Running an e-commerce business comes with its challenges, and one of them is shipping and label generation. Getting the right shipping label generation system can make a world of difference in the efficiency and smooth running of your business. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 shipping label generation systems for stationery and office supplies e-commerce businesses. We will cover the features and benefits, pricing, user reviews and ratings, and how to integrate them into your store.
The need for shipping label generation systems cannot be overemphasized. Simply put, shipping label generation systems automate the shipping label printing process when you have an order. This means you don't have to manually input the recipient's address and other relevant information every time you need to ship an order. They eliminate the risk of human error and increase the speed and accuracy of the shipping process, thereby improving the overall efficiency of your business operations.
Before selecting a shipping label generation system, there are specific considerations that you should make. One of the most crucial factors is the system's compatibility with your e-commerce platform. You should also consider the features of the system, ease of use, pricing, customer support, and overall ratings and reviews. Identifying and prioritizing your business's needs will help you select the most suitable shipping label generation system for your business.
There are several shipping label generation systems available on the market, but we have compiled a list of the top ten for stationery and office supplies e-commerce businesses. In no particular order, they are:
Each shipping label generation system on our list has unique features and benefits that distinguish it from the others:
Shippo is a user-friendly system that enables you to manage, connect, and optimize shipping effectively. It offers integrations with various marketplaces and platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify. Shippo's features include customized shipping labels, tracking information, multiple carrier options, and discounted rates.
EasyPost is an API-based shipping solution that supports over 100 carriers worldwide. It provides users with real-time rates and tracking, user-friendly interfaces, and custom branding options. Additionally, with EasyPost, you can access advanced tools such as delivery date prediction and customs management.
ShipStation enables you to manage all your e-commerce orders and shipping in one place. It integrates with over 100 platforms and marketplaces and provides reporting tools that help you keep track of your shipments. Other features include shipment notifications, shipping label customization, multi-carrier options, and USPS discounted rates.
ShipWorks is a cloud-based system that allows you to manage orders, shipping, and inventory across multiple e-commerce platforms. It offers advanced features such as automated email notifications, customer order history tracking, and user-friendly interfaces.
Stamps.com is a popular shipping label generation system that supports all USPS mail classes, including media mail and international shipping. It offers features such as real-time rates and tracking, customized shipping labels, and email notifications. Additionally, Stamps.com provides access to discounted USPS rates and integrates with various e-commerce platforms.
Endicia is a web-based shipping solution that provides access to USPS shipping rates and services. It offers features such as customizable shipping labels, multi-carrier options, and real-time tracking information. Endicia also provides discounted USPS rates for shippers who meet the minimum shipping volume requirements.
Sendle is a carbon-neutral shipping system that offers users competitive domestic and international rates. It integrates with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Squarespace, and WooCommerce, and provides features such as real-time tracking and user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, Sendle provides shipping insurance coverage.
Pirate Ship is a free shipping software that provides shipping rates discounted up to 90% compared to other carriers. It offers features such as customizable shipping labels, real-time tracking information, and integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify. Additionally, Pirate Ship provides access to discounted USPS rates for shippers that meet minimum shipping volume requirements.
Ordoro is a shipping management system that offers multi-carrier options, real-time tracking information, and customized shipping labels. It integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify and provides advanced features such as inventory management and customizable reporting options.
AfterShip is a shipment tracking platform that integrates with over 700 couriers worldwide. It provides real-time tracking and notifications, user-friendly interfaces, and customizable branding options. Additionally, AfterShip offers automated tracking information updates and shipment delivery alerts.
The cost of each shipping label generation system varies based on the features and the volume of orders. Here is a comparison of the pricing for each system on our list:
System | Pricing (per month) | Free Trial |
---|---|---|
Shippo | Starting at $10 | Yes, up to 5 shipments |
EasyPost | Custom pricing | Yes, up to 50,000 labels |
ShipStation | Starting at $9 | Yes, up to 50 labels |
ShipWorks | Starting at $25 | No |
Stamps.com | Starting at $17.99 | Yes, up to $5 in postage |
Endicia | Starting at $19.95 | Yes, up to $15 in postage |
Sendle | Starting at $2.99 | No |
Pirate Ship | Free | No |
Ordoro | Starting at $59 | Yes, up to 30 days |
AfterShip | Starting at $9 | Yes, up to 20 shipments |
Users' feedback can provide insight into the actual performance and effectiveness of a shipping label generation system. Here are user reviews and ratings for each of the shipping systems on our list:
Users generally praise Shippo for its ease of use, user-friendly interface, and variety of carrier choices. However, some users have reported issues with connectivity and integration with specific platforms.
EasyPost users appreciate its reliability, reasonable pricing, and custom branding options. Some users, however, report that its integration with some platforms is not as seamless.
ShipStation users appreciate its versatility, helpful support, and ease of use. Some users have reported technical difficulties and difficulties in integrating with some platforms.
ShipWorks users praise its comprehensive management capabilities and simple interface. Some users have reported slow customer support and technical difficulties in importing customer data.
Stamps.com customers appreciate the platform's reliability, discount options, and integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Some users, however, feel that the user interface could be improved.
Endicia users generally appreciate the platform's competitive rates, user-friendly interface, and support options. However, some users have reported technical difficulties, and the system's email notifications could be improved.
Sendle users appreciate its fair pricing, reliable tracking, and helpful support. Some users, however, have reported slow customer service and system glitches.
Pirate Ship users appreciate the platform's ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Some users have reported technical difficulties, particularly with the label printing function.
Ordoro users appreciate the platform's advanced management features, automated inventory tracking, and helpful customer service. Some feel that the interface could be improved, and there is a learning curve for less tech-savvy users.
AfterShip users appreciate the platform for its versatility, variety of carrier options, and simple interface. Some have reported technical difficulties and difficulties in tracking international shipments.
Like any other technology-driven system, shipping label generation systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a shipping label generation system:
Integrating your shipping label generation system with your e-commerce store is the key to its effectiveness. Here are the steps to integrate your selected shipping label generation system with your online store:
Once you have integrated your shipping label generation system with your e-commerce store, here are some tips to optimize your shipping process:
As technology advances, new developments in shipping label generation systems are emerging. Here are some future developments to look out for: