When setting up an online store, order fulfillment is a key consideration. You can only earn trust and loyalty from your target audience if you ensure that they receive their products as soon as possible.
Good news is that you don’t have to do everything yourself, from inventory management to shipping. Ecommerce store owners are finding new ways to delight customers by using fulfilment services as the internet becomes more accessible.
Fulfilment networks and services are digital environments that allow you to track your inventory, supply chain and shipping information. You can impress your customers by choosing the right tool and ensuring that they receive their products on time.
There are so many options available, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one?
Today we will be looking at two popular fulfilment solutions: ShipBob, and the Shopify Fulfilment Network.
ShipBob Fulfilment Network and Shopify Fulfilment Network are now available
Shopify Fulfilment and ShipBob share a lot.
These digital tools can be used to manage order fulfilment, shipping, packaging and inventory management as well as handling returns. With the help of a back-end environment, business owners can ensure that their product delivery process is handled correctly.
A well-designed fulfilment system can bring repeat business, better reviews and better outcomes to your company.
Shopify is a great eCommerce platform, and one of the most well-known in the business. Shopify offers a variety of incredible integrations with checkout systems that will make your company stand out online.
But it is still in the early stages of delivering fulfilment tool. Shopify Fulfilment Network can be quite complex in places. It’s evident that the company is just starting to explore regions they don’t have much experience in.
ShipBob is not an ecommerce website maker but it is one the most trusted fulfilment providers in the market. ShipBob supports thousands of customers around the world and has a strong network of global fulfilment centres.
Although Shopify Fulfilment Network may seem better in theory, as you can build your website while handling fulfilment from the same location, there are still some missing aspects.
Shopify will take some time before it is able to offer product parity with ShipBob. There’s a good possibility that Shopify will continue to outsource warehouse operations.
This review will explain the main differences between ShipBob Fulfillment Network and Shopify Fulfillment Network.
Introducing ShipBob
Let’s begin with ShipBob – one of the most powerful 3PL systems available – and a powerful tool to help your business grow. ShipBob is a robust fulfilment technology system. This service will give you complete control over your inventory and orders, as well as visibility into the order fulfillment process.
This order management and inventory management tool is ideal for companies that use ecommerce platforms. ShipBob has extensive experience in this field and owns and runs its own fulfillment centers. ShipBob owns all technology stock and the warehouse management system, which is used across all fulfillment centers.
ShipBob offers fulfilment centers in Canada, the US and Europe. This ensures that international companies can benefit from great international shipping rates. All the benefits of fast shipping can be accessed for your Wix or Squarespace, WooCommerce, Shopify and BigCommerce stores (as well marketplaces).
You can expect to pay a few predictable, fixed fees for billing and pricing that are easy to budget. ShipBob offers a personalized service with customized shipping rates.
ShipBob makes managing bundles easy. You can view the components that customers have selected and make changes as you go.
ShipBob is an extremely user-friendly service. It has a modern interface that allows you to manage all your orders and inventory. The inventory management section of ShipBob includes features such as forecasting, reorder points and real-time tracking of SKU counts.
Are you having a problem? You can reach the ShipBob customer service team for quick and efficient assistance. For further assistance, the care team offers access to a comprehensive Help Center. ShipBob has a Trust Score of 4.2 with thousands positive reviews.
ShipBob Pros & Cons
ShipBob has been voted one of the best tools available for order fulfillment. ShipBob is ideal for small- to medium-sized businesses. It will assist you in managing your fulfillment if 400 or more orders are shipped per month. You can find a better option if you ship less than 400 orders per month. However, ShipBob also offers a self-service option for customers who ship less than 400 orders each month.
ShipBob is an excellent choice for ecommerce companies that require reliable fulfilment providers. However, it might not be the right tool for everyone. These are the pros and cons of ShipBob when you’re looking for fulfilment services.
Pros
- Shopify and other ecommerce platforms integrate well.
