8 Best Shipping Solutions For eCommerce (Ultimate Guide 2024)

Finding the right shipping solution can be a real headache. With so many options, how do you choose the best one? The trick lies in finding a system that integrates effortlessly with your daily operations, enhancing your delivery process from order to doorstep.

This article will show how suitable shipping systems can boost efficiency, cut costs, and build customer loyalty. At the end of this read, you will know how to pick the shipping solution that fits your business like a glove.

Let’s dive in.

8 Best Shipping Solutions For eCommerce

Our list covers everything, whether you prioritize speed, reliability, flexibility, or seamless integration. Pay close attention to each solution’s features and how it matches your eCommerce objectives.

1. ShipStation

ShipStation’s platform effortlessly connects with various shopping carts, marketplaces, and carriers. This integration creates a centralized hub that oversees orders from multiple sales venues.

Key features include:

• Automation tools that handle repetitive tasksto enhance efficiency and reduce human error. These tasks include importing orders and updating customers with tracking details.
• Compatibility with over 300 shopping carts, marketplaces, and courier services. This provides flexibility for businesses that operate across various sales and distribution channels.
• Customizable workflows and shipping rules allow for tailored automation. Decisions on shipping methods are made based on set criteria like order weight, destination, or item category.
• Batch label printing allows you to process shipping labels in one step, drastically improvingthe fulfillment process.
• Advanced return management with a customer-friendly returns portalstreamlines the returns process and significantly improves the customer experience.

2. Shippo

Shippo connects you to different shipping options from top carriers like FedEx and UPS so you can balance cost and speed.

You can compare and pick shipping services instantly to match your business needs. This makes your logistics easier and helps meet customer expectations.

Key Features:

• Shippo securesdiscounted rates with leading carriers.
• It allows real-time rate comparisons across carriers. This helps you choose the best and most cost-effective shipping methods.
• The platform integrates seamlessly with top eCommerce platformsand marketplaces, streamlining your shipping process from start to finish.
• Shippo automates shipping labels, tracking numbers, and return label creation. This saves time and reduces manual errors.
• It offers customized tracking updates. This keeps your customers informed and improves their shopping experience.

3. Easyship

Easyship helps you reach more customers worldwide and provides tools for all shipping needs. It allows you to pick affordable options and manage customs and taxes for international orders.

Key Features:

• Offers access to over 250 shipping solutions worldwide. This lets you compare rates and delivery timelines.
• Calculates taxes and duties at checkout. This adds transparency and lowers surprise costs for customers.
• Automates shipping taskslike label creation and customs paperwork.
• Provides dynamic shipping rates at checkout. Customers can choose options based on price and delivery speed.
• Allows real-time order tracking via Easyship’s platform or appto improve the post-purchase experience for customers.

4. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) handles eCommerce businesses’ warehousing and shipping duties.

You can keep your items in Amazon’s fulfillment centers using Amazon’s logistics network. Here, products are picked, packed, and shipped once ordered. FBA also covers customer service and returns.

Key Features:

• Access to Amazon’s vast fulfillment network.This lets you store products across the globe for quicker customer shipping.
• Eligibility for Amazon Prime.FBA products can use Prime’s 2-day shipping. This makes your business more attractive to Amazon customers.
• It simplified shipping and handling. Amazon manages the entire order process, from storage to delivery.
• Scalable solution. FBA adjusts to changes in order volume. Businesses don’t need to alter their infrastructure.
• They have enhanced customer trust. FBA products come with Amazon’s customer service and return policies for a secure shopping experience.

5. Sendcloud

Sendcloud simplifies logistics, automates shipping tasks, and enhances customers’ post-purchase experience.

Sendcloud seamlessly integrates with many carriers, such as UPS and FedEx. This helps businesses manage shipments, tracking, and returns more efficiently.

Key Features:

• It connects with multiple carriers and eCommerce platforms, allowing businesses to easily link their online store with different shipping options.
• Automates shipping label creationto cut down on manual work and speed up getting orders ready to send.
• Offers customizable and branded tracking updates. Customers can keep up with their order’s journey.
• Simplifies returns with a self-service portal.This makes returning items easier for customers and businesses.
• You can get valuable data on how their shipping is doing, the costs, and what customers prefer. This helps in making smarter decisions to improve shipping strategies.

6. Stamps.com

Stamps.com offers a digital postage and shipping service. It’s designed for eCommerce businesses, small office mailers, and bulk shippers to make mailing and shipping easier.

This service lets users print official USPS and UPS postage without special equipment. Stamps.com makes sending letters or shipping packages easier, whether domestically or internationally.

