Shippo Vs ShipWorks

Overview:

In the world of e-commerce, shipping is a critical element that cannot be ignored or underestimated. Online sellers are constantly on the lookout for smart, reliable, and cost-effective tools to manage their shipping needs. Two popular shipping platforms that claim to offer solutions for this purpose are Shippo and ShipWorks. In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis and comparison of these two platforms to help you decide which one is best suited for your business needs.

Introduction to Shippo and ShipWorks

Shippo is a cloud-based shipping software that offers an easy-to-use, web-based platform for e-commerce businesses to manage their shipping needs. It provides access to multiple shipping carriers, real-time shipping rates, tracking, and label printing functionality. Founded in 2013, Shippo is now used by over 50,000 businesses worldwide.

ShipWorks is a desktop-based shipping platform that offers an efficient way for online sellers to manage their shipping needs. Similar to Shippo, ShipWorks helps businesses access multiple shipping carriers and print shipping labels. ShipWorks was first launched in 2002 and has since been used by over 10,000 businesses.

One of the key benefits of using Shippo and ShipWorks is that they both offer integration with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This means that businesses can easily import their orders and streamline their shipping process without having to manually enter data.

Another advantage of using these shipping platforms is that they offer discounted shipping rates from various carriers. This can help businesses save money on shipping costs and improve their bottom line.

Features and Functionalities of Shippo

As a cloud-based platform, Shippo offers a range of features and functionalities that make shipping management an easy task for small and large businesses alike. Key features of Shippo include:

Integration with various e-commerce shopping carts and marketplaces, including Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Amazon, Magento, and more. This allows businesses to automatically import orders for shipping, saving time and reducing manual data entry errors.
Multiple label printing options, including direct printing from existing printers or purchasing customized Shippo labels from preferred suppliers.
Real-time tracking and shipping status updates for customers, as well as the ability to generate return labels.
A variety of shipping carrier options, including USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and more, allowing businesses to choose the carrier that best fits their needs and budget, and easily compare rates and delivery times.
Automation of international shipping and customs forms, reducing the risk of errors and delays in the shipping process.

Features and Functionalities of ShipWorks

ShipWorks, being a desktop-based shipping platform, offers similar features and functionalities as Shippo, but with a slightly different approach. Key features of ShipWorks include:

Integrations with various e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, optimized multi-carrier shipping, and the ability to print labels.
Advanced order management tools, such as the ability to edit orders before shipping and customizing shipping alerts for clients.
Advanced reporting functionality, allowing businesses to track shipment performance, shipping costs, and customer behavior through customizable dashboards and various report formats.
Automation of shipping processes with rules-based automation, setting specific shipping rules based on order criteria like weight, destination, or carrier preference.
Customer communication tools, such as branded tracking pages and email notifications, to keep customers informed about their shipments and provide a consistent brand experience.

Pros and Cons of Shippo

Pros:

Ease of use and simplicity of design with an intuitive and straightforward user interface.
Integration with multiple e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, making it a convenient solution for businesses selling across various sales channels.
Real-time tracking information for both businesses and customers, improving the overall shopping experience.

Cons:

Potentially higher costs for businesses with high shipping volumes due to the pay-as-you-go pricing structure.
May not be as well-suited for businesses requiring advanced reporting or customized shipping workflows.
Limited tracking capabilities for certain carriers and shipping methods.

Pros and Cons of ShipWorks

Pros:

Wide range of features suitable for businesses requiring advanced reporting and customization of shipping workflows.
Desktop-based design offers greater flexibility for businesses without consistent internet access.
Tiered pricing structure is more affordable for high-volume shippers compared to Shippo's pay-as-you-go model.
Automation of shipping processes with features like batch processing and automatic label printing.

Cons:

Desktop-based design may require higher technical expertise to set up and maintain.
Fewer integrations compared to Shippo, making it less convenient for businesses selling across multiple sales channels.
Lack of mobile compatibility, which can be inconvenient for businesses needing to manage shipping processes on-the-go.

Pricing Comparison Between Shippo and ShipWorks

Shippo: Offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model with no upfront costs or commitments. Shipping rates start at $0.05 per label and can vary depending on the shipping carrier used and the shipping destination. Businesses can choose to pay for their shipments through their Shippo account or use their own account with the carrier. Shippo also offers discounted shipping rates for high-volume shippers, and various shipping options including international shipping, beneficial for businesses with a global customer base.

ShipWorks: Offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of orders shipped per month. Prices start at $25 per month for up to 600 shipments, with additional charges for each extra shipment. ShipWorks also offers a free trial period for new users. Additionally, ShipWorks provides a range of features beyond shipping, such as order management and customer communication tools, and integrates with various e-commerce platforms including Amazon, eBay, and Shopify.

Customer Support Comparison Between Shippo and ShipWorks

Shippo: Provides customer support through multiple channels, including email, phone, and live chat. It has a comprehensive knowledge base with step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and a community forum where users can ask questions and share their experiences. Shippo's customer support team is known for their quick response time and personalized assistance, making it a great option for small businesses and startups.

ShipWorks: Offers customer support through email, phone, and live chat as well. Additionally, ShipWorks provides a 24/7 online customer portal for immediate support needs, including access to FAQs and support articles. Higher-level technical support options, such as personalized account managers and remote desktop support, are also available if needed.

Ease of Use Comparison Between Shippo and ShipWorks

Shippo: Known for its user-friendly and intuitive design, allowing businesses of all sizes to easily manage their shipping needs. Being web-based, no installation or download is required, and integrations with popular shopping carts and marketplaces make order importation seamless.

ShipWorks: Requires a desktop installation, which may demand more technical expertise to set up and maintain. However, ShipWorks offers greater customization options for businesses that require more advanced shipping workflows.

Integrations Available with Shippo

Shippo has established itself as a shipping platform that caters to businesses selling across multiple sales channels. It offers integrations with over 60 e-commerce platforms and marketplaces. Popular integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Amazon, and eBay.

Integrations Available with ShipWorks

While ShipWorks offers fewer integrations than Shippo, it still integrates with the most popular e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Volusion, Amazon, and eBay. Additionally, ShipWorks can integrate with many custom-built e-commerce platforms since it has open APIs.

Which Platform is Best Suited for Small Businesses?

Both Shippo and ShipWorks offer comprehensive shipping solutions suitable for small businesses. However, Shippo may be the better option for businesses with less technical expertise and lower shipping volumes, as it provides a simple and easy-to-use platform with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. On the other hand, small businesses that require desktop-based software and more advanced reporting tools may benefit more from ShipWorks.

Which Platform is Best Suited for Large Businesses?

Large businesses that ship high volumes may benefit more from ShipWorks. The platform's tiered pricing structure is more affordable for high-volume shippers than Shippo's pay-as-you-go pricing model. Additionally, ShipWorks' advanced reporting, customizable workflows, and dedicated customer support options make it an ideal choice for larger businesses with complex shipping needs.

Final Verdict: Shippo vs ShipWorks

When choosing between Shippo and ShipWorks, it ultimately depends on your business's specific shipping needs and priorities. Both platforms offer a range of features and integrations that make shipping management an easy and efficient process.

In general, Shippo may be the better choice for smaller businesses that require an easy-to-use platform with fewer technical requirements. On the other hand, ShipWorks is a better option for larger businesses that require more advanced features and customizations, particularly in their reporting and workflows. It is important to evaluate your business's specific needs, shipping volumes, integrations, and pricing options before deciding which platform is best suited for your business.