ShipStation Vs Shippo

Overview:

If you are an online seller, shipping is an essential element of your business. With multiple shipping platforms on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best for you. Two popular shipping platforms that you may have heard of are ShipStation and Shippo. In this article, we'll compare the two platforms in detail to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your business needs.

What are ShipStation and Shippo?

ShipStation and Shippo are both shipping software solutions that streamline the entire shipping process for online stores. Both platforms offer multiple integrations with various marketplaces and shopping carts, enabling seamless communication between your online store and the shipping platform. Once an order is placed, it is automatically imported into the shipping platform, and shipping labels are created.

ShipStation and Shippo also offer additional features that can help online stores save time and money. For example, both platforms offer discounted shipping rates with major carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS. This can help online stores save money on shipping costs, which can be a significant expense for many businesses.

In addition, both platforms offer advanced reporting and analytics tools that can help online stores track their shipping performance and identify areas for improvement. This can help businesses optimize their shipping processes and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that orders are delivered on time and in good condition.

Key Differences Between ShipStation and Shippo

While both platforms offer similar features, there are some key differences between the two:

Automation Features: ShipStation focuses on providing advanced automation features, allowing users to automate repetitive shipping tasks, saving time and effort. Shippo, on the other hand, has a more straightforward user interface, making it an easier option for newcomers.
Pricing: Shippo offers more affordable pricing plans for small businesses compared to ShipStation.
Integration Capabilities: ShipStation integrates with over 40 marketplaces and shopping carts, including Amazon, eBay, and Shopify, making it ideal for businesses that sell on multiple platforms. Shippo offers a more limited number of integrations but provides a custom API for businesses needing specific platform integrations.
Reporting and Analytics: ShipStation offers more advanced reporting and analytics features, providing detailed insights into shipping performance, including delivery times, shipping costs, and carrier performance. Shippo offers more basic reporting features, sufficient for smaller businesses but possibly insufficient for larger enterprises.

Which Platform is Best for Your Business Needs?

The platform you choose for your business depends on several factors, such as the size of your business and the volume of orders you receive.

Shippo: Ideal for small business owners or those just starting an online business due to its affordability and simplicity.
ShipStation: Better suited for larger businesses that require advanced automation features.

It is also important to consider the shipping carriers that each platform integrates with. Some platforms may have partnerships with specific carriers, while others may offer a wider range of carrier options. Additionally, you may want to consider the level of customer support each platform provides, as well as any additional features or integrations that may be important for your business, such as inventory management or order tracking.

Pricing Comparison of ShipStation and Shippo

ShipStation offers five pricing plans, starting at $9 per month, and increasing up to $159 per month, depending on the size of the business. Shippo offers a free plan, scaling to $10 per month and up to $125 per month for larger businesses. While ShipStation’s pricing may seem expensive for small businesses, it depends on the business's order volume. Shippo's pricing is generally more affordable for small businesses but may become more expensive as your business grows.

Both ShipStation and Shippo offer additional features and services that may affect overall pricing. For example, ShipStation provides discounted shipping rates and access to multiple carriers, while Shippo offers customizable shipping labels and international shipping options. These additional features can be beneficial for businesses looking to streamline their shipping process and expand their customer base.

Another factor to consider when comparing the pricing of ShipStation and Shippo is the level of customer support provided. ShipStation offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat, while Shippo offers email support during business hours. Depending on your business's needs and preferences, the level of customer support may be a deciding factor in choosing between the two shipping platforms.

Features of ShipStation and Shippo

Both platforms offer similar features such as batch label printing, thermal printing, and multi-carrier support. However, there are distinct differences:

ShipStation: Offers advanced automation, including branded shipping labels, return label creation, and automatic email notifications. It also provides a comprehensive dashboard displaying real-time shipping rates, order statuses, and shipping analytics, enabling businesses to track shipping performance and make data-driven decisions.
Shippo: Provides access to discounted shipping rates with USPS, FedEx, and UPS. It also offers a customizable API that allows businesses to integrate shipping functionalities directly into their e-commerce platforms, streamlining the process for both businesses and customers.

User Interface Comparison of ShipStation and Shippo

ShipStation has a more complex user interface due to its advanced automation features, which may take some time to learn. However, once mastered, it can save significant time in the long run. Shippo's interface is clean and straightforward, suitable for beginners and those who need to process a low volume of orders.

