ShipNetwork Reviews, Pricing & User Ratings
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October 31st, 2024
As an ecommerce vendor searching for a dependable fulfillment service, there’s a good chance you’ve come across ShipNetwork. We’ve put together this comprehensive overview of ShipNetwork to give you the facts without any trial and error. Our goal with this ShipNetwork review is to provide you with an unbiased breakdown of what to expect. We’ll examine their company profile, principal features, services, cost structure, customer feedback, support quality, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Knowing your options is crucial, especially when they can significantly affect the success of your business. Let’s dive in.
What Is ShipNetwork
ShipNetwork is an innovative player in fulfillment solutions for ecommerce sellers that launched on August 1, 2022. It was created by owner and founder Devin Johnson and is based in Las Vegas. The birth of ShipNetwork is a result of the acquisition and rebranding of Rakuten Super Logistics, a reputable name in the industry since 2001. This rich ancestry, combined with key partnerships with a range of ecommerce platforms and carriers, places ShipNetwork in a strong and strategic position within the industry.
This Vegas-based company operates from 10 strategically located warehouses across the US, guaranteeing 100% order accuracy and a 2-day Delivery Network to 98% of the country. More than a shipping service, ShipNetwork helps businesses manage returns, assemble kits, fulfill subscription boxes, and even provides climate-controlled warehousing. They are committed to supporting ecommerce businesses by delivering effective solutions to meet their needs.
ShipNetwork Pros
- ShipNetwork is a one-stop solution for diverse order fulfillment needs.
- Offers a 100% order accuracy guarantee, reducing repeat shipping costs.
- It features a robust 2-day delivery network from over 10 fulfillment centers.
- The SmartFill dashboard provides a clear view of order fulfillment processes.
- Streamlines shipping processes via synchronization with ecommerce platforms.
ShipNetwork Cons
- Non-transparent pricing.
- Lacks integration with less popular and newer ecommerce platforms.
- Absence of live chat feature or 24/7 customer service.
- Negative reviews for Rakuten Super Logistics and ShipNetwork.
ShipNetwork offers no standard pricing but tailored plans based on individual business needs. Prices are quoted after reviewing each client’s individual requirements and order volumes. You can begin this process via their website or over the phone.
Though it’s not straightforward to compare these customized prices to other providers, this approach should provide a cost-effective solution suited to your specific ecommerce business.
ShipNetwork shares detailed pricing information during the initial consultation, including rate cards sorted by weight and zone to give clients the ability to predict shipping costs accurately.
As a full-service logistics provider, ShipNetwork aims to cater to the diverse requirements of its ecommerce clients by offering an extensive range of features and services. Let’s look at the specific solutions that ShipNetwork provides its users.
Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment has always been a major pain point for ecommerce sellers. Managing stock, packing orders, and shipping them can get overwhelming quickly. With ShipNetwork’s order management and fulfillment services, you no longer have to endure those hassles. The company takes complete control of your order fulfillment process. Once a customer places an order on your ecommerce platform, it’s forwarded to ShipNetwork’s fulfillment center and delivered automatically.
With their sophisticated technology and diverse global network of fulfillment centers, ShipNetwork ensures precise picking and packing, swift deliveries, and customer satisfaction. Their system, directly integrated with your ecommerce platform, flawlessly maintains and updates inventory in real-time, preventing stock discrepancies.
Xparcel
ShipNetwork offers the extensive Xparcel service that bridges the connection between ecommerce sellers and reliable shipping carriers like FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL, not to mention various regional and local carriers. The diverse range of shipping options improves customer satisfaction with low prices, handy parcel tracking, and timely deliveries worldwide. By utilizing Xparcel, sellers can effortlessly manage the international shipping process.
The variable shipping speeds available through Xparcel provide plenty of flexibility. The three distinct speeds are Standard Ground Shipping delivering in 3-8 days, Expedited Shipping ensuring delivery in 2-5 days, and Premium Shipping with a 1-3-day delivery window. Overall, the incorporation of Xparcel into an ecommerce seller’s supply chain can go a long way in bolstering customer satisfaction and business reputation.
Freight Forwarding
ShipNetwork’s SmartFreight service is a compelling option for high-volume shipping, especially for overseas operations handling cargo. Facilitating seamless door-to-door tracking of products from anywhere in the US and beyond, it also has the potential to lower freight costs. By managing the shipping process from pick-up to delivery, and offering sellers cost-effective carrier options for their cargo, SmartFreight has a lot to offer.
Their freight forwarding service promises increased efficiency by incorporating both Xparcel and SmartFreight software alongside their established partnerships with trusted shipping providers. ShipNetwork strives for competitive rates for virtually any fulfillment need, backed by reliable and swift transportation of goods to simplify the complexities of large-scale shipping operations.
Kitting and Assembly
Beyond just shipping, ShipNetwork offers kitting services, where multiple items can be bundled into a unique SKU. This service is perfect for businesses that offer product sets or bulk packages, allowing for smart shipping decisions that often reduce packing and shipping costs.
Additional Services
Subscription Box Fulfillment
If your business model includes subscription boxes that ship regularly, ShipNetwork has got you covered. They provide specialized services for managing and shipping subscription orders, delivering a seamless experience for you and your customers.
Temperature-Controlled Storage and Transport
This is a crucial feature for businesses that deal in temperature-sensitive products such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. ShipNetwork provides temperature-controlled storage in select warehouse locations to ensure that these products maintain their integrity.
