ShipBob : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2024)

What is ShipBob?

ShipBob is a third party logistics company (3PL) specialized in e-commerce, which offers comprehensive logistics outsourcing solutions for online brands.

Founded in 2014 in Chicago, the company has grown rapidly, with more than 1,000 employees and 30 logistics centers around the world.

ShipBob offers an integrated set of services covering the entire e-commerce supply chain:

• Warehousing of products in its international warehouse network
• Order preparation and packaging
• Shipping to end customers via the most suitable carriers
• Management of returns and exchanges

By connecting directly your e-commerce store to the ShipBob platform, you can automate the processing of your orders from end to end. The software also centralizes inventory management, giving you real-time visibility into your inventory levels in each logistics center.

ShipBob is distinguished by its technological focus, with advanced functionalities such as the algorithmic optimization of shipments, machine learning for demand forecasting or even the analysis of logistics performance.

This data-driven approach allows merchants to optimize their supply chain and reduce costs.

With its global coverage and e-commerce expertise, ShipBob is particularly suited to online brands that are experiencing strong growth and want to offer a premium delivery experience to their customers, wherever they are located.

The company supports major players such as Kylie Cosmetics, Pour Moi or MEY, but remains accessible to the smallest retailers thanks to its flexible offers and its mobile app/

ShipBob Features: A Complete Solution to Optimize Your E-Commerce Logistics

ShipBob offers a complete range of features to simplify and optimize the management of your e-commerce logistics. Let's review the main characteristics of this innovative solution.

1. International network

ShipBob has a vast network of warehouses strategically located around the world, allowing you to store your products as close as possible to your customers.

This decentralized approach offers several advantages:

• Reduced delivery times
• Reduction in transport costs
• Easy expansion to new markets

Thanks to this dense geographic network, ShipBob helps you optimize your supply chain and offer a quality customer experience, wherever your buyers are.

👉 Critical review : While ShipBob's network is impressive, it may not cover some specific areas. So check the compatibility with your target markets before engaging.

2. Integration with Major E-Commerce Platforms

The ShipBob platform integrates seamlessly for order processing with the largest e-commerce platforms on the market, including:

• Shopify and Shopify Plus
• woocommerce
• Magento
• BigCommerce
• amazon
• Wix websites
• Social networks
• And many more

This extended compatibility allows you to easily connect your existing online store to ShipBob, without having to change your technical setup. Orders are automatically synchronized and processed, saving you valuable time.

👉 Critical review : While ShipBob covers major players like Shopify Plus, some less prevalent platforms may not be supported natively. A prior check is therefore recommended.

3. Centralized dashboard

ShipBob provides you with a unified dashboard, accessible from any device, to manage all of your logistics operations.

From this intuitive interface, you can:

• Track inventory management of each product in real time
• Manage restocking and inter-warehouse transfers
• Access detailed reports on your performance
• Customize the delivery options offered to your customers

This centralized control gives you complete visibility over your supply chain, for informed and rapid decision-making.

👉 Critical review : ShipBob's dashboard is very comprehensive, but can be intimidating to new users. A period of getting started is to be expected to fully exploit its potential.

4. Customizing the Customer Experience

ShipBob gives you the ability to finely personalize the experience offered to your customers, with options like:

• Branding tracking and delivery notifications in your colors
• Adding greeting cards or promotional flyers to your packages
• The choice of packaging and delivery media

These personal touches allow you to take your brand to the homes of your customers, for a more authentic and engaging relationship.

👉 Critical review : While the customization options offered by ShipBob are satisfactory, they are still less advanced than with some specialized competitors. A good compromise for most e-retailers, but perhaps limiting for the most demanding brands.

5. Expedition Optimization Algorithm

ShipBob uses an advanced proprietary algorithm to optimize order processing for each shipment based on criteria such as:

• The geographical proximity of the warehouses to the recipient
• The costs and deadlines of the various transport options
• The optimal grouping of products from the same order

This powerful tool assures you of fast and profitable shipments, with no effort on your part. You thus achieve substantial savings while maintaining a high level of service.