- Express shipping and 2 Day Shipping
- The best technology available for order fulfillment
- All-in-one solution for order management, warehousing and shipping rates
Cons
- High SKU counts can be costly for those who need to pay high prices
- Although it integrates with Shopify it requires a separate log in
- Ecommerce merchants who receive less than 400 orders per month are not eligible for much assistance.
- Companies that sell mostly via FBA, or who are almost exclusively B2B-focused, may not be suitable.
ShipBob Order Fulfillment: The Pros
ShipBob offers many benefits. Shipping rates and services can be adapted to meet the requirements of different businesses. Great customer service ensures that you are a true business partner. Any issues can be addressed promptly.
Because they are the most likely to influence your decision about which fulfilment tool you use, we chose to highlight four of the benefits.
Let’s take a closer view.
Pros
Shopify Integration Strong
ShipBob can be used as a standalone fulfillment platform, but that doesn’t mean you cannot link your fulfilment provider with your Shopify account. ShipBob’s easy-to-use interface to your online store is what makes it so attractive.
ShipBob integrates with Shopify Plus and Shopify. ShipBob can also be integrated with other platforms and stores, as it is multi-channel fulfilment.
2-day express shipping
Your customer cares about shipping costs and speed. ShipBob can help you with more than just picking and packing 3PL.
You can use this high-performance system to create delivery strategies that outshine your competition and exceed customer expectations. ShipBob’s 2-day express shipping guarantee leverages ground shipping to offer a great and affordable alternative to expedited flight shipping. It also offers a real-time shipping app that provides rates.
The best-in-class technology
ShipBob is the perfect fulfilment partner for you if you are looking for the best technology and user experience. ShipBob’s dashboard is great for merchants. It has an intuitive interface that you will quickly get used to.
ShipBob allows you to see what fulfillment associates choose from your inventory. This is not how Shopify Fulfilment Network works. You’ll have to trust a representative to deal with everything. ShipBob is the best option for anyone who wants to be independent. You can also access advanced analytics to see detailed information about fulfillment performance and shipping data.
Truly end-to-end performance
ShipBob offers deep logistics expertise. This 3PL allows you to request a range of fulfilment services including kitting and fulfillment for B2B. It also offers an order and inventory management system powered by its proprietary warehouse management technology. This comprehensive knowledge covers everything, from operational updates to extraordinary fulfilment tools.
ShipBob Order Fulfillment: The Cons
ShipBob can be a great fulfillment tool to help your business grow. This convenient software and fulfillment platform gives you more control over your inventory and orders. You also benefit from an experienced company in logistics.
ShipBob may not be for everyone. Take ShipBob, for example:
It can become costly over time
ShipBob’s warehouse fees can be a bit expensive. Storage costs for each SKU are charged separately. This means that storage can quickly become expensive if there are many products. If you have low inventory turnover rates or a low number of SKUs, ShipBob is a good option.
Shopify separate login
Although Shopify and ShipBob are compatible, they are two separate systems. You will need to log in to ShipBob separately to manage your online store with Shopify. However, there is a two-way flow of information due to the turnkey integration.
Small companies may require limited handholding
ShipBob provides a self-service option for small businesses (shipping between 0-400 orders per monthly) that they want to use as a 3PL, the Growth plan. It allows small businesses to self-onboard their products without the need for an implementation specialist. ShipBob offers live support via email and phone, but they have fewer direct contacts than merchants who ship over 400 orders per month. However, as you grow ShipBob you will be able to qualify for greater benefits.
It is not ideal for B2B sales or Amazon Prime shipping
The ShipBob order fulfillment system is one the best on the market, especially for direct-to-consumer orders. B2B fulfilment is possible, but you will need most of your orders from ecommerce customers.
ShipBob: The Verdict
Despite its limitations, ShipBob remains the best provider of fulfilment services for business leaders today. This powerful tool can save you both time and money by delivering great customer service. You have many options for location and other features to help you scale your business. This means you can grow as big or small as you like.
ShipBob, which is similar to Shopify Fulfilment Network (or ShipBob), offers a superior solution that gives you access to all the resources you need to run your business, including inventory control and management. ShipBob could be the right choice for you if you are looking for a logistics specialist that is solely focused on fulfillment.
