Shippo Review: Pros, Cons, Features and Pricing

Q: How reliable is Shippo for high-volume shipping?

Shippo can handle high-volume shipping, but it might not be the best fit for extremely large operations needing extensive customization. It offers batch label printing and multiple carrier options, making it suitable for medium-sized businesses. Your team will appreciate its ability to manage shipments efficiently, but for very high-volume needs, ensure Shippo's capabilities align with your requirements.

Q: Does Shippo offer international shipping support?

Yes, Shippo supports international shipping by providing access to multiple global carriers. It also generates customs declaration forms automatically, simplifying the process for your team. This feature is beneficial if your business regularly ships internationally, as it ensures compliance and reduces errors.

Q: How does Shippo handle returns?

Shippo makes handling returns easy by allowing you to create and send return labels. This feature helps streamline the return process for your customers and improves their overall experience. Your team can manage returns efficiently, reducing the hassle associated with processing them.

Q: Can I customize shipping labels in Shippo?

Yes, with Shippo, you can customize shipping labels to include your branding. This feature is available in their higher-tier plans, allowing your team to maintain brand consistency. Customized labels can enhance your brand’s professionalism and recognition among customers.

Q: How secure is Shippo with sensitive data?

Shippo takes data security seriously by implementing industry-standard encryption and security protocols. Your team can feel confident that sensitive information, like customer addresses and payment details, is protected. Shippo complies with relevant data protection regulations, ensuring your business meets compliance requirements.

Q: What kind of customer support does Shippo provide?

Shippo offers customer support through email and chat, but response times may vary. Your team can access resources like a help center with guides and FAQs. While support is generally helpful, some users report it could be more immediate, so plan accordingly if you need quick assistance.

Q: Is there a mobile app for Shippo?

Shippo currently does not offer a dedicated mobile app. However, its web-based platform is mobile-friendly, allowing your team to access features on the go. While a mobile app could enhance convenience, the existing platform still provides essential functionalities for managing shipments.

Q: How does Shippo handle lost or damaged shipments?

Shippo provides tracking features that help monitor shipments, but it doesn't directly handle claims for lost or damaged packages. Your team will need to contact the carrier directly to file claims. Shippo’s tracking information can assist in providing the necessary details for your claim process.

Shippo is an ecommerce shipping software for online sellers who need discounted multi-carrier rates, label printing, and shipment tracking. It's worth considering over ShipStation if you're still scaling and want a pay-per-label model rather than committing to a fixed monthly subscription from the start.

Shippo Evaluation Summary

Shippo simplifies ecommerce shipping with multi-carrier rates and tools.

Customer Rating

4.2 /5

Pricing

From $19/month
Free plan available

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

Shippo Overview

From my perspective, Shippo is a solid choice for small businesses looking for an affordable ecommerce shipping solution. It excels in ease of use and offers great value for money compared to rival shipping platforms. However, onboarding and customer support could use some improvement. If you're a small retailer or an ecommerce team wanting a straightforward tool with useful features, Shippo is worth considering. Its integration capabilities are decent, though not exceptional. I think it’s best suited for businesses that prioritize cost and simplicity over extensive customization.

pros

You can easily access multiple carriers and compare shipping rates.
Your team will find the interface intuitive and user-friendly.
Shippo's tracking features keep you and your customers informed.

cons

You might find the customer support response time slower than expected.
Your team may experience occasional glitches with label printing.
Some advanced features aren't as customizable as other tools.

Is Shippo Right For Your Needs?

Who Would be a Good Fit for Shippo?

Shippo is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those in ecommerce or retail sectors, needing a straightforward shipping service. If your team values an easy-to-use interface and access to multiple shipping carriers, Shippo can meet your needs. It’s particularly beneficial for online stores that require flexible shipping options without the complexity of larger systems. With features like real-time tracking and rate comparisons, your business can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Small Retailers

Shippo offers an easy interface and discounted rates, making it great for small retailers who need cost savings.
Ecommerce Startups

Your startup can benefit from Shippo's cost-effective solution for managing multiple carriers and shipping options.
Independent Online Stores

Shippo's tracking and rate comparison features help your store provide reliable shipping to customers.
Boutique Shops

If your boutique needs flexible shipping, Shippo's straightforward setup and features can enhance your operations.
Niche Markets

Shippo supports niche markets by providing customizable shipping options and access to various carriers.
Freelance Merchants

As a freelance merchant, you’ll appreciate Shippo’s simplicity and ease of use for handling shipping logistics.
High-Volume Shippers

Shippo might struggle to handle the complexities of high-volume shipping needs efficiently.
Complex Logistics

If your logistics are complex, Shippo’s straightforward features might not offer the depth you need.
Advanced Analytics

Shippo lacks the sophisticated analytics capabilities necessary for businesses relying heavily on data-driven decisions.
Custom Integrations

For those needing custom integrations with other systems, Shippo's integration options may be too basic.
Global Companies

Global companies might find Shippo’s international shipping features lacking compared to more specialized solutions.

