Shipping your products can be a real headache, especially if you’re running an online store. From finding the best rates to managing orders and generating labels, it can feel like a constant struggle. You want to ship efficiently, affordably, and without losing valuable time and energy. That’s where shipping management software comes in. And one of the popular options you might have come across is ShippingEasy.
This comprehensive review will dive deep into ShippingEasy, exploring its features, pricing, and potential drawbacks. We’ll also examine its key competitors to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your eCommerce business.
Table of Contents:
- What is ShippingEasy?
- ShippingEasy Features
- ShippingEasy Pricing
- ShippingEasy Alternatives
- ShippingEasy Pros and Cons
- ShippingEasy FAQ
- Conclusion
What is ShippingEasy?
ShippingEasy is a cloud-based shipping management software designed to simplify and streamline the shipping process for online retailers. It’s a powerful tool that handles a variety of tasks, allowing you to:
- Generate shipping labels: No more manually filling out forms! ShippingEasy automatically generates labels for various carriers, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more.
- Manage orders: ShippingEasy centralizes all your orders from different platforms – think Shopify, BigCommerce, and other popular shopping cart systems.
- Automate tasks: ShippingEasy uses “shipping rules” to automate repetitive processes, saving you time and reducing errors.
ShippingEasy Features
ShippingEasy is packed with features that aim to make shipping easier and more efficient. Let’s break down some of its core functionalities.
Automated Shipping Label Creation
ShippingEasy makes label creation a breeze. Instead of manually filling out forms and dealing with complicated carrier websites, you can generate labels directly from the software. This saves you time and eliminates the risk of errors.
The software integrates with multiple popular carriers, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. ShippingEasy also allows you to ship both domestically and internationally, making it a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes.
Order Management and Fulfillment
ShippingEasy provides a centralized platform for managing all your orders. Whether they come from Squarespace, BigCommerce, or other shopping cart systems, ShippingEasy aggregates them into a single dashboard for easy viewing and management.
You can:
- Track orders and their status.
- Update shipping information.
- Manage your inventory.
- Automate fulfillment processes.
This streamlines your operations and ensures a smooth flow of orders from sale to delivery.
Live Shipping Rates at Checkout
Transparency and accuracy are crucial when it comes to shipping. Customers appreciate knowing the exact cost of shipping before they commit to a purchase. ShippingEasy helps you achieve this by displaying live shipping rates and delivery options at checkout.
This integration with eCommerce platforms eliminates guesswork and allows customers to make informed decisions, potentially leading to increased conversion rates.
Shipping Rules and Automation
One of the most powerful features of ShippingEasy is its ability to automate shipping processes. You can create “shipping rules” that automatically select the best carrier or service based on factors like order weight, dimensions, or destination.
For example:
- Orders under a certain weight might automatically be shipped via USPS First Class.
- International orders might automatically be shipped via a more efficient courier service like DHL.
These rules streamline routine tasks, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of errors, making “shipping made easy” a reality.
Advanced Customs Features
Shipping internationally adds a layer of complexity. You need to deal with customs forms, calculate duties and taxes, and ensure compliance with regulations. ShippingEasy offers tools to simplify these tasks.
You can:
- Generate customs documentation automatically.
- Calculate duties and taxes based on the destination country and the value of goods.
- Track the status of customs clearance.
These features make shipping globally more manageable and efficient.
Other Notable Features
ShippingEasy offers a variety of other features that contribute to a more efficient shipping process:
- Return label management: Easily create and manage return labels for customers.
- Branded tracking emails: Send branded emails to customers to keep them informed about their shipments.
- Reports and analytics: Gain insights into shipping performance with detailed reports and analytics.
- Integrations: Connect ShippingEasy with other essential tools, such as accounting software or inventory management systems.
ShippingEasy Pricing
ShippingEasy offers a variety of pricing plans to suit the needs of different businesses. There’s a free trial available so you can try out the software before making a commitment.
ShippingEasy also offers a free plan for small businesses that ship less than 50 orders per month. This provides access to core features like automated label creation, order management, and basic shipping rules.
The paid plans cater to larger businesses and provide additional features like advanced automation, custom branding, and priority customer support.
Pricing Plans Overview
- Free: Offers basic features for up to 50 shipments per month.
- Starter: A cost-effective option for businesses shipping up to 500 shipments per month.
- Basic: Provides a good balance of features and affordability for up to 1,500 monthly shipments.
- Plus: Offers advanced features and support for businesses with higher shipping volumes.
