Introduction

1.1 Importance of Shipping Software in E-Commerce

In the bustling world of e-commerce, where customers seek instant gratification, having an efficient shipping process is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Shipping software plays a pivotal role in ensuring that products reach customers on time, in the right condition, and at the desired location. From generating shipping labels to calculating real-time shipping costs, shipping software enables e-commerce businesses to streamline their logistics process, saving time and resources. Additionally, it brings about cost-effectiveness by helping to identify the cheapest or fastest shipping options based on the size, weight, and dimensions of the parcel.

1.2 How Tracking Software Enhances Customer Service

Ever been in a position where a customer is calling, irate, wondering where their package is? Tracking software can be a game-changer in such situations. Offering real-time package monitoring, tracking software keeps both the e-commerce merchant and the customer in the loop at every stage of the shipment. It allows for more transparent and accurate order tracking, and thereby reduces customer anxiety and increases their confidence in your service. In an era where customer service is often the differentiating factor among businesses, this can be a significant advantage.

What to Look for in a Shipping Software Solution

2.1 Package Monitoring Features

When selecting the ideal shipping software for your e-commerce business, package monitoring should be at the top of your list of essential features. Real-time tracking information can not only reduce the number of “Where’s my package?” queries you receive but also empower customers to answer this question themselves. Look for software that provides GPS-based monitoring, automated notifications at each delivery milestone, and even photographic proof of delivery. Additionally, features like geofencing—where you are alerted if a package exits a predefined geographical area—can be instrumental in preventing parcel loss or theft.

2.2 Customer Service Tools

The impact of your shipping software choice extends beyond just the physical logistics of package delivery—it also significantly affects your customer service quality. Consider software options that include automated email or SMS notifications, customer dashboards for self-service tracking, and an AI-powered chatbot that can resolve tracking queries. These features not only improve the customer experience but also reduce the workload on your customer service team, enabling them to focus on more complex issues that may arise.

2.3 Parcel Management

The right shipping software should not only help you send out parcels but also effectively manage them throughout the entire shipping cycle. Parcel management features should include the ability to batch-process shipping labels, automatically validate addresses, and dynamically select shipping options based on set rules, such as the size or weight of the package. This sort of optimization can help in achieving significant cost savings, not to mention the added bonus of environmental responsibility by choosing the most efficient shipping routes.

In summary, your shipping software should not only be a tool for sending packages but also a comprehensive solution that enhances package monitoring, bolsters customer service, and streamlines parcel management. Make sure to weigh these factors carefully as you navigate the sea of options available in the market today.

The Role of Tracking Software in Shipping

3.1 Real-time Monitoring

Imagine running an e-commerce business without any visibility into where your shipments are at any given moment. Stressful, right? This is where real-time monitoring comes into play, serving as the eyes and ears of both businesses and consumers in the shipping process. Tracking software offers live updates, often to the minute, about a package’s status and location. It can alert you about delays due to weather conditions, traffic jams, or any unexpected incidents. Real-time monitoring also lets customers know when to expect their package, which not only builds trust but also enhances customer service by allowing for better communication and expectations management.

3.2 How Tracking Software Reduces Parcel Loss

Parcel loss is a nightmare scenario for any e-commerce business. Not only does it result in financial losses, but it can also severely damage a company’s reputation. Tracking software mitigates this risk through advanced features such as geo-fencing, anomaly detection, and instant alerts. By setting up a geographical virtual boundary, geo-fencing sends notifications if a parcel leaves or enters a particular area. Anomaly detection identifies irregularities in the parcel’s journey that could indicate possible loss or theft. Instant alerts are sent out for any irregularities, enabling quicker response times to resolve issues before they escalate.

By employing tracking software with these capabilities, you’re not just adding a layer of security to your shipments; you’re also instilling confidence in your customers. The peace of mind that comes from knowing a package is trackable in real-time can be a significant factor in customer retention and loyalty.

Through real-time monitoring and advanced features aimed at reducing parcel loss, tracking software has become an indispensable tool in modern shipping operations. Its role is not merely to inform but to enhance the entire ecosystem of shipping, from the sender to the receiver.