👉 Critical review : Although ShipBob's algorithm is powerful, it can sometimes make sub-optimal choices for very specific cases. Vigilance remains required, with the possibility of manually adjusting the parameters if necessary.

6. Dedicated customer service

As a ShipBob customer, you benefit from the assistance of a dedicated support team, available by email, chat and phone. These logistics experts are here to help you:

• Resolve operational issues quickly
• Optimize your logistics configuration
• Advise you on industry best practices

This quality support allows you to focus on your core business, with complete peace of mind. You are guaranteed tailor-made support at each stage of your growth.

👉 Critical review : Users unanimously welcome the quality and responsiveness of ShipBob support. A real asset for e-retailers who are starting out in logistics outsourcing. The only downside is that VIP support with a dedicated Account Manager is reserved for high-volume customers.

Pricing

ShipBob offers a simple and transparent price list for order management, based on the actual use of its services.

No hidden fees or long-term commitments, you only pay for what you consume. Here's how the costs break down:

1. 🏭 Storage costs : Calculated based on the volume of stock stored in ShipBob warehouses. Rates vary depending on the geographic area and the type of product, with an average of $40/cubic meter/month.
2. 📦 Preparation costs : Invoiced upon order, they cover the picking, packaging and labelling of your packages. The basic cost is $2.50 per package, with additional options (personalized packaging, kitting...) billed in real life.
3. 🚚 Shipping costs : ShipBob negotiates preferential rates with the main carriers, which it passes on to its customers without additional margin. The final cost depends on the weight, the dimensions, the destination and the level of service chosen (express, standard...).
4. 📈 Account fees : For high-volume merchants (> 1000 orders/month), monthly fees of $30 to $100 apply for access to advanced features and premium support.

To accurately estimate your costs, it is recommended that you use the ShipBob online calculator or request a personalized quote. As an indication, for an e-merchant shipping 500 orders per month with an average basket of $50, the total cost would be around $4 per order.

A competitive Shipbob Fulfillment rate with respect to the market, which integrates all logistics services. In addition, ShipBob helps its customers optimize their costs on an ongoing basis through personalized recommendations based on the analysis of their logistics data. A major asset to remain competitive over the long term.

Alternatives to ShipBob

ShipBob is undoubtedly a major player in e-commerce logistics, it is not the only one in this booming market. Here are 3 quality alternatives, with their strengths, weaknesses, and differences compared to ShipBob.

1. ShipMonk: The Tech Outsider

👥 Target customers: E-retailers of all sizes, with a particular attraction for tech-savvy brands.

ShipMonk is an e-commerce logistics startup that uses technology to differentiate itself. Like ShipBob, it offers a complete logistics outsourcing solution, from warehousing to shipping, with a particular focus on automation and data.

Key features

• Countries covered: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Western Europe
• ShipMonk has 8 warehouses strategically located in the United States, as well as facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western Europe to effectively serve these markets.
• Integration with 100+ e-commerce platforms, ERP, and WMS
• Advanced automation of logistics processes via robotics
• Powerful logistics data reporting and analysis tool
• 24/7 customer service with real-time order tracking

Pricing

Starting at $250/month for the basic offer, then invoicing as you use (inventory management, order processing, shipping).

Our Take

👍 Pros

• Higher level of automation thanks to robots
• More and more flexible integrations
• More responsive 24/7 customer support

👎 Cons

• Less dense geographic network (8 warehouses)
• Fewer advanced logistics optimization features
• More complex and less transparent billing

2. Red Stag Fulfillment: The Heavy and Bulky Product Specialist

👥 Target customers: BtoB and BtoC brands selling non-standard products: furniture, household appliances, sports equipment...

Red Stag Fulfillment is an American 3PL that specializes in the management of heavy, bulky and fragile products. It is distinguished by its adapted warehouses, its specific handling equipment and its expertise in custom packaging.