Shopify Fulfillment Network
Shopify Fulfillment network provides a unique experience than ShipBob to companies who need assistance with fulfillment. Shopify Fulfilment Network offers a complete solution for businesses that need to ship orders quickly and without spending a lot. Businesses can manage their data and ship in one place with the full-service network.
Shopify is a great service for creating ecommerce websites, but it lacks visibility and functionality in the inventory management space and fulfilment area.
Shopify doesn’t allow you to always see the reason your order was rejected or delayed. You can also rely on representatives to do most of the work. This can lead to delays in getting basic information and troubleshooting customer issues.
Shopify seems to lack the same insight as ShipBob which is focused entirely on fulfilment. The company clearly doesn’t have the same understanding of fulfilment. Shopify Fulfilment Network is still relatively new in this space, so many customers have had significant problems with their experience.
Shopify Fulfilment Network sends fulfillment to other 3PLs. They don’t offer fulfilment services and don’t run fulfillment centers. They send your inventory only to US fulfilment centers, not ShipBob which allows you to ship and store internationally.
Shopify Fulfilment network costs can also be tallied along with other bills and expenses for Shopify app, which can sometimes lead to you reaching billing thresholds faster than you think. You don’t have the ability to manage or create your bundles by yourself.
The Shopify Fulfilment Network experience does not lack in any way. It is easy to use and has a modern interface. The inventory levels of the warehouses Shopify partners have may not always match the inventory in your Shopify store. There is also very little information to guide you through the set-up process.
Shopify offers a much more limited and clunky experience than what you might expect from ShipBob, a 3PL.
Shopify Fulfilment Network Pros & Cons
Shopify is well-known for its exceptional eCommerce tools and website construction technology. It’s still a relatively new fulfillment provider.
Shopify Fulfillment Network allows you to unlock all the benefits of an ecommerce platform. You only need one login for your store, shipments, and access to shipping carriers such as FedEx, DHL, and USPS. It’s difficult to see your inventory in real time and it is very difficult to find basic answers to your questions. There is no tracking information or updates about the order fulfillment process.
Pros
- An internationally recognized eCommerce platform
- One login to access your shipments as well as your store
- Support for small businesses that ship around 10 orders per hour
- Great for companies with high SKU counts
Cons
- Inventory and fulfilment are outsourced to warehouses with little control.
- Only available in the United States
- They have no fulfillment experience (they have other warehouses that do the same work).
- Limited customer support and visibility into fulfillment
Shopify Fulfillment Network The Pros
Shopify is a well-respected ecommerce platform. However, it’s still early in its experimentation with order fulfillment. It suffers in many areas such as customer communication and visibility. These issues can be overcome by major benefits, including:
Pros
Reputation internationally
Shopify is a popular eCommerce platform for small businesses that want to sell online. Shopify is a trusted platform that offers a wide range of tools and services. It has a lot to offer businesses in the area.
Although Shopify is still a relatively new company in order fulfillment, it has been operating in the eCommerce sector for many years and has a lot to offer.
One login is all you need to manage your store shipments
Shopify wants to make it easier for business professionals to move between tools. Shopify allows you to access one store for all your eCommerce needs. It’s easy to find all information in one place with Shopify, including inventory insights and shipping requirements.
Shopify still has room to grow in this area. The company needs to find a way to sync inventory levels between warehouses owned by companies that fulfill fulfillment orders for Shopify Fulfillment Network. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of being a vertically-integrated solution.
Support for smaller businesses
Shopify is an eCommerce platform for small businesses that works well. Shopify Fulfilment Network allows users to ship only 10 orders per day and get assistance without having to spend a lot.
High SKUs: This product is a good choice
ShipBob might not be the right fit for you if you have a large number of SKUs. Shopify Fulfilment Network allows you to store up to 2,000 SKUs simultaneously. A large storage space is a benefit for merchants who have a large product range.
Shopify Fulfillment Network The Cons
Shopify is constantly improving its services, but it still has a lot of work to do before the company can provide the best order fulfillment process. Shopify is able to build a website that’s attractive and has a strong shopping cart. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean it can provide shipping services.
