ShipBob Review: In-Depth
Trusted by thousands of customers, ShipBob is an end-to-end fulfillment service and third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The company aims to help e-commerce companies improve customer satisfaction through fast and affordable shipping. This solution also gives small- to mid-level businesses the support and tools needed to improve their fulfillment strategy.
Home to a vast network of fulfillment centers across the United States, retailers are able to split their items across locations, which gives them the opportunity to provide even faster and more affordable shipping to customers.
Key Features
ShipBob is committed to helping online companies get their products from their website to their customers’ front door efficiently and effectively. Here is a review of a few key features that help them provide an exceptional fulfillment solution.
- Affordable 2-day shipping
- Easy-to-understand pricing
- Wide range of fulfillment services
- Transparency of performance
- Hands-off fulfillment
ShipBob Review: Background Information
In 2014, co-founders Dhruv Saxena and Divey Gulati had a vision of helping companies grow their businesses by delivering remarkable customer experiences. In its six years since launching, ShipBob has quickly become one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the United States in 2023.
Originally operating out of Saxena’s Chicago apartment, the company has grown to include over 600 employees, a Chicago headquarters location, and thousands of square feet of warehouse space across the country.
Despite the company’s continuous evolution, ShipBob continues to put merchants first so they can focus on what’s most important — keeping their customers satisfied.
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
- CEO: Dhruv Saxena
- Employees: 600+
- Users: 3,600+
- Countries: 220
Service Features
Delivery plays a key part in any e-commerce business. ShipBob’s wide range of services takes the stress away from other concernsб and lets merchants focus solely on reviews and customer experience.
Shipping
Understanding that many users are looking for fast and free shipping, this provider’s mission is to work as an extension of the merchant’s team. Providing everything from discounted rates to efficient services, the provider takes care of virtually everything, so leaders don’t have to.
Features include:
- Two-day express shipping
- Affordable rates
- Timely delivery and tracking
- Custom-branded packaging
- Split inventory at warehouses in various locations
- International and domestic shipping
- Inventory management
Order Management
The order management functionality lets users track and manage orders from the moment they leave the warehouse. Merchants have the ability to keep customers updated on their order status and location by sharing tracking details.
- Filter to search for specific orders
- Check on order status and location
- View of where an order is in the fulfillment process
- Easily find shipping information
- See which orders require action
- Automate the returns process
- Provide labels
Features in Detail
With a wide range of features available, ShipBob provides a cohesive and succinct experience. Through their process, once a customer places an order on the merchant’s website, the product is automatically sent to a warehouse anywhere in the country. At the warehouse, the items are picked, packed, and shipped.
The company’s fulfillment services help users focus on improving customer relationships, reviews, and satisfaction through enhanced timing and desirable costs — both key factors. Here, we take a deeper dive and review this 3PL provider’s features in detail.
Split Inventory Across Locations
The company’s vast network of fulfillment centers gives users the chance to strategically split their products across locations. Distributed inventory allows them to store products closer to customers, shipping everything more quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
This process has helped users save 13% on average.
Here’s an overview of the steps:
- Customer places an order
- The algorithm automatically selects warehouse and carrier for a quick turnaround
- A product makes its way from point A to point B seamlessly
Check the Status of Inventory
The inventory management feature lets users conduct reviews and effectively manage their inventory using the right tools and guidance. They can view the number of products they have in each location, identify slow-moving items with high-storage costs, and gain valuable insights into the performance of units sold over time.
This feature also lets users:
- Set reminders to replenish inventory
- Bundle products for promotions
- Make transfer requests
Track and Manage Orders
When using the order management software, businesses can manage subscriptions, make changes to orders post-purchase, and automatically share tracking information with customers.
This feature also lets them:
- Filter orders by status
- Search for specific orders
- Get a timeline view of where their order is in the fulfillment process
- Easily find shipping-related information
- View orders that require action
Detailed Analytics and Insights
The advanced reporting and analytics give users a competitive edge as they gain valuable insight into:
- Which fulfillment centers should be stocked
- How many days of inventory is left
- The impact of promotions
- Average cart value and shipping cost
- The average number of days it takes for an item to be delivered
- Fulfillment cost per order
- Storage cost per unit
Process Returns
The return management services allow merchants to create return shipping labels and track returns from their customers. This also helps clients get their returned items processed and placed back into inventory as quickly, efficiently, and effectively as possible.
