Our Verdict
Shipbob is a much better option than Fulfillment.com if you need an overall order fulfillment solution. This is why:
- It offers a wide network of fulfillment centers and sophisticated software for inventory management and analytics.
- It is startup-friendly, with no order minimums and resources to support growth.
- It provides a variety of services including multichannel fulfillment, custom packaging, and services for importers
- It provides advanced reporting and analytics software.
- It has a managed freight program
On the other hand, Fulfillment.com is a cloud-based fulfillment management service that handles shipping and storage solutions to help streamline order fulfillment and automate repetitive tasks. It offers a proprietary management system and real-time tracking. However, there may be concerns regarding customer service and transparency in pricing.
Still, it depends on your specific business needs.
Look at the scale of your operations, the channels you sell through, and the level of support and customization you require, and choose what is best for you.
Why Choose Shipbob
Who Shipbob Is Best For
Choose Shipbob if you operate:
- E-commerce businesses, especially those that are small to midsize.
- Companies looking for a fulfillment partner with a wide network of centers.
- Businesses seeking advanced inventory management and analytics software.
- Startups and companies that prefer a service with no minimum order requirements.
- Brands that want custom packaging and branding options.
Who Shipbob Is Not Right For
Don’t go for Shipbob if you need solution for:
- Businesses that prioritize a cloud-based fulfillment management system.
- Companies looking for shipping, storage, and automation of repetitive tasks.
- Organizations that value real-time tracking and proprietary management systems.
- Those who might benefit from a service that emphasizes optimizing email communication with customers.
>>> MORE : Dropshipping: How to Deal With Long Shipping
Why Choose Fulfillment.com
Who Fulfillment.com Is Best For
Consider using Fulfillment.com if you:
- are knowledgeable in eCommerce and know exactly what it looks for in suppliers.
- understand the value of a vetted directory and are willing to pay for access to a high-quality, expansive list of suppliers.
- are looking for a one-time fee directory access without recurring costs.
- want to sell products on platforms like Amazon or eBay, or their own online stores, and need a reliable inventory source.
- prefer dealing with items that are expensive and of high quality
Who Fulfillment.com Is Not Right For
Fulfillment.com is not a good option for:
- Businesses that require a high level of control and customization over their fulfillment process, as some fulfillment centers may offer limited customization options2.
- Companies that need specific, complex logistics solutions that a standard fulfillment service may not provide.
- Small businesses that are just starting and may not yet have the volume to justify the costs associated with using a large fulfillment service.
Main Differences
Ideal For
ShipBob is an excellent choice for small to midsize e-commerce businesses that are growing and need a scalable fulfillment solution. It’s particularly beneficial for those who require integration with various e-commerce platforms and desire custom branding options for their packaging. ShipBob also offers valuable analytics for businesses to track inventory and customer data. On the other hand, Fulfillment.com is suitable for businesses that prioritize automation and efficiency in their fulfillment process, along with real-time tracking capabilities. It’s a service that focuses on streamlining repetitive tasks and may be more appropriate for companies with a high volume of orders that need a robust management system.
Pricing
ShipBob offers a clear and straightforward pricing model that includes the following:
- Receiving: It does not include the cost of receiving your inventory in the overall fulfillment cost.
- Storage: It demands Monthly storage fees of approximately $10 per shelf, $5 per bin, and $40 per pallet.
- Picking: Gives you the first four picks per order at no cost, but charges $0.25 for each additional pick.
- Packaging: Provides standard packaging materials free of charge.
- Shipping: Has varying shipping costs based on order volume and destination, but ShipBob negotiates bulk discounts with carriers.
- Software: Provides access to ShipBob’s software and integrations free of charge.
Fulfillment.com does not publicly list specific pricing details, but they offer a cloud-based order management platform known as ShipStream™, which provides comprehensive fulfillment management and real-time tracking. Their pricing is likely to be customized based on various factors such as order volume, shipping destinations, and specific service requirements. To get an accurate quote, you would need to contact Fulfillment.com directly.
Both companies tailor their pricing to the individual needs of each business, so reach out to them for a personalized quote that reflects your specific fulfillment requirements.
Accounting Integration
ShipBob offers direct integrations to Brightpearl, an operations platform for omnichannel merchants, and Inventory Planner for inventory forecasting.
Fulfillment.com, while not detailing specific accounting software integrations, works well with most CRM software solutions, e-commerce platforms, and marketplaces.
Standout Features
ShipBob distinguishes itself with a suite of services tailored for e-commerce growth, offering a global network of fulfillment centers, branded packaging options, and a robust warehouse management system. It’s particularly adept at helping small to midsize businesses scale, providing detailed analytics and a 2-day shipping program across the US. Fulfillment.com, on the other hand, excels in high-volume e-commerce fulfillment with a focus on reducing shipping costs and delivery times through a network of strategically placed global centers. Its cloud-based order management engine and real-time inventory tracking make it ideal for businesses looking to automate and streamline their fulfillment process.
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Standout Features
Shipbob
- Supports startups with a growth plan that includes resources for scaling without minimum order requirements.
- Operates a global network of fulfillment centers for fast delivery and in-country shipping.
- Provides advanced reporting and analytics software for insightful tracking of inventory and business data.
- Enables customization and branding options for packaging to enhance customer experience.