Aftership: A Comprehensive Review

4.1 Key Features of Aftership

Aftership has established itself as a leading solution in the shipping software landscape, and for good reasons. Its comprehensive suite of features begins with over 1,100 carrier integrations, making it incredibly versatile for businesses operating on a global scale. The platform is also known for its easy-to-use API and customizable tracking pages that allow businesses to provide a more branded experience to their customers. Moreover, Aftership offers insightful analytics that help e-commerce businesses understand shipping performance, carrier comparisons, and even customer behavior post-purchase.

4.2 Aftership’s Tracking Software Features

Where Aftership really shines is its robust tracking software. It provides real-time tracking updates, enabling customers and businesses alike to monitor the exact location and status of their parcels. Features like delivery prediction and exception alerts further elevate the software. Delivery prediction gives customers an estimated delivery window, while exception alerts notify both parties in the event of delays, cancellations, or other shipping anomalies. This proactive monitoring approach greatly reduces the occurrence of parcel loss and improves customer satisfaction.

4.3 Customer Service Capabilities

From a customer service standpoint, Aftership offers tools designed to minimize friction and enhance customer engagement. Its automated email and SMS notifications keep customers in the loop at each stage of the shipping process, thus reducing the volume of inquiries and allowing customer service teams to focus on more complex issues. Aftership also provides a self-service portal where customers can track their orders without having to contact customer service, further reducing the burden on your team.

4.4 Pricing: Is Aftership Worth the Cost?

While Aftership does offer a range of features that can significantly streamline your shipping and customer service operations, it comes with a price tag that can be on the higher side for smaller businesses. Packages start at around $11 per month for 100 shipments per month, but can go up significantly if you require more advanced features and higher tracking volume. Despite the costs, the ROI can be quite promising, especially when considering the time saved, the reduction in parcel losses, and the potential for increased customer loyalty and retention.

Aftership brings a lot to the table with its comprehensive features, advanced tracking software, and customer service capabilities. While it may be pricier than some options, its robust offerings make it a strong contender in the shipping software market.

Shippo: More than Just a Shipping Software

5.1 Key Features of Shippo

Shippo is often touted as a straightforward, user-friendly shipping software, but it’s so much more than that. With its ability to integrate with more than 85 global carriers, Shippo provides e-commerce businesses the flexibility to choose the best shipping options for them. Additionally, Shippo offers batch shipping features, allowing companies to process and print multiple shipping labels at once, saving valuable time. The software’s dashboard also comes with a nifty “Shipping Analytics” section that offers detailed insights into shipping costs, average delivery times, and overall performance metrics.

5.2 Shippo’s Unique Package Monitoring Tools

Shippo’s package monitoring features truly set it apart. Not only does it offer real-time tracking, but it also introduces a ‘Smart Tracking’ feature. Smart Tracking automatically categorizes tracking updates into easily understandable statuses like ‘Out for Delivery’ or ‘Exception,’ making it easier for both you and your customers to understand exactly what’s happening with each package. Shippo also offers a “Tracking API” that businesses can use to embed tracking functionality directly into their own apps or websites for a more seamless customer experience.

5.3 How Shippo Improves Your Customer Service

In the realm of customer service, Shippo excels by offering a plethora of customer-oriented features. The software sends automated notifications about package status, reducing the burden on your customer service team and the number of “Where is my package?” inquiries. Moreover, the ability to customize these notifications allows you to extend your brand’s voice and messaging all the way through the delivery process. Shippo’s easy-to-navigate dashboard also means that customer service agents can quickly access shipping information, making it easier to assist customers in real-time.

5.4 Pricing: What Does Shippo Offer?

Pricing is always a crucial consideration, and Shippo provides multiple options to suit businesses of all sizes. It has a ‘Free’ plan, perfect for smaller operations. For businesses with higher shipping volumes, there is a monthly subscription ‘Professional’ plan starting at $10, which offers additional features like branded tracking pages, automation, batch processing, and premium support. For enterprises with specific requirements, there is a quote-based ‘Premier’ plan offering additional perks.  