Customer Satisfaction
ShipBob gives customers a highly desired unboxing experience, complete with everything from custom-branded boxes to free plain packaging. As part of the company’s key customer experience, its goal is to offer fast, cost-effective options to meet the unique needs of all kinds of e-commerce merchants.
Expedited Shipping
Relying on its network of nationwide warehouses, ShipBob is able to provide customers with a two-day express option. Their network of fulfillment centers, advanced algorithms, and integrations all help make this possible.
This two-day option has helped decrease cart abandonment by 18%.
Here is a review of the steps from the time a customer checks out:
- The customer enters their destination
- Provider verifies the delivery code
- Provider checks inventory at the nearest fulfillment center
- Product is delivered in two-days
Warehouses Located Nationwide
ShipBob is home to a large network of fulfillment centers across the country. As a result, merchants are able to store their products closer to their customers no matter where they are, which may lead to happier customers and positive reviews. Additionally, the provider’s nationwide warehousing allows merchants to ship items faster and really take advantage of other perks, like two-day shipping.
Integrations
This provider partners with leading e-commerce technology solutions to allow businesses to streamline order fulfillment.
The service integrates with platforms across a wide range of functions, including:
- Ecommerce Platforms & Marketplaces
- Inventory & Order Management Platforms
- Returns Management Platforms
- Freight & Shipping Solutions
- Ecommerce Marketing, CRM and Customer Support Solutions
- Ecommerce Custom Packaging & Design
- Digital Marketing, Advertising, and Web Development Agencies
- Accounting, Tax, and Financing Solutions
- Crowdfunding
The integration functionality allows merchants to provide a seamless customer experience.
Here is a review of popular integrations:
- eBay
- Shopify
- Wix
- Squarespace
- BigCommerce
- WooCommerce
- Walmart
- Happy Returns
- Returnly
- ShipStation
- UPS
- US Postal Service
- DHL
- FedEx
- Simplr
- Quadpay
- Packlane
- ROI Revolution
- Kickpay
- IndieGoGo
- Kickstarter
- WeFunder
- And more
ShipBob Plans & Pricing
ShipBob provides an easy and transparent pricing model, which helps businesses achieve their fulfillment needs. Pricing is based on specific elements, such as receiving, storage, shipping, and B2C fees. Additional services like B2B, pick-up orders, package insurance, and more are also available at an extra cost.
Pricing Structure
ShipBob understands that each merchant has different reviews and needs, which is why this 3PL partner offers a payment and pricing structure rather than solid plans. This transparent pricing model works for clients as they grow and enable their e-commerce business to grow at a faster rate.
To begin, merchants can request a quote that is tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. All pricing is based on the unique reviews and needs of their business.
Storage per SKU:
- Pallet: $40 per month
- Shelf: $10 per month
- Bin: $5 per month
Pros:
- Unlimited number of form fields
- A simple and transparent pricing model
- Companies won’t overpay for services they don’t need
- Only charges for receiving, storage, and shipping
- More services are included at an additional cost
- Pricing based on shipping criteria ahead of time
- Custom branded packaging
Cons:
- No free trial
- Additional fees for add-ons and extra services
- Restocking not included
- Returns not included
Price & Key Features Comparisons Table
There is no solid pricing plan. Instead, clients pay for the services they need, from the number of storage units needed to picking and restocking fees. Here’s a complete breakdown of prices, add-ons, and fees.