- Offers services tailored for importers, including a managed freight program
- Facilitates multichannel fulfillment, supporting a variety of sales channels beyond e-commerce platforms.
- Guarantees 2-day express shipping across the continental US to improve customer satisfaction.
- Employs a Warehouse Management Software (WMS) for self-managed facilities, offering control over inventory management.
Fulfillment.com
- Expands your business reach with a network of global fulfillment centers.
- Reduces shipping costs and delivery times by strategically splitting inventory across the USA.
- Connects you to their proprietary cloud-based order management engine for efficient operations.
- Manages shipments and inventory with 24/7 access to real-time data and analytics.
- Automates your fulfillment process, from picking and packing to shipping and returns.
- Validates addresses to minimize returns and chargebacks, ensuring accurate deliveries.
- Predicts product depletion and re-order dates with their predictive analytics tools.
- Provides a high-volume e-commerce fulfillment service that takes care of all logistics needs
Pros and Cons of Shipbob
- Pros
- Quickly delivers with modern e-commerce fulfillment services.
- Fully controls operations with a robust platform.
- Efficiently streamlines the entire ordering process.
- Seamlessly integrates with popular e-commerce platforms.
- Flexibly offers customized pricing with personalized services
- Cons
- Potentially requires a minimum shipment threshold to be financially viable for merchants.
- Currently lacks a color size matrix for apparel inventory, offering unique inventory ID upon import instead.
Pros and Cons of Fulfillment.com
- Pros
- Provides worldwide order fulfillment services from warehouses in North America and the UK.
- Includes services like pick, pack, and ship; real-time reporting; kitting and assembly; and returns processing.
- Offers no minimum monthly volume and no contractual obligation on the length of time you have to do business with them.
- Features reasonably priced international shipping options and handles website orders automatically.
- Cons
- Does not provide precise prices on its website for each of its services
- Has limitations in its options for packaging and branding customization
- Reduces your ability to control every aspect of the order fulfillment process
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Customer Reviews
ShipBob has a mix of customer feedback, with Trustpilot showing an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praise its customer service and fulfillment efficiency, but some raise concerns about shipping costs and inventory management. ShipBob’s website showcases testimonials with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, emphasizing its international capabilities and technology.
Fulfillment.com’s reviews are also mixed, with its website presenting positive testimonials from clients, as regards support and efficiency of the service. However, on Trustpilot, Fulfillment.com has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars, where some users report satisfaction with the service, while others have issues with customer support and billing practices. For Fulfillment.com, Webretailer features a positive review mentioning accurate and timely order shipment and great customer service, while Sitejabber has a few reviews with an average of 3.7 stars, but suggests caution as some users with history of negative experiences.
Competitors
Here are some of the competitors:
Shopify Fulfillment Network
This is a branch of the renowned ecommerce platform, that offers a comprehensive solution for storage, packaging, and shipping needs. It is popular for its rapid 2-day delivery across the US and Canada, it boasts a seamless integration with Shopify’s ecommerce services.
ShipMonk
It provides a robust 3PL service with a strong emphasis on customer support and marketplace integrations. It shines with its dedicated customer service representatives and a plethora of pre-built integrations, catering to platforms like Etsy and Groupon. Though smaller in network size compared to ShipBob, it maintains a presence in key locations to serve a diverse clientele. The company is famous for its overall service quality, making it a top contender as an alternative to ShipBob.
FedEx
This Corporation is an American multinational conglomerate popular for its transportation, e-commerce, and business services. It is one of the world’s leading courier delivery services companies. It offers a wide range of services including express delivery, freight transportation, and logistics solutions. It’s particularly renowned for its overnight shipping service and pioneering a system that could track packages and provide real-time updates on package location. With a presence in over 220 countries and territories, FedEx has a vast network that includes 1,950 locations worldwide and operates the busiest cargo airport in the world at Memphis International Airport. It has been at the forefront of logistics innovation, investing in new technologies to improve package delivery and tracking systems.
Magento Shipping
It is a shipping solution integrated within the Magento e-commerce platform, offering a range of shipping options and capabilities for online retailers. It provides several shipping methods including free shipping, flat rate, table rates, and in-store delivery, allowing store owners to configure shipping settings based on various conditions like destination, weight, and number of items. It is highly customizable, enabling businesses to tailor their shipping processes to their specific needs, including setting up promotions and managing international shipments.
Pro Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Compare the pricing structures of ShipBob and Fulfillment.com to see which is more cost-effective for your business model.
- Investigate any special services like kitting or custom packaging that could add value to your product fulfillment.
- Ensure the fulfillment service you choose integrates well with your e-commerce platform for a smooth operation.
- Examine the number and locations of warehouses to optimize shipping times and costs.
- Evaluate the level of customer support provided to address any issues promptly.
- Read customer reviews and case studies to gauge user satisfaction with each service.
- Conduct a trial run to personally assess the performance of the fulfillment services in terms of delivery speed, order accuracy, and customer service.
Recap
ShipBob is popular for its tech-driven approach and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms, and caters to businesses of various sizes with its global fulfillment network. On the other hand, Fulfillment.com prides itself on its expansive reach and expertise in international shipping and logistics.
Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, understanding the nuances of these two fulfillment giants can empower you to make the best choice for your company’s future growth.
