What is ShipStation?

ShipStation is a web-based shipping platform that helps businesses manage small parcel shipping and e-commerce fulfillment. While it’s a great solution for getting products to customers, it doesn’t assist with managing inbound inventory at freight levels. As a SaaS (software-as-a-service) solution, ShipStation doesn’t require specific hardware or installations to use.

ShipStation charges a monthly fee based on shipment volume and other factors.

In the U.S., ShipStation is rapidly growing and widely used by small businesses as they scale. This guide will give you a closer look at ShipStation, help you determine if it’s the right fit for your business, and highlight any common customer concerns.

What are the core ShipStation features?

ShipStation is designed to integrate easily with your e-commerce system, providing tools to streamline the process of managing and shipping orders. Here are the key features:

Order Management
The platform integrates with over 70 sales channels, offering a single dashboard to manage orders across multiple platforms. Automation is a key feature, helping businesses manage orders based on inventory thresholds and specific channel details. The platform also allows orders to be split across multiple warehouses for faster fulfillment.

Shipping
Once an order is ready to ship, ShipStation helps you choose the best carrier and rates, while also offering shipping discounts. It generates shipping documents automatically and attaches them to each order. The platform’s order verification process ensures accuracy in the picking and packing process.

Branding
ShipStation offers branding options to make your e-commerce business stand out. You can customize tracking pages, returns portals, branded emails, and shipping labels to ensure your logo is visible throughout the customer experience.

Inventory Management
ShipStation offers tools to track inventory levels, set alerts for low stock, and reserve inventory for specific orders. You can also train the platform to match your warehouse layout, helping staff pick orders faster.

Integration
ShipStation integrates with a wide range of platforms, including e-commerce marketplaces, shopping cart systems, and third-party tools. This ensures you can continue using your preferred systems while benefiting from ShipStation’s powerful shipping management tools.

Where does ShipStation reach?

ShipStation serves businesses in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia, integrating with carriers in these countries to help you ship goods globally. For expanded international reach, ShipStation can integrate with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), allowing you to ship beyond these core regions.

Is ShipStation easy to use?

The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and simplicity. The dashboard is easy to navigate, making it simple to manage orders and communicate with customers. However, some users have noted that integrations can be complex, and order errors may arise due to how labels and other documents are handled. The solution has improved its customer service, but premium support options are available for those willing to invest in higher-tier plans.

How much does ShipStation cost?

ShipStation offers several pricing tiers based on the number of shipments, user access, and the level of support needed. Pricing is generally straightforward, with additional costs for premium integrations such as Seller Fulfilled Prime. Higher-tier plans offer more robust customer support and additional features.

Is there an app?

Yes, ShipStation offers a fully-featured mobile app that allows you to manage orders, track inventory, and communicate with customers. The app also sends push notifications for important events like low stock alerts, and you can use it to scan barcodes and send orders to fulfillment partners.

Who is a good fit for ShipStation?

Ship station is an excellent choice for growing e-commerce businesses, particularly those managing hundreds to thousands of orders per month. It works well for businesses with multiple warehouses or those working with 3PL partners. However, it may not be the best solution for companies shipping air or ocean freight or dealing with complex international shipments.

At FulfillMe, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your shipping needs. Contact us today to explore if ShipStation is the right fit for your business.