However, Shippo's simplicity can be a disadvantage for businesses that require more advanced features. ShipStation's interface, while more complex, offers a wider range of customization options and integrations with other software, making it a better choice for businesses with high order volumes and complex shipping needs.

Another factor to consider is customer support. ShipStation offers phone support during business hours, while Shippo only offers email support. If you need immediate assistance, ShipStation may be the better option. However, Shippo's email support is known for being responsive and helpful, making it a good choice for businesses that do not require immediate assistance.

Integrations Offered by ShipStation and Shippo

Both platforms offer integrations with many marketplaces, shopping carts, and selling platforms. ShipStation integrates with over 40 online marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify. Shippo offers more than 80 integrations, including e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.

ShipStation also integrates with popular shipping carriers such as USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, allowing users to easily compare shipping rates and choose the best option for their business needs. Additionally, it integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, simplifying financial management.

Shippo offers integrations with international carriers like Royal Mail, Australia Post, and Canada Post, making it an excellent option for businesses that ship globally. It also integrates with popular marketplaces like Amazon Handmade and Walmart Marketplace, as well as with fulfillment centers like ShipBob and Rakuten Super Logistics.

Shipping Carrier Options with ShipStation and Shippo

Both platforms allow businesses to choose from an extensive list of shipping carriers. ShipStation supports over 30 carriers, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Shippo also offers over 50 carriers, including international delivery options and exclusive discounts on USPS services.

Additionally, both ShipStation and Shippo provide users with the ability to compare shipping rates and delivery times across multiple carriers, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about which carrier to use for each shipment. This feature can save businesses time and money by ensuring they are getting the best possible shipping rates and delivery times for their needs.

Customer Support Comparison of ShipStation and Shippo

ShipStation provides customer support via email, phone, and live chat. They also offer a knowledge center with helpful articles and guides for businesses. Shippo offers a comprehensive FAQ section, a community forum, and email support. Both platforms provide support during business hours, but ShipStation offers more options for customer support.

Pros and Cons of Using ShipStation vs Shippo

ShipStation Pros:
- Advanced automation features that improve efficiency.
- Wide range of integrations.
- Supports many carriers.
- Excellent customer support.
ShipStation Cons:
- Higher pricing.
- Complex user interface.
Shippo Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses.
- Simple and easy-to-navigate user interface.
- Offers discounts on shipping rates.
Shippo Cons:
- Customer support is not as comprehensive as ShipStation.

How to Choose Between ShipStation and Shippo for Your Business

When choosing between ShipStation and Shippo for your business, consider the following factors:

Business Size: Larger businesses may benefit from ShipStation's advanced features, while smaller businesses may prefer Shippo's affordability.
Order Volume: High order volumes may require ShipStation's automation capabilities.
Budget: Consider your budget and how the pricing plans fit with your financial constraints.

If your business is small with a low volume of orders and you need simplicity, Shippo might be the better solution. If your business is significant and requires advanced automation features, ShipStation may be the better option, despite the higher pricing plan.

Case Studies: Businesses That Have Used ShipStation or Shippo

Many businesses have used ShipStation and Shippo to streamline their shipping processes. For example:

Harry's: A men's grooming company that uses ShipStation to prepare and ship their orders. They've been able to reduce shipping time and lower shipping costs through carrier discounts.
TUSHY: A company that creates eco-friendly bathroom products, using Shippo to manage their shipping. They've automated their shipping process and saved money on shipping rates.

Future Trends in Shipping Platforms: What to Expect from ShipStation and Shippo

As shipping continues to evolve, ShipStation and Shippo will likely continue to update and improve their platforms to keep up with industry changes. For example, both platforms have added new carrier options and integrations in recent years. ShipStation has introduced new features such as branded shipping labels and automated return label creation. Shippo has entered into new strategic partnerships, like their recent partnership with ShipBob, to streamline fulfillment operations.

Conclusion: Which Platform is the Winner?

Ultimately, the winner between ShipStation and Shippo depends on your business's specific needs. ShipStation is an excellent choice if you are running a larger business and require advanced automation features. However, Shippo is the better option for small businesses with a low volume of orders that need simple and affordable shipping software.