In summary, Shippo is more than just a shipping software; it’s a comprehensive shipping solution designed with both the business and the customer in mind. Its unique package monitoring tools and customer service features make it a standout option, and its flexible pricing ensures that businesses of all sizes can benefit.

Easyship: Simplifying Your Shipping Needs

6.1 Key Features of Easyship

If simplicity and efficiency are what you seek in your e-commerce shipping operations, Easyship should be at the top of your list. This shipping software brings more than 250 shipping solutions from around the world into one easy-to-use platform. One of its key features is the “Rates at a Glance” dashboard, which compares shipping rates from various carriers, including taxes and duties, allowing you to make informed decisions. Another standout feature is Easyship’s “Automated Taxes and Duties” function, which pre-calculates these costs so that your customers aren’t caught off-guard by additional fees upon delivery.

6.2 Easyship’s Range of Tracking Software

Monitoring parcels is a breeze with Easyship’s range of tracking software features. Apart from standard real-time tracking, Easyship also integrates a “Milestone Tracking” function that notifies you when key delivery milestones are reached. This aids in proactive customer service, as you can address issues even before the customer becomes aware of them. The “Multi-Courier Tracking” feature is also noteworthy, as it enables tracking of packages shipped through different carriers all from a single dashboard.

6.3 Managing Parcel Deliveries with Ease

Easyship stands out for its exceptional parcel management capabilities. With its “Bulk Label Creation” feature, you can create up to 100 shipping labels in just a couple of clicks. It also offers a “Returns Management” module that allows customers to generate their own return labels, thereby speeding up the returns process and enhancing customer satisfaction. These tools are designed to simplify your workload while elevating the overall shipping experience for your customers.

6.4 Pricing: Easyship’s Cost Structure

Affordability is one of Easyship’s strong suits. It offers a free plan (up to 50 shipments/month) which includes basic features like tracking, shipping labels, and taxes and duties visibility. For more advanced functionalities like multi-courier management and analytics, they offer paid plans that start as low as $29 per month. They also offer customized plans for high-volume shippers, tailored to specific needs.

To sum up, Easyship is a versatile and user-friendly shipping software designed to make complex e-commerce shipping tasks simple and efficient. Its range of tracking software, customer service-oriented parcel management features, and flexible pricing structure make it an ideal choice for e-commerce businesses of all sizes.

Sendcloud: The European Powerhouse

7.1 Key Features of Sendcloud

For those looking to take advantage of Europe’s bustling e-commerce market, Sendcloud is the shipping software to consider. Born and bred in Europe, this powerhouse solution integrates effortlessly with popular European carriers like DHL, Royal Mail, and PostNL. A standout feature is its “Smart Shipping Rules,” allowing you to set conditions that automatically choose the best carrier based on factors like destination, weight, and dimensions. Sendcloud also excels in offering a “Multi-Carrier Tracking Page,” which consolidates tracking information from different carriers into one accessible page.

7.2 Sendcloud’s Package and Parcel Management

Managing parcels is both an art and a science, and Sendcloud has mastered it. With features like “Batch Processing,” you can automate the labor-intensive process of shipping multiple packages. This is a huge time-saver for high-volume e-commerce shops. The platform also provides an “Inventory Alert” system, alerting you when stock levels for particular items are low, thereby ensuring that you never miss out on potential sales due to out-of-stock scenarios.

7.3 How Sendcloud Affects Customer Service in E-Commerce

In the realm of e-commerce, customer service isn’t just a department; it’s a pivotal business function. Sendcloud understands this and offers tools that substantially enhance customer satisfaction. The “Branded Tracking Mail” feature allows you to send tracking information through emails that match your company’s branding. Additionally, their “Return Portal” streamlines the process of managing returns, allowing customers to submit return requests easily. This automated system reduces human error and allows your customer service team to focus on other value-added activities.

7.4 Pricing: A Look at Sendcloud’s Rates

Sendcloud offers pricing plans designed to scale with your business. Their free plan covers the basics, like shipping labels and package tracking, which can be sufficient for small-scale operators. As your business grows, you can opt for premium plans that start at around €25/month and can go up to €149/month based on usage and feature access. They also offer an enterprise plan which is quote-based that provide custom solutions tailored to your specific shipping needs.