Who Would be a Bad Fit for Shippo?

Shippo might not suit large enterprises or businesses with complex shipping needs requiring extensive customization and advanced features. If your team manages high-volume shipping or needs deep integration with other enterprise systems, you might find Shippo's capabilities limited. Its customer support and onboarding might not meet the demands of larger operations requiring quick, tailored solutions. For businesses needing a robust system with advanced analytics and customization, Shippo may fall short.

Large Enterprises

Your enterprise may require more advanced features and customization than Shippo provides.

Our Review Methodology

How We Test & Score Tools

We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.

Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.

Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)

The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.

Standout Features (25% of final scoring)

Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.

Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)

We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.

Onboarding (10% of final scoring)

We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.

Customer Support (10% of final scoring)

We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.

Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)

Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.

Value for Money (10% of final scoring)

Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.

Core Features

Carrier Selection

Shippo lets you choose from multiple carriers, allowing your team to compare rates easily. You can find the best option for your shipping needs.

Shipping Rate Comparison

It provides real-time rate comparisons, helping you save money. You can make informed decisions quickly.

Label Creation

You can create shipping labels directly within the platform. This feature simplifies your shipping process and saves time.

Tracking Management

Shippo offers tracking updates to keep you and your customers informed. It enhances your customer service by providing transparency.

Address Validation

This feature reduces errors by verifying addresses before shipping. You can avoid costly delivery mistakes.

Batch Label Printing

You can print multiple labels at once, which is ideal for handling large orders. This feature adds automation to your shipping workflow and boosts your team’s efficiency.

screenshot - Shippo Review: Pros, Cons, Features and Pricing — Choose from multiple carriers and compare shipping options easily.

Standout Features

Customs Declaration Forms

Shippo automatically generates customs forms for international shipping. This feature simplifies the process and ensures compliance.

Return Labels

You can create return labels that make the return process hassle-free for your customers. It adds convenience and improves customer satisfaction.

Ease of Use

Shippo is user-friendly, making it easy for your team to navigate and manage shipping tasks. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly access essential features like rate comparisons and label creation. Users often appreciate how straightforward it is to set up and start shipping without extensive training. Compared to other tools, Shippo simplifies the shipping process, saving you time and reducing errors. If you value simplicity and efficiency in ecommerce shipping software, Shippo delivers on both fronts.

Onboarding

Shippo's onboarding process is straightforward, but it might not be the quickest for everyone. Your team can start using the basic features with minimal guidance, though more complex functionalities might require additional support. Some users mention that the available resources, like tutorials and FAQs, are helpful but could be more comprehensive. If you need quick access to all features, you might find the initial setup a bit lacking in detailed guidance.

Customer Support

Shippo's customer support is generally helpful, but response times can be slower than expected. Your team can access assistance through email or chat, though some users feel the support lacks immediacy for urgent issues. The available resources, like the help center, offer useful information, but they might not cover every specific problem you encounter. If quick and comprehensive support is crucial for your operations, you might find Shippo's current support offerings somewhat limited.

Integrations

Shippo integrates with Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, Wix, BigCommerce, Magento 2, Squarespace, Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.

Shippo also offers an API for custom integrations and connects with third-party integration tools like Zapier.

Value for Money

Shippo offers flexible pricing designed to support businesses at different growth stages, from startups to high-volume shippers. You can start for free and move to paid plans as your shipping needs increase.

Free: USPS, UPS, FedEX, and DHL Express discounts, international shipping, and unlimited store connections
Pro: Includes additional features such as branded shipping, branded tracking pages and notification emails, chat and phone support.
Premier: Built for high-volume shippers and growing teams, with a dedicated account manager, and unlimited shipments.

Shippo Specs

2-Factor Authentication
A/B Testing
Analytics
API
BitCoin
Conversion Tracking
Dashboard
Data Export
Data Import
Data Visualization
Design Templates
External Integrations
Inventory Tracking
Keyword Tracking
Marketing Automation
Multi-User
Notifications
Order Management
Payment Gateway Integration
Payment Processor
PayPal
Product Catalog
Review Monitoring
SAP Integration
Scheduling
Stripe
Third-Party Plugins/Add-Ons

Shippo FAQs

How reliable is Shippo for high-volume shipping?

Does Shippo offer international shipping support?

How does Shippo handle returns?

Can I customize shipping labels in Shippo?

How secure is Shippo with sensitive data?

What kind of customer support does Shippo provide?

Is there a mobile app for Shippo?

How does Shippo handle lost or damaged shipments?

Shippo Company Overview & History

Shippo, founded in 2013, is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company supports over 100,000 businesses with its multi-carrier shipping solutions. Shippo is known for its user-friendly API and web interface, which integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms. Notable clients include eBay, Amazon, and Shopify. Shippo has raised over $100 million and was valued at $1 billion in 2021.

Shippo Major Milestones

2013: Founded by Laura Behrens Wu and Simon Kreuz.

2021: Valued at $1 billion.

2021: Raised over $100 million in funding.