Key Features:

• You can print official USPS and UPS postage from your computer. This eliminates trips to the post office for mail or packages.
• Get discounted postage rates from USPS and UPS.
• Integrate with leading eCommerce platforms and marketplaces to make order import smooth and streamline shipping for online stores.
• Use advanced label creation, shipment tracking, and customer communication management features within one platform.
• Access custom reports for insights on shipping costs, trends, and savings. These help businesses strategize more effectively about mailing and shipping.

7. FedEx Fulfillment

FedEx Fulfillment offers a complete logistics service for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses. It covers warehousing, fulfillment, packaging, transportation, and reverse logistics.

This service aims to improve supply chain management using FedEx’s global network and expertise. It focuses on boosting operational efficiency, speeding up deliveries, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Key Features:

• Provides warehousing and inventory management.This ensures safe storage of products and quick retrieval for fast order fulfillment.
• Offers order fulfillment services. FedEx picks, packs, and ships orders quickly, using its vast transportation network for on-time deliveries.
• It includes several shipping options, such as standard, expedited, and same-day delivery, to meet customer needs and expectations.
• It integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms, allowing for real-time inventory tracking, order management, and automatic shipping updates.
• It supports reverse logistics. This includes easy returns management and processing, ensuring a positive customer experience, and efficient inventory restocking.

8. DHL eCommerce

DHL eCommerce is a division of DHL, the global logistics leader, that is made for online shops. They offer shipping and fulfillment services.

Key Features:

• Offers a broad selection of international shipping optionsfor eCommerce. This includes affordable packet and parcel delivery services, making it easy to reach customers worldwide.
• Provides fully tracked shipping solutions. Businesses and their customers can track the shipping journey from start to finish.
• Delivers customized solutionsfor customs duties and taxes. This simplifies cross-border sales and enhances the customer experience.
• Includes flexible delivery optionslike doorstep delivery, service point delivery, and easy return solutions. These meet global customer preferences and increase the chance of successful deliveries.
• Features integration capabilities with top eCommerce platformsand marketplaces. This automates the exchange of orders and tracking details, simplifying the shipping process.

We’ve looked at the best shipping solutions, but how do we turn this knowledge into real action?

Let’s explore how these strategies can do more than just meet expectations—they can exceed them.

eCommerce Shipping Methods & Strategies

We’ll break down shipping methods and strategies into a simple table. This way, you can quickly identify which options you can offer to your customers.

Picking the best mix of shipping methods requires a thoughtful strategy. Consider these approaches:

• Use free shippingfor big orders or as a short-term deal.
• Add a local pickup to cut shipping costs and bring more people to your store.
• Allow customers to choose and pay for their shippingwith real-time carrier rates.
• Provide standard, expedited, and same-day shipping at checkout to meet different needs.
• Use a flat rate for standard ordersand a table rate for quicker ones based on weight or where it’s going.

How do you pick a shipping strategy and then figure out the cost? Knowing how to calculate shipping costs is what we’ll cover next.

How to Calculate Your eCommerce Shipping Costs?

Figuring out your eCommerce shipping costs comes down to a few essential things. Let’s break it down into manageable steps to help you start:

1. Know the Weight and Size of Your Package: These can change the shipping cost. Carriers sometimes charge more for big boxes, even if they’re light. For example, shipping a lightweight, beach ball-sized box can cost more than sending a more petite, book-sized package that’s heavier.

2. Understand Shipping Zones: Shipping carriers divide regions into zones. The distance between your shipping location and the customer’s address (the zone) influences the cost. The further the zone, the higher the price. For instance, sending a package from New York to California is more expensive than shipping it to New Jersey.

3. Choose Your Shipping Method: Decide whether you’ll offer standard, expedited, or same-day shipping. Each option has different rates, with faster shipping typically costing more.

4. Consider Carrier-Specific Rates: Different carriers have unique pricing models, so research rates from carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx to find the best option. For instance, USPS might offer more competitive rates for small, lightweight packages, while FedEx or UPS could be better for heavier, international shipments.

5. Consider Extra Charges: These can include fuel fees, home delivery costs, or fees for Saturday delivery.

6. Calculate Total Shipping Costs: Combine all these factors to determine the total cost of shipping each order. For more accurate estimates, use shipping calculators provided by carriers or third-party tools.

7. Decide on Shipping Costs: You can charge actual carrier rates, offer free shipping, use a flat rate, or mix these options.

How to Track eCommerce Shipments & Returns?

This section will detail how to track orders and process returns smoothly.

How to Track Outbound Shipments?

Tracking outbound shipments starts when an order is dispatched from your warehouse or fulfillment center. Here’s how you can keep a close eye on every package’s journey to your customer:

I. Choosing a Shipping Carrier with Reliable Tracking

• Step 1: Research and compare carriers like FedEx and UPS based on their tracking capabilities. Look for features like real-time updates and detailed route information.
• Step 2: Set up an account with your chosen carrier. During the setup, inquire specifically about their tracking tools and how they integrate with your existing systems.
• Step 3: Once you’ve chosen a carrier, use their tracking services for every shipment to maintain a reliable flow of information.