To conclude, Sendcloud is a robust shipping software solution, uniquely suited for businesses looking to tap into the European market. Its superior package and parcel management features, customer service enhancements, and flexible pricing make it a compelling choice for e-commerce companies of all sizes.

ShippingEasy: Making Shipping Truly Easy

8.1 Key Features of ShippingEasy

When it comes to effortless shipping for your e-commerce business, ShippingEasy lives up to its name. This shipping software offers a one-stop solution for managing orders, printing shipping labels, and even customer marketing. A standout feature is its seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This simplifies the workflow and centralizes your order tracking. Additionally, ShippingEasy offers robust reporting tools that can help you analyze your shipping costs, evaluate carrier performance, and identify areas for improvement.

8.2 ShippingEasy’s Monitoring Features

Ever had a customer ask, “Where’s my package?” With ShippingEasy’s advanced tracking software, you’re well-equipped to answer. The platform offers real-time monitoring of each shipment, ensuring you know the parcel’s location at any given time. Its “Shipping Rules” feature allows you to set conditions that automatically update the tracking status to the customer. This not only keeps your customers informed but also frees up your time to focus on growing your business.

8.3 How ShippingEasy Elevates Customer Service Through Parcel Tracking

In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, customer service isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. ShippingEasy excels in this area by offering customer-specific features like automated email alerts, which notify customers about the status of their shipments. These emails can be customized to fit your brand’s style and voice. Moreover, the software allows for easy returns, letting customers initiate the return process themselves through a dedicated portal. These automated customer service touchpoints significantly improve the post-purchase experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

8.4 Pricing: Is ShippingEasy Affordable?

Affordability is a major concern for many e-commerce businesses, especially startups and SMEs. Thankfully, ShippingEasy offers a range of pricing plans to fit different budgets and requirements. For businesses just dipping their toes in e-commerce, the Free Plan might suffice, covering up to 25 shipments per month. For growing businesses, plans start at $19.99 per month and can go up depending on the volume of shipments and features needed. There are also custom pricing options for high-volume shippers, offering even more flexibility.

In a nutshell, ShippingEasy offers a plethora of features aimed at simplifying your shipping process and improving customer service. Its range of pricing options makes it a suitable choice for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that ‘easy’ doesn’t come at an exorbitant price.

Comparative Analysis

Making an informed decision about which shipping software to choose for your e-commerce business can be daunting. To simplify the process, we’ve broken down a comparative analysis to guide you through the options. Here’s how Aftership, Shippo, Easyship, Sendcloud, and ShippingEasy stack up against each other.

9.1 Feature Comparison Table: Aftership vs Shippo vs Easyship vs Sendcloud vs ShippingEasy

Feature
Real-Time Monitoring	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Automated Notifications	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Multi-Carrier Support	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Easy Return Process	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️
Bulk Shipping	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Pricing	From $11/mo	From $0/mo	From $0/mo	From €0/mo	From $0/mo
Customer Service Tools	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent

9.2 Best Software for Package Monitoring

When it comes to package monitoring, Aftership and ShippingEasy both take the cake. These platforms offer real-time monitoring with advanced tracking software features that can drastically reduce parcel loss. ShippingEasy’s rule-based tracking and Aftership’s customizable email notifications make it easier for both you and your customer to stay in the loop from order to delivery.

9.3 Best Software for Customer Service

In the realm of customer service, Sendcloud and Aftership are hard to beat. Sendcloud’s European focus means that it offers localized customer service solutions that resonate well in its primary market. Additionally, the platform’s integrations with e-commerce giants like Shopify and Magento provide a seamless customer service experience.

Aftership, on the other hand, offers excellent customer service tools, including proactive email and SMS notifications, to keep the customers informed about their shipment status. The fact that it also integrates with multiple customer service platforms adds an extra layer of convenience.

