take a look at my comparison of some of the top shipping software solutions.ย
Company - Carriers - International Shipping - Returns Management - Fulfillment Services - Insurance
๐ Stamps.com - 5+ - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
๐ ShippingEasy - 5+ - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
๐ Easyship - 100+ - โ via Partners - โ - โ - โ
๐ ShipEngine - 100+ - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
๐ ShipStation - 75+ - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
๐ Shippo - 100+ - โ via Partners - โ - โ - โ
๐ OrderCup - 15+ - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
๐ Ordoro - 8 - ๐ผvia Network - โ - โ - โ
๐ Quickbooks - 3 - ๐ผ - โ - โ - โ
What About Pricing?
Shipping software can be expensive, but it doesnโt have to be. Look at the best possible pricing, including free trials, monthly fees, pay-as-you-go, and shipping discounts.
Here is a summary of some top shipping software companies' pricing information to help you make an informed decision:
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