Pricing | |||
---|---|---|---|
Pallet | Shelf | Bin | |
Storage per SKU | $40 per month | $10 per month | $5 per month |
Receiving | $25 per hour (For the first 2 hours) | $32 per hour (After the first 2 hours) | – |
Picking | $0.25 per pick (Over 5 units/order) | ||
B2B | $0.20 per unit (Over 5 units/order) for packages with a ShipBob label | $0.20 per unit (Over 5 units/order) for packages with a prepaid label | For packages with a prepaid label, there is no charge for up to 5 units/order |
Pick-Up Orders | $0.25 per unit over 5 (No charge up to 5 units/order) | Pick-up fee is $10 per pick-up | – |
Amazon Orders (FBA) | $0.20 per unit over 5 units/order (No charge up to 5 units/order) | Sticker/barcode fee: $0.20 per unit | Label fee: $10 per label/BOL |
Signature Required | DHL and USPS: $3.50 each | UPS and FedEx: $5.67 | *Automatically applies if insurance amount is $300 or over |
Insurance | Insuring packages will increase the invoice amount for that label by 1.875% of the insurance value. | ||
Disposal of non-hazardous materials *There is a $0.25 prep fee per disposed item. |
$500 per pallet* | $100 per shelf* | $50 per bin* |
Disposal of Hazardous Materials | Must contact the customer success team for pricing. | ||
Donation | Regular pick fees apply to items prepared for donation, in addition to the $10 pick-up fee. | ||
Kitting | $0.40 per unit per kit | ||
Additional Handling (all carriers) | $26 for packages 50 pounds or more (not applicable when Large Package Surcharge is applied) OR any package exceeding 30-48 inches on the sides. | ||
Large Package Surcharges (UPS and FedEx) | $130; For domestic shipments, a package is considered a “Large Package” when its length (longest side of the package) plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches, or its length exceeds 96 inches. | ||
Restock | $10 per order | ||
UPS Return to Sender and Package Inspection Fees | $22.96 | ||
Other | $35 per hour |
Terms and Conditions
When users sign-up for ShipBob, they are prompted to agree to the terms and conditions in order to use the service. Per its terms of service, users must be 18 years of age or older, and they must certify that they are entering the agreement on behalf of their customer, business, or other legal entity.
The platform reserves the right to change the terms of the agreement at any time, providing 10 days’ notice to users.
The below services related to inventory and items are offered by the provider:
- Receiving
- Counting
- Storage
- Packaging
- Shipping
Privacy Policy
User information and data is collected and stored by or on behalf of the company. This information includes a user’s direct connection with services and excludes data and information related to the performance or operation of the platform.
Refund Policy
When users wish to make a return via ShipBob, the return policy should be followed, whether it is a return to the sender or return order. The return policy may be updated from time to time, according to the terms of service.
preferences.Customer Support
The merchant care team provides guidance and support to merchants at every step of the way via telephone, email, or online. Large enterprises are even given a dedicated account manager who helps execute a company’s fulfillment strategy at no additional cost.
Telephone
Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST, the support line is available to answer any user questions. By calling the number, a member of the merchant care team will assist the user in real-time. The support line can be reached at (312)-313-1104.
By emailing [email protected], merchants can create a case with the merchant care team. After doing so, they will receive a confirmation email with a case number, which can be used for reviews and references. They can expect to hear back from a representative within two hours.
Online Chat
Assistance is available at the bottom right-hand corner of the website for all users, whether they are merchants using the services or visitors who are new to the site. Clicking the chat icon starts a chat with a team member and opens help center assistance.
Support Center
On their dashboard, users will find a help button located on the bottom right of the screen. Clicking the button will open the search help center with reviews and articles related to a variety of common issues faced by users.
Quality of Service
ShipBob allows merchants to provide perks like two-day shipping, which gives them the chance to focus on other factors, such as customer satisfaction. Unfortunately, the service can only be accessed via desktop, which may not be ideal for on-the-go clients who may require a more easily accessible platform. Additionally, the pricing structure can be hard to follow, as it depends on each company’s specific needs.
A plus for this 3PL provider is their easy-to-reach customer support team that is always there to answer merchant questions and inquiries via phone, email, or online chat during normal business hours.
Customer Types
This provider caters to businesses of all sizes in 2023, but it may be best for small e-commerce brands with basic inventory needs. Anyone asking for additional services, such as supply chain organization, purchase orders, and B2B sales orders, may not find what they need with this provider.
Small Business
Small businesses may reap the most benefits from the provider’s order fulfillment and two-day shipping services. Additionally, the network of warehouses in the U.S. makes it possible for small businesses to offer the best of the best without having to buy their own warehouses across the country.
Large Enterprises
Large enterprises may have greater needs than small- to medium-sized businesses and may not see much of a benefit to using this vendor. The features are basic enough to meet the needs of smaller businesses but may fall short with significantly higher demand.
Medium Business
Like small businesses, medium businesses may benefit from these services as long as their needs are not too complex. This provider may be a big help in allowing mid-sized businesses to grow while keeping customers satisfied.
Freelancers
Freelance merchants may find themselves in need of somewhere to store items as well as more assistance in inventory and order management. Still, there are certainly less costly alternatives to meet their needs.
