Shippo vs Stamps.com

When it comes to shipping products from your business, there are many choices available to help streamline the process. Two popular options for small businesses are Shippo and Stamps.com. In this article, we will compare and contrast the features, pricing, user interface, shipping carrier options, international shipping, customer support, user reviews, integrations, and pros and cons of Shippo versus Stamps.com. By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of which platform may be best suited for your small business’s shipping needs.

Overview of Shippo and Stamps.com

Shippo is a web-based shipping platform that provides small businesses with discounted rates to more than 50 carriers. It allows users to compare rates and print shipping labels, packing slips, and customs forms from a single interface. Stamps.com, on the other hand, is a shipping software that combines USPS postage with access to discounted rates for other carriers, such as UPS and FedEx. It also offers users the ability to print shipping labels, customs forms, and postage for letters and packages directly from their own computer.

One of the key features of Shippo is its ability to integrate with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This integration allows businesses to streamline their shipping process by automatically importing order information and generating shipping labels without the need for manual data entry.

Stamps.com also offers additional features such as address verification, batch printing, and the ability to schedule package pickups from USPS. It also provides users with access to discounted shipping supplies such as boxes, envelopes, and tape, which can help businesses save money on their shipping costs.

Shippo and Stamps.com Pricing Comparison

Shippo offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with no monthly fee. The cost is based on the number of shipping labels printed in a month, starting at $0.05 per label. Shippo also offers a Pro plan for businesses that ship consistently, starting at $10 per month. Stamps.com offers several monthly subscription plans, starting at $17.99 per month. The cost includes access to discounted shipping rates and the ability to print shipping labels and postage. However, Stamps.com charges an additional fee for packages sent via UPS or FedEx, which can vary based on weight and destination.

It’s important to note that while Shippo and Stamps.com both offer shipping solutions, they differ in their approach to customer support. Shippo provides email and chat support to all users, while Pro plan subscribers have access to phone support as well. Stamps.com offers phone and email support to all users, but also provides a dedicated account manager for higher-tier subscription plans. Depending on your business needs, the level of customer support offered by each provider may be a deciding factor in your choice.

Features offered by Shippo and Stamps.com

Both Shippo and Stamps.com offer many features to help small businesses streamline their shipping processes. Shippo has a feature-rich API, which allows businesses to integrate shipping into their existing workflows. It also offers a feature called “Batch Label Printing,” which can save time for businesses with a high volume of shipments. Stamps.com offers features such as the ability to schedule package pickups, batch label printing, and track packages using their software. However, some features, such as UPS and FedEx shipping, are only available with certain Stamps.com plans.

In addition to the features mentioned above, Shippo also offers a feature called “Address Validation,” which helps businesses ensure that the shipping address provided by the customer is accurate and complete. This can help prevent delivery delays and reduce the number of returned packages. Shippo also offers discounted shipping rates from various carriers, which can help businesses save money on shipping costs.

On the other hand, Stamps.com offers a feature called “Multi-Carrier Shipping,” which allows businesses to compare shipping rates and delivery times from multiple carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx. This can help businesses choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping option for each package. Stamps.com also offers a feature called “Customized Reporting,” which allows businesses to track and analyze their shipping data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.

Which is better for small businesses: Shippo or Stamps.com?

The answer to this question depends on the individual needs of your small business. If you are a small business that primarily ships via USPS, and are looking for a pay-as-you-go pricing model, Shippo may be the better choice. However, if you need access to discounts for multiple carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and are willing to pay a monthly subscription fee, Stamps.com may be the better choice.

Another factor to consider is the level of customer support you require. Shippo offers email support and a knowledge base, while Stamps.com offers phone, email, and chat support. If you anticipate needing more hands-on assistance with your shipping needs, Stamps.com may be the better option.

It’s also worth noting that Shippo offers integrations with a variety of e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, making it easy to streamline your shipping process. Stamps.com, on the other hand, offers integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting software, which may be beneficial for businesses that prioritize financial management.

Comparison of user interface between Shippo and Stamps.com

Both Shippo and Stamps.com have intuitive user interfaces that allow users to easily print shipping labels, packing slips, and customs forms. Shippo has a modern and user-friendly interface, with a more minimalist design. Stamps.com has a more traditional interface, with more options available for customization and tracking packages. However, some users may find the interface to be overwhelming.

One notable difference between the two interfaces is the pricing structure. Shippo offers a pay-as-you-go model, where users only pay for the labels they print. Stamps.com, on the other hand, requires a monthly subscription fee, which may not be cost-effective for users who only ship occasionally. Additionally, Shippo offers discounted shipping rates through their partnerships with various carriers, while Stamps.com primarily works with USPS.

