Sendcloud vs ShipWorks
In the world of ecommerce, shipping is an essential part of the business. Selecting the right shipping management software is crucial for managing shipping and delivery efficiently. Two popular choices in the market are Sendcloud and ShipWorks. In this comprehensive article, we will compare the two platforms to help you decide which one to choose for your business needs.
What is Sendcloud?
Sendcloud is a cloud-based shipping software designed for ecommerce businesses. It allows merchants to manage shipping, automate workflows, and handle returns and international shipping. It integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and Amazon, among others.
One of the key features of Sendcloud is its ability to provide real-time tracking information to both merchants and customers. This means that merchants can keep track of their shipments and ensure timely delivery, while customers can track their orders and receive updates on their delivery status.
Another advantage of using Sendcloud is that it offers a range of shipping options, including standard, express, and same-day delivery. This allows merchants to offer their customers a variety of shipping options to choose from, depending on their needs and preferences.
What is ShipWorks?
ShipWorks is a shipping software that helps online merchants manage their shipping processes. The platform is designed to help businesses save time and money on shipping. ShipWorks integrates with popular ecommerce platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, as well as shopping carts and marketplaces.
One of the key features of ShipWorks is its ability to automate shipping processes. This means that businesses can set up rules and preferences for shipping, and ShipWorks will automatically select the best carrier and shipping method for each order. This not only saves time but also ensures that businesses are getting the best possible rates for shipping.
In addition to its shipping automation capabilities, ShipWorks also offers advanced reporting and analytics. Businesses can track their shipping costs, carrier performance, and other key metrics to help them make informed decisions about their shipping processes. This data can also be used to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
Pros and Cons of Sendcloud
- Pros:
- Automates shipping workflows
- Manages international shipping
- Handles returns easily
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support
- Cons:
- Relatively expensive, which can be a drawback for small businesses
- May not integrate seamlessly with all e-commerce platforms, potentially requiring additional development work or third-party tools
Pros and Cons of ShipWorks
- Pros:
- Automates shipping processes
- Syncs with popular ecommerce platforms
- Straightforward interface
- Exceptional reporting features
- Integrates with multiple carriers for cost-effective shipping options
- Customizable packing slips and shipping labels
- Cons:
- Does not support international shipping, which could be a disadvantage for businesses that sell internationally
- Pricing structure can be expensive for small businesses with low shipping volumes
- Some users have reported issues with customer support
Key Features of Sendcloud
- Manage multiple carriers and shipping methods
- Automated workflows
- Branded tracking pages
- International shipping features
- Excellent integration with various ecommerce platforms
- Real-time tracking system for customers
- Shipping insurance options to protect against loss or damage during transit
Key Features of ShipWorks
- Multiple platform integration
- Customizable shipping labels
- Automated order processing
- Advanced reporting features
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time tracking information for shipments
- Designed for small to medium-sized businesses
Pricing Comparison: Sendcloud vs ShipWorks
Pricing is a crucial consideration for businesses looking to invest in shipping software. Sendcloud offers three pricing plans with the cheapest plan starting at €40/month. On the other hand, ShipWorks charges $25 per month per user, and their pricing is based on the number of users.
It's important to note that while Sendcloud's pricing is based on the number of shipments, ShipWorks charges per user. This means that as your business grows and you need to add more users to your shipping software, the cost of using ShipWorks will increase. However, if you have a small team and don't need to ship a high volume of packages, ShipWorks may be a more cost-effective option for your business.
User Reviews: Sendcloud vs ShipWorks
Sendcloud and ShipWorks have both received positive reviews from their users. Sendcloud users praise the platform's ease of use and automation features, while ShipWorks earns high marks for its excellent reporting features and customer support. However, users have criticized Sendcloud for its high pricing, and ShipWorks for its lack of international shipping support.
It's worth noting that both Sendcloud and ShipWorks offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This makes it easy for online retailers to manage their shipping processes directly from their online store. Additionally, Sendcloud offers a range of shipping carriers to choose from, while ShipWorks allows users to create custom shipping rules to streamline their workflow. Overall, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user.