Cons
There is no control over fulfillment or inventory
Shopify’s Fulfillment Network does not actually fulfill orders, despite the misleading name. The fulfillment process is outsourced to other warehouses with the appropriate amount of space. This means you can send your inventory to third parties, but you won’t have much access to live inventory counts.
Only available in the United States
You will need to locate a 3PL if you wish to have order fulfillment around the globe. Shopify supports fulfillment only in the United States. A separate login is required to find another fulfillment partner.
No 3PL experience
Shopify is an ecommerce platform that experiments with order fulfillment services. However, it’s not a third-party logistics provider. Shopify Fulfilment Network is an online middleman that provides warehouse outsourcing. Shopify has no prior experience in logistics or packing boxes.
Shopify lacks experience, so customers are more likely to have supply chain problems and other risks.
It is difficult to find the right support
Access to customer support is essential in today’s business environment. You will need quick answers if something goes wrong with your fulfillment or shipping solution. Shopify, unlike ShipBob’s full 3PL solution, has limited fulfilment visibility because the work is done outside of their four walls.
It can be difficult to determine why an order is marked as “exceptional” and cannot be fulfilled. Third-party representatives are able to handle each order and pallet for you.
Shopify Fulfillment network: The Verdict
Shopify is still a pioneer in fulfillment services. This is not the company for you if you are looking for a company who can provide everything, from real-time inventory updates to two-day shipping. Shopify is unable to give you complete control over your fulfillment strategy and you will need to trust someone else to make the necessary changes.
Shopify’s support team can be slow to respond to any issue. They don’t have the specialist knowledge necessary to resolve more complicated questions.
Shopify is a great choice for anyone who wants to create a powerful eCommerce website without the need for other tools such as Squarespace or WooCommerce. It’s not the best or most cost-effective option for order fulfillment. Although you will need to use multiple tools to fulfill orders, it is best to keep your orders fulfilled by a 3PL.
ShipBob’s functionality and features are superior to Shopify. Shopify seems to be over-promising, and under-delivering, based on the experiences we have had and the reviews we’ve read.
ShipBob vs Shopify Fulfillment Network – The bottom line
Shopify Fulfillment Network is a solution that can be used to fulfill orders. Shopify Fulfillment Network is a great way to start with fulfillment solutions if you are a small business that ships less than 10 items per day. You might prefer to work directly with third-party fulfillment agencies.
If you have many SKUs to manage, Shopify is a good choice. It’s not the best choice for all business leaders. Shopify is not able to outperform ShipBob just because you don’t need to log in to another service.
You need to get the best out of your order fulfillment system and make your customers happy. ShipBob is that company. If you are looking to take your customer experience strategy up a notch, ShipBob is a great option.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between ShipBob Fulfillment Network and Shopify Fulfillment Network?
Pricing for both options varies depending on many factors. It is important to determine how many products you are shipping, their dimensions and weights, the shipping destinations, and order volume. You should also consider value-added services. Although the pricing is similar, ShipBob offers more value.
ShipBob gives you greater visibility and more advanced functionality. It also offers additional support for inventory and supply chain management. From a budget standpoint, it’s an easy choice.
How does ShipBob compare to Shopify Fulfillment Network in terms of order management and inventory?
ShipBob manages your order and inventory management from start to finish. Access detailed information and reports about every step of the customer journey can be accessed. Inventory updates automatically and is marked as accounted for. To quickly resolve orders in exception, you can hover over them to see the reason they are on hold.
Shopify Fulfillment network is still in its infancy. It’s difficult to determine why an order hasn’t shipped due to the basic technology. Every step of the process is dependent on another person’s actions. It’s not like you are in complete control of your store.
How does ShipBob compare to Shopify Fulfillment Network in shipping management?
ShipBob offers a better solution for inventory and fulfillment management. It has a wide range of fulfillment services and locations from which to ship to and from. ShipBob also provides order management software. You can also track your orders and make changes to your orders after purchase.