ShipBob Pros & Cons
What makes a 3PL provider stand out among the rest? For many, it has to do with timing, costs, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. ShipBob helps online merchants put their customers at the forefront. Here are some more pros and cons to consider when searching for reviews of this provider.
Pros
Cons
- Integrates with many e-commerce platforms
- Fast two-day shipping
- Warehouses located worldwide to reach all customers
- User-friendly interface
- Takes of fulfillment and order management process
- Integrates seamlessly with carries, such as UPS, FedEx, and more
- Streamlines ordering and delivery processes
- Customized pricing
- Two-day shipping is not free and can be pricey
- No mobile app is offered
- Cannot sign up for the services online
- Pricing is unclear and may vary per client
Service Alternatives
Although ShipBob offers a wide range of features and services, there is competition in the 3PL space in 2023. Here are a few reviews of some of the top competitors in this field.
ShipStation: Ecommerce Order Fulfillment
An established company in the online industry, ShipStation is great for small- to medium-sized businesses. Another plus is that ShipStation is available on both mobile and desktop and offers a free trial so users can test services before committing.
Easyship: Global Shipping Software
With access across 35 countries with top integrations and 15 trusted carriers, Easyship helps e-commerce brands boost revenue by selling their products worldwide. Priding themselves on helping organizations unlock global growth, the service gives a curated delivery experience.
ShipWorks: High-Performance Shipping Software
According to reviews, ShipWorks is known as the go-to performance platform for e-commerce and warehouse solutions. It provides everything from universal integrations to hyper-speed order processing and printing. This 3PL provider works with nearly 100 built-in integrations, creating an overall seamless solution for all types of e-commerce businesses.
ShipHero: Deliver Your Best
ShipHero currently works with 4,000 e-commerce brands, ensuring that they deliver their best every day. From outsourcing to automation, this is an all-in-one fulfillment solution for all types of businesses. This platform’s extensive tools and resources make it a great fit for DTC brands, 3PL providers, and large enterprises.
Orderhive: Automated Multi-channel Inventory Solution
Orderhive partners with over 5,500 e-commerce companies around the world, ranging from small startups to large enterprises. This platform lets users track and manage inventory in real-time and across multiple channels, giving them the power to grow their brands and widen their reach.
FreightPOP: Simplify Logistics
FreightPOP gives merchants the ability to manage all shipping and logistic functions anytime and anywhere. One of the company’s goals is to help shippers streamline their processes to focus on growth. Its mission is to simplify and reduce the costs for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and 3PLs.
ShipBob | ShipStation | Easyship | Ship Works | ShipHero | Orderhive | Freight POP | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly Price | Request quote | $9 | $29 | $49 | $1,850 | $44.99 | Request quote |
Branded Packaging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Shipments per month | Unlimited | 50 | 500 | 1,500 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Integrations | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Expedited shipping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Inventory Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Returns | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
International | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Platform | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
Free Trial | No | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | No | 15 days | No |
Carriers | UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and more | UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL | 250+ courier solutions | UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, and more | UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and more | UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and 40+ more | Unlimited carriers |
Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Phone, Chat, |
Email, Chat | Phone, Chat, |
Phone, Chat, |
Phone, Chat, Email | Email, Chat |
FAQ Section
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Does ShipBob Ship Internationally?
Yes! Orders can be shipped to over 220 countries and territories around the globe. The provider also has international fulfillment centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Users should contact the company for specific quotes on international rates.
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How Do You Use ShipBob?
Software and technology enable the company to work through a solidified process that prioritizes timing, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Per the company’s process, all orders placed through the merchant’s website are automatically sent to warehouses in a variety of locations. There, inventory is picked, packed, and shipped to customers.
Users also have the ability to check inventory and restock as needed., The company also provides return services in the case that customers return items. This service ensures that the returned product is reviewed and quickly added back into inventory stock.
The Final Word
One of its biggest perks is providing two-day shipping, which was previously unheard of for small- to medium-sized businesses. ShipBob’s vast network of warehouses around the globe, however, makes this possible.
The pricing model makes it easy for merchants to customize their plans and pick what services they want to include in their package. As a result, they will avoid paying for services they do not use or need.
At the core of its business, ShipBob makes it possible for organizations to let go of the stress that comes with shipping and fulfillment and, instead, focuses on what really matters to them: their customers.
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