Key features

• Warehouses equipped for non-standard products
• Countries covered: The United States
• With its warehouses located in Utah and Pennsylvania, Red Stag Fulfilment covers the entire American territory. However, the company does not offer direct international shipping.
• Customized and reinforced packaging for fragile products
• Support for carriers specialized in freight and large packages
• Quality guarantee with refund in case of breakage or error

Pricing

Personalized quote according to the volume and nature of the products. Real billing (no subscription).

Our Take

👍 Pros

• Unique expertise on heavy and bulky products
• Quality of service and very low error rate
• Flexibility to adapt to specific needs

👎 Cons

• Limited geographic coverage in the US
• Less automated and less “tech” processes
• Rates that may be higher

3. ShipHero: The All-In-One WMS Platform

👥 Target customers: E-retailers and wholesalers managing their logistics internally or wishing to combine internalization and outsourcing.

ShipHero is a bit of a UFO in this comparison, because it is positioned more as a warehouse management software (WMS) than as a classic 3PL. Its particularity is to offer a unified platform to manage its logistics, whether internally or via a network of partners.

Key features

• Countries covered: All over the world
• ShipHero relies on an extensive network of 3PL partners to provide global coverage. Merchants can thus easily ship their orders internationally from the ShipHero platform.
• Complete WMS platform: receiving, storing, preparing, shipping
• Integrated 3PL partner network for on-demand outsourcing
• Mobile app to manage logistics from anywhere
• Automation of all logistics data flows

Pricing

Starting at $500/month for the software, then invoicing per use for outsourced services.

Our Take

👍 Pros

• Flexibility to combine insourcing and outsourcing
• Full control over its logistics operations
• Unified and transparent management, even in multi-warehouses

👎 Cons

• Requires more internal resources to pilot
• Longer learning curve at the start
• Prices can quickly increase with add-ons and options

In short, ShipBob is not alone in the highly coveted e-commerce market.

Challengers like ShipMonk rely on technology to appeal to fast-growing brands, while specialists like Red Stag Fulfilment focus on high-value-added niches. ShipHero, for its part, is reinventing the model by hybridizing software and services.

FAQs

What types of products can ShipBob ship?

ShipBob can ship most standard e-commerce products: clothing, cosmetics, accessories, small electronics... Only dangerous or regulated products (lithium batteries, aerosols, alcohols, etc.) are excluded. If in doubt, do not hesitate to check the eligibility of your products with the ShipBob team.

How does ShipBob handle order picking?

Upon receipt of an order, ShipBob processes it according to the following process: picking the items in the warehouse, packing into a suitable package, labeling with the delivery note and tracking, then delivery to the carrier. The entire process is automated and optimized to ensure fast and reliable processing.

What shipping destinations are supported?

ShipBob ships worldwide to over 220 countries and territories. Thanks to its international network of warehouses, packages are taken care of as close as possible to end customers for fast and economical delivery, including internationally. Taxes and customs duties are automatically calculated for a seamless customer experience.

What are the delivery times offered by ShipBob?

ShipBob offers different levels of service depending on the emergency and the budget: express delivery on D+1 (in the USA), standard delivery in 2 to 5 days, economical delivery in 5 to 8 days. For international shipments, count 8 to 15 days on average. Real-time tracking is available for all shipments.

Final Verdict

In just a few years, ShipBob has become a key player in e-commerce logistics by combining the power of the network with the agility of technology.

While its solution is not adapted to all types of merchants, it undeniably offers one of the best quality-price ratios on the market for e-retailers looking for a reliable and scalable partner.

An option worth seriously considering for anyone who wants to focus on their core business by calmly outsourcing their logistics.

In summary, ShipBob offers a complete suite of features to automate and optimize the management of your e-commerce.

From transparent integrations to the algorithmic optimization of shipments, through to quality customer support, this solution has everything to seduce merchants looking for a reliable and innovative logistics partner.

Even if improvements are still possible in some aspects, ShipBob undoubtedly offers one of the best feature-price ratios on the market. An option to consider very seriously for fast-growing e-retailers.