- Select: A customizable plan for high-volume shippers with specific needs.
You can visit www.shippingeasy.com for the most up-to-date pricing on all ShippingEasy plans.
Key Factors for Choosing a Plan
When choosing the right plan, consider:
- Order volume: How many orders do you ship monthly?
- Features needed: Which features are most essential for your business?
- Budget: What’s your budget for shipping management software?
Value for Money
The pricing structure of ShippingEasy is competitive. It offers a good balance between features and cost. The free plan is a great starting point for small businesses, while the paid plans provide more robust features for larger operations.
ShippingEasy Alternatives
While ShippingEasy is a powerful option, it’s worth exploring alternative solutions to find the best fit for your business.
Competitive Landscape
- ShipStation: A popular alternative to ShippingEasy, known for its robust feature set and excellent customer support.
- Shippo: A flexible, API-first platform that can be integrated into various eCommerce platforms.
- Shopify Shipping: A built-in shipping solution offered by Shopify, providing discounted rates on USPS services and integration with Shopify’s platform.
- Stamps.com: While primarily known for postage printing, Stamps.com offers some shipping management features.
Key Differences
- ShipStation: ShipStation is known for its advanced automation and integration capabilities. It supports a wider range of carriers and offers more customization options. However, it may be more expensive than ShippingEasy, especially for larger businesses.
- Shippo: Shippo stands out for its flexibility and API-first approach. It’s a good option for tech-savvy users who want to customize their shipping workflows.
- Shopify Shipping: Shopify Shipping is seamlessly integrated with Shopify’s platform. It’s a good choice for Shopify users looking for discounted USPS rates. However, its functionality is limited to USPS services, and it doesn’t offer the same range of features as dedicated shipping management software.
- Stamps.com: Stamps.com is a good option for businesses that primarily ship through USPS. However, it doesn’t offer the same breadth of features as ShippingEasy or ShipStation.
Choosing the Right Solution <a name=”choosing-the-right-solution
The best shipping management software for your business depends on:
- Your specific needs: Consider the features you require and the level of automation you’re looking for.
- Your budget: Compare the pricing plans and value for money offered by each solution.
- Your preferred carriers: Determine if the software supports the carriers you use most often.
- Your business size: Choose a solution that can scale with your business as you grow.
ShippingEasy Pros and Cons
To give you a complete picture of ShippingEasy, let’s examine its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: ShippingEasy is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which makes it accessible even for beginners.
- Automation features: The shipping rules and automation capabilities significantly streamline shipping processes and save time.
- Carrier integrations: ShippingEasy supports a wide range of popular carriers, giving you flexibility in choosing the best option.
- Live rates at checkout: Providing transparent and accurate shipping information at checkout can help increase conversions.
- Free trial and plan: The free trial and free plan allow businesses to try the software and continue using it for a limited number of shipments.
Cons:
- Pricing for high-volume shippers: The pricing plans for large businesses might be more expensive than some competitors.
- Limited features compared to certain competitors: While ShippingEasy offers a solid feature set, some competitors have more advanced functionality in areas like automation or customization.
- Customer support responsiveness: The responsiveness of customer support might vary, which can be a concern for businesses that rely on quick assistance.
ShippingEasy FAQ
- Does ShippingEasy have a free plan? Yes, ShippingEasy offers a free plan for small businesses with limited monthly shipments.
- What eCommerce platforms does ShippingEasy integrate with? ShippingEasy integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and many more.
- Can I use ShippingEasy for international shipping? Yes, ShippingEasy supports both domestic and international shipping, offering tools for customs clearance and global order fulfillment.
- How much does ShippingEasy cost? ShippingEasy offers a free trial and a free plan for limited shipments. Paid plans vary in price based on the features and order volume. Visit their website for a custom quote.
- Is ShippingEasy worth it for my business? The best way to determine if ShippingEasy is worth it is to consider your specific needs, order volume, and budget. Try a demo or start a free trial.
- What are some good alternatives to ShippingEasy? Popular alternatives include ShipStation, Shippo, ShipBob, and Shopify Shipping.
Conclusion
ShippingEasy is a solid shipping management software that offers a user-friendly interface, robust automation features, and competitive pricing. It’s a good option for businesses looking to simplify their shipping processes and improve efficiency. However, it’s crucial to weigh its pros and cons carefully and consider alternatives based on your business’s specific needs. By evaluating your order volume, budget, required features, and preferred carriers, you can choose the shipping management software that best suits your eCommerce business.