Integrations with Other Platforms: Sendcloud vs ShipWorks
Both Sendcloud and ShipWorks integrate with popular ecommerce platforms and shipping carriers. Sendcloud integrates with over 40 ecommerce platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Additionally, it supports integrations with top shipping carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx. ShipWorks, on the other hand, integrates with several ecommerce platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. It also supports integrations with popular shipping carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
However, there are some differences in the types of integrations offered by Sendcloud and ShipWorks. Sendcloud offers integrations with various marketplaces, such as Bol.com and Cdiscount, which are not supported by ShipWorks. On the other hand, ShipWorks offers integrations with some accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero, which are not available with Sendcloud. Therefore, depending on your business needs, you may want to consider which integrations are most important to you when choosing between Sendcloud and ShipWorks.
Shipping Automation with Sendcloud
One of Sendcloud's primary selling points is its automation features. The platform allows users to automate shipping workflows, including printing picking lists, creating shipping labels, and syncing tracking numbers, among others. Additionally, Sendcloud enables businesses to streamline international shipping using customs documentation and multi-carrier support.
Another key feature of Sendcloud is its integration with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This integration allows businesses to easily import orders and customer information, and automatically generate shipping labels and tracking numbers. Sendcloud also offers real-time shipping rates from multiple carriers, giving businesses the ability to choose the most cost-effective shipping option for each order.
Shipping Automation with ShipWorks
ShipWorks also offers shipping automation features. It allows users to create shipping labels and packing slips and sync order data automatically. Additionally, ShipWorks has an address validation feature, which automatically checks customer addresses to prevent shipping delays.
Another great feature of ShipWorks is its ability to integrate with multiple e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. This means that users can manage all of their orders and shipping from one central location, saving time and reducing errors. ShipWorks also offers customizable rules and filters, allowing users to automate their shipping process even further based on specific criteria, such as order weight or destination.
Customer Support Comparison: Sendcloud vs ShipWorks
Both Sendcloud and ShipWorks are known for their excellent customer support. Sendcloud offers several support channels, including email, phone, and chat support. Additionally, the platform has an extensive knowledge base with tutorials and user guides. ShipWorks also has an extensive knowledge base, a user forum, and email and phone support.
However, there is one key difference between the two platforms when it comes to customer support. Sendcloud offers personalized onboarding and training sessions for new users, ensuring that they are able to fully utilize the platform's features and capabilities. ShipWorks, on the other hand, does not offer this level of personalized training. This may be a deciding factor for businesses that are new to shipping software and require additional guidance in getting started.
Which One is Better for Small Businesses?
Sendcloud and ShipWorks are both excellent solutions for small businesses. However, Sendcloud may be the better option due to its more extensive international features and more affordable pricing plans. Additionally, Sendcloud offers a free trial, which small businesses can use to test the platform before making a purchase.
Another advantage of Sendcloud is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for small business owners to manage their shipping processes. The platform also integrates with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, allowing businesses to streamline their shipping operations.
On the other hand, ShipWorks offers more advanced features such as automated shipping rules and custom branding options. This may make it a better choice for businesses with more complex shipping needs or those looking to create a more personalized shipping experience for their customers.
Which One is Better for Large Enterprises?
Large enterprises require a platform that can handle their complex shipping needs. Both ShipWorks and Sendcloud are capable of handling large enterprise shipping processes. However, Sendcloud is better equipped for global expansion due to its extensive international shipping support.
Conclusion: Sendcloud vs ShipWorks - Which One to Choose?
Choosing between Sendcloud and ShipWorks depends on your business needs. If you are looking for a more affordable option with more extensive international shipping support, Sendcloud is the better choice. On the other hand, ShipWorks is the better option if you are looking for a platform with excellent reporting features and user forum support. Additionally, businesses that operate solely in the US could benefit more from using ShipWorks due to its lack of international shipping support.