II. Integrating Tracking Information

• Step 1:Choose a platform like ShipStation or Shopify to integrate directly with your carrier’s system. Make sure the platform supports automatic tracking notifications.
• Step 2:Configure your chosen platform to automatically fetch tracking numbers from the carrier once an order is shipped.
• Step 3:Set up the system to automatically send these tracking numbers and a tracking link to your customers via email or SMS. This ensures they receive the information without any need for manual intervention.

III. Using a Centralized Tracking System

• Step 1: Select a centralized tracking platform such as Shippo or Easyship. Ensure it’s compatible with the carriers and platforms you’re using.
• Step 2:Connect this system with your order management system. This will automatically update tracking information for each outbound shipment.
• Step 3: Regularly monitor this dashboard to stay ahead of any potential delivery issues and address them proactively.

IV. Communicating Proactively

• Step 1: Use customer service software like Zendesk or Freshde. This will help manage queries and send proactive updates.
• Step 2: In case of a delay or issue, use these tools to send updates to affected customers before they contact you. Customize the message to explain the situation and the estimated resolution time.
• Step 3: Encourage feedback on the communication process to improve and adapt your strategy for future shipments.

How to Track & Handle Returns?

Here’s how to smooth out the returns process:

A. Clear Returns Policy

Your site needs a straightforward returns policy. It should be easy to find and explain how to return items, the time allowed for returns, and any costs involved.

GreenSupply sets an excellent example for this. Their site clearly explains return details: how to start a return, the time frame, and costs. This transparency ensures customers have an easy return experience.

B. Simplify Return Process

Offer customers a simple, hassle-free process to initiate returns. This could include a self-service portal where customers can print their return labels.

C. Track Return Shipments

For example, provide returns tracking for outbound shipments so you and your customer can monitor the return’s progress.

D. Inspect & Process Returns Quickly

Once a return is received, inspect the product and process the return swiftly. Inspect returns within 24-48 hours. This quick inspection shows you value customer time and keeps your inventory accurate.

After inspection, update the return in your system right away. Issue refunds or process exchanges within 24 hours and communicate each step to the customer. Send updates when the return is received, after inspection, and when the refund or exchange is completed.

Regularly assess your return process for delays and gather customer feedback for improvements.

E. Analyze Returns Data

Track return reasons with tools like Amazon FBA and Shipoo.These tools gather data on why items are returned. This helps you spot common issues and improve product quality to reduce future returns.

F. Enhance Customer Experience with Detailed Shipping Information & Product Insights

Improving your eCommerce site for customers involves showing customers exactly what they’re buying.

3Wishes is an excellent example of this. Their website shines by clearly explaining shipping options. Customers can choose from various shipping speeds, which are free to express, each with a set delivery time. This clarity lets customers decide based on urgency or willingness to pay for faster delivery.

They also ease worries by promising a tracking number with every order so customers can follow their purchase. Plus, they offer free same-day shipping for orders placed before the cutoff time.

They are additionally adding a chat widget to your eCommerce site to make talking about returns easy. Set up the widget to answer common questions right away. This includes how to start a return, details about the return policy, any costs, and the return deadline. This way, customers get fast answers without waiting for someone to help them.

When a customer has a tricky question, the chat widget should quickly connect them to a live support agent. Tell customers when they can talk to someone in real time.

Link your chat widget with your return system for even smoother service.

This lets customers get updates on their returns or refunds through the chat. Quick, easy help like this makes customers happy and more likely to return.

To take your game to the next level, consider integrating a maturity model into your strategy. This will gradually improve every part of your eCommerce platform. It ensures a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience for customers.

By focusing on these elements, you do more than just sell products. You create a welcoming space that encourages customers to come back.

Conclusion

When picking a shipping solution, focus on flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Choose a platform that adjusts to your business and integrates smoothly.

Also, think about customer support and reliability. They’re crucial for smooth operations and happy customers.

Selecting the right shipping solution simplifies logistics and boosts overall efficiency.

Are you ready to take your shipping strategy to the next level? Business Upside is your go-to resource for unlocking the full potential of your eCommerce operations. With our expert insights and comprehensive resources, you’ll have everything you need to transform your shipping processes and achieve unparalleled success.

Take advantage of this opportunity to revolutionize your eCommerce journey. Click here to unleash the power of expert advice and begin your journey to eCommerce excellence with Business Upside.

Author Bio: 

Burkhard Berger is the founder of Novum™. He helps innovative B2B companies implement modern SEO strategies to scale their organic traffic to 1,000,000+ visitors per month. Are you curious about what your true traffic potential is?

• Author picture: Here
• Gravatar: [email protected]

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