Many shipping platforms are geared toward mid-sized or large ecommerce brands. Platforms like Shippit offer advanced analytics and omnichannel features for high-volume orders, but what about a business just starting out? Or a small business looking for a good amount of flexibility and professionalism at a reasonable price?
If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place.
What to Look For in Your Next Shipping Platform
When selecting a shipping platform for your small business, focus on automation, reduced shipping costs, better fulfilment time and easy integration with your sales channels. The ideal software should simplify your fulfilment process, reduce manual data entry, and enable efficient scaling.
Key features and criteria to consider include:
Easy Store Integrations
Verify that the platform integrates directly with your ecommerce platforms (such as Shopify or Amazon).
It should automatically retrieve your orders in real time and send tracking numbers to your customers, eliminating the need for manual copy-pasting.
Workflow Automation
Seek platforms that enable you to establish customised rules and settings.
This allows you to automate repetitive tasks, such as assigning specific box sizes, selecting a preferred shipping method based on weight, or batch-printing numerous labels with one click.
Comprehensive Inventory and Order Management
Assess how effectively the platform manages tracking and inventory.
A centralised dashboard allows you to monitor stock levels across various sales channels, split orders into different shipments, and manage returns easily.
Strong Customer Communication
Review the software’s features for post-purchase notifications.
Your platform should automatically send personalised shipping confirmation emails, tracking updates, and branded tracking pages to decrease customer service inquiries.
Clear Pricing Model - including shipping costs
Get a grasp of how the platform charges for its services.
Some platforms may charge a monthly subscription fee for unlimited labels, while others might impose a smaller fee per label. Calculate your average monthly shipping volume to find out which pricing structure is more economical for your business.
Dependable Customer Support
Take into account the level of technical and customer assistance available.
During busy seasons or technical issues, you should have access to responsive support via live chat, phone, or email to maintain smooth fulfilment operations.
Data Analytics and Reporting
Look for integrated reporting dashboards.
Having clear insights into your shipping expenses, carrier performance, and volume trends over time helps you create accurate budgets and identify opportunities to reduce expenses.
Zappy vs Shippit: Breakdown
Shippit is an enterprise-level multi-carrier platform designed for high-volume stores that handle 1,000 or more orders per month. It offers advanced automation and analytics features to meet the needs of larger operations.
In comparison, Zappy is a good alternative for small businesses because it's a localised, cost-effective, easy-to-use shipping aggregator operating in Australia and New Zealand. It is specifically designed for smaller or growing ecommerce brands, providing them with upfront access to competitive courier rates without minimum shipping volume requirements.
Shippit Pros:
- Shippit offers high-volume scaling: ideal for businesses processing thousands of orders each month, enabling automated carrier rules to allocate shipping volume efficiently based on cost and service levels.
- Includes omnichannel and enterprise features: Supporting Ship-from-Store capabilities and hyper-local deliveries through partnerships.
- Provides advanced analytics with in-depth reporting: Aids in data-driven decision-making for logistics managers.
Shippit Cons:
- Delayed Billing Adjustments: Initial shipping quotes may be inaccurate, resulting in additional charges billed to accounts weeks after delivery.
- Third-Party Support Bottlenecks: Resolving issues with lost, damaged, or delayed parcels can lead to longer customer service response times because issues are handled through Shippit rather than couriers directly.
- Higher Costs for Lower Plans: Advanced features, such as dangerous goods shipping, are only available on higher-tier plans. Although Shippit offers free pay-as-you-go pricing, businesses still pay per label, which may not be cost-effective for very small startups.
- Not an Order Management System (OMS): Shippit only handles shipping and tracking; a separate ecommerce platform or ERP is needed to process and manage orders.
Why is Zappy a Good Alternative to Shippit?
Zappy is a good alternative for small Australian businesses offering an affordable solution that lets you skip costly enterprise software fees while enjoying competitive bulk shipping rates.
While top alternatives to Shippit for Australian ecommerce businesses include the popular Starshipit and ShipStation, Zappy offers a more user-friendly interface and outstanding local customer support. Plus, it simplifies international shipping by providing instant access to global carriers without the hassle of setting up direct freight accounts.
Key Features:
- All-in-one courier access: Compare multiple couriers and competitive rates in one place, no juggling accounts required.
- Shipping consultation and cost optimisation: Get expert advice from a dedicated support team that understands your business's nuances.
- Customer service advocate: Zappy handles claims, enquiries, and follow-ups with couriers, so you get faster resolutions without the hassle.
- IT and integration support: Seamlessly connect Zappy to your inventory and warehouse system with dedicated tech support. Integrates with all major platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and Squarespace.
- Custom courier options at checkout: Increase conversions by giving customers multiple delivery options right at checkout.
- Automatic label printing and pickups: Print shipping labels with ease, and Zappy handles the pickup queue for you.
- Branded tracking and returns: Keep customers updated while providing an end-to-end brand experience.
- Actionable insights and reporting: Make informed decisions with in-depth shipping analytics.
Your small business can do more with Zappy!
For small businesses and newcomers to ecommerce, choosing the right shipping solution is vital for growth and success. With Zappy’s help and a bit of creativity, even emerging businesses can master the shipping landscape and thrive!
Experience seamless shipping with our all-in-one courier access and dedicated support at every step. Let’s transform shipping into a powerful advantage for your business.
Join us at Zappy today!