In summary, while each of these shipping software solutions offers a compelling set of features, your specific needs for package monitoring, customer service, and other functionalities will determine which one is the best fit for your e-commerce business. Knowing what each platform excels at can help you make an informed decision and enhance your shipping process.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Software for Your Needs

Let’s face it, running an e-commerce business is exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to shipping. Your choice of shipping software can make or break your operation. With so many features and variables to consider, how do you pick the one that’s just right for you? Let’s explore two vital aspects to consider: aligning features with your e-commerce model and evaluating based on your parcel and package volume.

10.1 Aligning Features with Your E-Commerce Model

Different strokes for different folks, or in this case, different e-commerce models need different shipping software features. Whether you’re running a dropshipping business, a subscription box service, or a traditional retail store, the choice of your shipping software should align with your business requirements.

• Dropshipping Model: If you’re in the dropshipping realm, you’ll want software with robust order tracking and monitoring capabilities. Since you’ll have less control over the inventory, real-time tracking is crucial to keep your customers informed and happy.
• Subscription Boxes: On the other hand, if you offer a subscription box service, you’ll need shipping software that can handle batch shipments and offer discounted shipping rates for bulk parcels. Features like bulk shipping tools and integration with discounted carrier services can be a boon.
• Traditional Retail: In a more traditional retail setting, you might need a blend of features, including high-quality customer service tools to handle both pre-sales and post-sales service effectively.

10.2 Considering Parcel and Package Volume

Volume matters, not just in sound systems but in shipping too! Your shipping software should be scalable to adapt to your package volume needs.

• Low Volume: If you’re just starting out or running a niche business, look for software that offers cost-effective pricing models with no monthly fees.
• High Volume: For more extensive operations, you’ll need a shipping software capable of handling a large volume of shipments daily. Look for platforms that offer bulk shipping options, batch processing, and automated workflows to keep everything moving smoothly.

Here’s a pro tip: Most companies offer a free trial or demo period. Use this period wisely. Get a feel of the system, try out all the features, and see if they align with both your e-commerce model and your parcel volume.

Choosing the right shipping software is about balancing your specific needs with the features a service offers. Once you align these two elements, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your e-commerce shipping operations.

Still pondering over the best shipping software for your e-commerce business? Feel free to explore other sections of this comprehensive guide.

Additional Tools to Enhance Shipping

When it comes to e-commerce, effective shipping isn’t just about getting a parcel from Point A to Point B. It’s a multi-layered process that involves precise tracking, robust customer service, and a host of other features that work in sync to provide a seamless experience. While choosing the right shipping software is foundational, integrating additional tools can take your shipping process to the next level. Let’s explore how other tracking software and customer service solutions can significantly improve your package monitoring and overall shipping strategy.

11.1 Integrating Other Tracking Software

The word ‘integration’ is gold in the e-commerce world. Being able to tie in other tracking software into your existing shipping software can add more layers of control and efficiency to your shipping processes.

• Freight Software: For businesses that handle larger shipments, adding freight software can provide advanced features like pallet and load planning, which is often missing in regular shipping software.
• Inventory Management Systems: Having real-time inventory tracking integrated into your shipping software can help to automate restocking and prevent stock-outs or overstocking.
• Multi-Carrier Tracking Systems: If you are using multiple carriers, specialized multi-carrier tracking software can give you a centralized view of all shipments, irrespective of the shipping partner, streamlining the monitoring process.

11.2 Customer Service Solutions for Package Monitoring

Great customer service doesn’t end at the “Buy Now” button; it extends all the way through to delivery and beyond. While many shipping software solutions offer built-in customer service tools, integrating specialized customer service software can enhance the customer’s package monitoring experience.

• Live Chat Support: Implement a live chat feature on your tracking page so customers can get real-time updates and have their questions answered without leaving the site.
• Automated SMS/Email Notifications: Use automated messaging tools that can integrate with your shipping software to send real-time notifications about package status. Make sure the system is interactive so customers can ask for more details or take actions like rescheduling the delivery.
• Customer Feedback Tools: After the package is successfully delivered, use customer feedback tools to collect reviews on the shipping experience. This invaluable feedback can help you improve your shipping process.

Remember, shipping is an integral part of your e-commerce brand. Adding these extra layers of tracking and customer service functionality can go a long way in improving the customer experience, making them more likely to return to your store.