Shipping carrier options available on Shippo and Stamps.com

Shippo offers access to more than 50 carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Stamps.com also offers access to multiple carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx. However, as mentioned earlier, some carrier options are only available with certain plans on Stamps.com.

In addition to the carriers mentioned above, both Shippo and Stamps.com also offer access to DHL, a global shipping company that provides express delivery services. With DHL, customers can ship packages internationally to over 220 countries and territories. Shippo offers DHL Express as one of their carrier options, while Stamps.com offers DHL eCommerce and DHL Express as part of their premium plans.

How Shippo and Stamps.com handle international shipping

Both Shippo and Stamps.com offer international shipping options. Shippo allows users to print international customs forms, while Stamps.com offers an International Shipping Wizard that guides users through the customs process. However, both platforms require users to have their own customs broker for international shipments.

It is important to note that customs brokers are responsible for ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and submitted on time. They also help to navigate any potential issues that may arise during the customs clearance process. While it may seem like an additional expense, using a customs broker can ultimately save time and money in the long run by avoiding delays and penalties.

Customer support comparison between Shippo and Stamps.com

Shippo offers 24/7 email support, as well as a robust online knowledge base and community forum. Stamps.com offers email and phone support during business hours, as well as an online knowledge base. Some users have experienced long wait times when contacting customer support for Stamps.com.

It is worth noting that Shippo also provides live chat support during business hours, which can be a convenient option for users who prefer real-time assistance. Additionally, Shippo’s customer support team has received high praise from users for their responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues.

User reviews of Shippo and Stamps.com

Both Shippo and Stamps.com have positive and negative user reviews. Users typically praise Shippo for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while Stamps.com users appreciate its integrations with other e-commerce platforms and access to discounts for multiple carriers. However, some users have experienced technical issues with both platforms, and some have found customer support to be lacking.

Another factor to consider when choosing between Shippo and Stamps.com is the level of customization available. Shippo offers more flexibility in terms of branding and customizing shipping labels, while Stamps.com has more options for customizing postage and shipping rates. Depending on your business needs, one platform may be a better fit than the other.

It’s also worth noting that both Shippo and Stamps.com offer free trials, so you can test out the platforms before committing to a subscription. Additionally, some users have reported that they were able to negotiate better pricing with customer service representatives, so it may be worth reaching out to see if you can get a better deal.

Integrations with other e-commerce platforms: Shippo vs Stamps.com

Both Shippo and Stamps.com offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Shippo also integrates with Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, among others. Stamps.com offers integration with eBay, Amazon, and Etsy as well.

However, Shippo offers additional integrations with Squarespace, BigCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, making it a more versatile option for businesses using these platforms. On the other hand, Stamps.com offers integration with QuickBooks, which can be beneficial for businesses that use this accounting software.

Another difference between the two is that Shippo offers a RESTful API, which allows developers to build custom integrations with other platforms. Stamps.com, on the other hand, offers a SOAP API, which may be more challenging for some developers to work with. This can be an important consideration for businesses that require custom integrations with their e-commerce platforms.

Pros and Cons of using Shippo vs Stamps.com

Pros of using Shippo include its pay-as-you-go pricing, access to more than 50 carriers, and modern user interface. Cons include a lack of discounted rates for UPS and FedEx, and occasional technical issues. Pros of using Stamps.com include access to multiple carrier discounts, integration with popular e-commerce platforms, and the ability to print postage for letters and packages. Cons include a monthly subscription fee, additional fees for UPS and FedEx shipments, and potential wait times for customer support.

Conclusion: Which is better for your small business, Shippo or Stamps.com?

Ultimately, the decision of which shipping platform to use for your small business comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you primarily ship via USPS and are looking for a pay-as-you-go pricing model, Shippo may be the better choice. However, if you need access to discounted rates for multiple carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and are willing to pay a monthly subscription fee, Stamps.com may be the better choice. Regardless of the platform you choose, both Shippo and Stamps.com offer valuable features and benefits to help streamline your small business’s shipping process.

Please Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this article are the property of their respective owners. The use of any registered trademarks mentioned herein is solely for the purpose of identifying the specific products and services offered, and should not be taken as an indication of sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with ShipScience. ShipScience acknowledges these trademarks are the property of their respective owners and affirms that no commercial relationship or sponsorship is implied or expressed by their use in this article.
Rate this article:
Share it:

Join hundreds of smart shippers. Guaranteed to save.