Investing in additional tools to enhance your shipping software can indeed be a game-changer. So don’t shy away from exploring these options as you strive for shipping excellence.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our comprehensive guide on finding the best shipping software for e-commerce, let’s recap what we’ve covered and offer some final recommendations. If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that shipping software is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice should be reflective of your specific business needs, whether it’s robust package monitoring, unparalleled customer service, or flexible parcel management.

12.1 Summary of the Best Shipping Software Options

• Aftership: This is an all-rounder that shines in tracking software features. If package monitoring is your primary concern, Aftership should be on your radar.
• Shippo: Known for its unique package monitoring tools and customer service features, Shippo is excellent for businesses that place customer interaction at the forefront.
• Easyship: If simplicity and efficiency are what you’re after, Easyship has you covered with a straightforward cost structure and range of tracking software options.
• Sendcloud: For those doing business in Europe, Sendcloud is a powerhouse. It excels in parcel and package management and positively affects customer service in e-commerce.
• ShippingEasy: As the name suggests, it aims to make shipping easy and does a good job, particularly when it comes to parcel tracking and customer service.

12.2 Final Recommendations

Choosing the right shipping software involves considering several factors, including your e-commerce model, package volume, and required features. If you are just starting out or dealing with low to medium shipping volumes, Easyship or ShippingEasy could be a good starting point due to their user-friendly interfaces and cost-effectiveness.

For more established businesses dealing with higher volumes of shipments, Aftership or Shippo would be better choices for their advanced features in package monitoring and customer service. Sendcloud is an excellent option if your operations are centered in Europe and you need robust parcel management.

Finally, don’t forget the value of additional tools that can integrate with your chosen shipping software. They can provide valuable functionalities that enhance your shipment tracking capabilities and improve customer service.

Choosing the right shipping software is a pivotal decision that affects not only your operational efficiency but also your customer’s experience. Take your time, consider your specific needs, and make an informed choice. Your e-commerce business—and your customers—will thank you.

FAQs

As we wrap up our in-depth look at the best shipping software for e-commerce, it’s essential to address some frequently asked questions that could be lingering in your mind. These questions often touch upon common areas of interest like shipping software, tracking software, and parcel management. Let’s dive right in and clear up some of your queries.

13.1 Common Questions about Shipping Software, Tracking Software, and Parcel Management

1. What is Shipping Software?

Shipping software is a digital tool that automates and streamlines the shipping process for e-commerce businesses. From printing shipping labels to monitoring package status, this software offers a range of functionalities that help you manage your shipments efficiently.

2. How Does Tracking Software Work?

Tracking software is usually a feature within shipping software. It uses technology like GPS and barcodes to track the location and status of a parcel in real-time, offering both you and your customers peace of mind and visibility during the shipping process.

3. What Features Should I Look for in a Shipping Software?

The most critical features to look for in shipping software are package monitoring capabilities, customer service tools, and flexible parcel management options. These will help you handle multiple aspects of the shipping process seamlessly.

4. Can I Use Multiple Tracking Software Solutions?

Yes, some e-commerce businesses integrate multiple tracking software solutions to handle different carriers or to make use of specific features. Just ensure that they are compatible with your primary shipping software to avoid any conflicts.

5. How Does Shipping Software Improve Customer Service?

Shipping software can significantly improve customer service by providing real-time package tracking, estimated delivery times, and prompt updates. This transparency fosters trust and enhances the customer experience, leading to higher customer retention rates.

6. Is it Worth Investing in Premium Shipping Software Features?

Investing in premium features like advanced package monitoring and customer service tools can be worthwhile if you’re dealing with a high volume of shipments or if these functionalities align well with your business needs.

7. What are the Pricing Models of Shipping Software?

The pricing models can vary from flat monthly fees to variable pricing based on the volume of shipments or features needed. Some software options also offer free trials or freemium versions to let you test out their service before committing.

8. How Important is Parcel Management in Shipping Software?

Parcel management is crucial for handling multiple shipments efficiently. It allows you to sort, track, and manage your parcels in one centralized dashboard, which is particularly beneficial for businesses dealing with high shipping volumes.