Project-Based Services
This service could benefit you if you have unique shipping requirements or specific project needs. By offering custom project services, ShipNetwork can ideate and implement unique solutions to meet your particular needs, giving you more control over how your products are handled and shipped. This level of custom care is something you won’t find with many fulfillment services.
How does ShipNetwork manage inventory for ecommerce sellers?
Inventory management is no easy task, but it’s critical for smooth business operations. So, how does ShipNetwork rise to the challenge? Utilizing its robust, intelligent platform, ShipNetwork enables ecommerce sellers to maintain complete control and visibility of their inventory. This allows businesses to keep accurate stock levels and reduce the risk of overselling products.
SmartFill Platform
By incorporating the user-friendly SmartFill fulfillment management platform, you can not only track your inventory levels but also see exactly what’s happening at any point in the fulfillment process, from order intake to final delivery. This detailed, real-time overview is a game-changer for ecommerce businesses, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that can boost efficiency and profitability.
Lot Tracking
Another exciting feature is the capability for lot tracking. This tool allows businesses to track goods in batches, keeping a tight control on expiry dates, and ensuring that batches maintain their uniformity. In industries with strict regulatory compliance needs or risk of recall, lot tracking can be invaluable.
Returns Management
ShipNetwork simplifies the return process with its comprehensive returns management service. This involves meticulous tracking, inspecting, and managing of returned items, ensuring damaged goods are repaired or appropriately discarded and items in good condition are reintegrated into your inventory. Simultaneously, their SmartFill fulfillment management platform records each return, providing real-time insights into your return ratios and common issues, enabling you to make necessary adjustments to reduce returns over time.
While ShipNetwork sets the bar high for its customer service by providing comprehensive, US-based phone support, it leaves room for improvement. Specifically, the company currently does not offer 24/7 support.
The absence of 24/7 support could be a sticking point for some ecommerce businesses that operate around the clock or businesses in different time zones. ShipNetwork’s LiveChat support is available through SmartFill and their client portal has responsive team members online Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
They provide client education resources including eBooks, case studies, webinars, and a blog that are always accessible to clients.
That said, customer service is one area where ShipNetwork has been criticized by former users. Online users have contested the company’s efficiency, citing issues such as delayed shipping times and a lack of response from customer support. However, you can also find reviews praising their efficiency and turnaround times.
Despite a few gaps in integration, ShipNetwork presents itself as a comprehensive choice for ecommerce retailers in the 3PL landscape. The SmartFill fulfillment management platform centralizes all order fulfillment activities, providing valuable insights and an overview of inventory status, shipping details, customer orders, and delivery timelines.
Abundant warehouse space and a flexible workforce mean ShipNetwork can accommodate the needs of your business efficiently, whether your operation is ramping up or slowing down. Even as order volumes change, such as seasonally, pricing remains competitive.
ShipNetwork has one location outside of the U.S. (in Canada) but no footprint outside of North America.
Xparcel is ShipNetwork’s exclusive shipping method that automatically chooses the best shipping route for every order. Get the best shipping rate every time and improve customer satisfaction with ease. Xparcel utilizes multiple carriers internationally for a global shipping solution.
Ecommerce Platform Integrations
ShipNetwork offers robust integrations with several leading ecommerce platforms and shopping carts, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Etsy, TikTok Shop, and WooCommerce. However, it’s important to note that businesses operating on platforms such as Adobe Commerce, Wix, Etsy, New Egg, and Wayfair may face limitations due to the lack of direct integrations.
ShipNetwork does offer API integration providing options for those on unsupported platforms with the ability to set up custom synchronization. The service also connects to major online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart Marketplace, providing ecommerce retailers with the option for a seamless shipping process and extended reach through these networks.
ShipNetwork offers custom packaging solutions tailored to client needs, such as branded tape, wrap, boxes, and bubble mailers. They even offer PR packages aimed at influencers and custom branding. ShipNetwork manages large-scale clients but is equally committed to serving small businesses.
ShipNetwork Alternatives
In the ever-growing ecommerce industry, keeping your options open is crucial. While ShipNetwork provides a wide range of customizable ecommerce fulfillment services, there are many other noteworthy alternatives you may want to consider.
- ShipBob: A tech-enabled 3PL that fulfills ecommerce orders for direct-to-consumer brands. If you are looking for a modern, tech-savvy fulfillment solution, then ShipBob might be a great alternative. Their proprietary software and dispersed fulfillment centers offer 2-day shipping, similar to ShipNetwork.
- eFulfillment Service: This option is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers flexible and affordable order fulfillment solutions without requiring long-term storage contracts. It’s a family-owned business that prioritizes customer service and provides a more personalized touch compared to some larger providers.
- Red Stag Fulfillment: Known for its accuracy guarantee, Red Stag might be a good fit for sellers who want the assurance of precise, error-free shipping within the US. They specialize in products over five pounds and provide services like same-day fulfillment, zero shrinkage allowance, and customer-friendly return policies.
Every business is unique, and what works best for your business may change as you grow and evolve. We recommend thoroughly researching multiple fulfillment services before making a final decision, as switching down the road could be challenging. Remember, the goal is to find a fulfillment service that can grow with you and help your ecommerce business flourish.
Share your Experience & Reviews
We’d like to hear from you about your experiences with ShipNetwork. Whether you had a good or bad experience, your feedback will help create a more detailed and reliable picture of their service for ecommerce entrepreneurs just like you!
If you have insight into their various services, the quality of their customer support, their pricing, and how well they stick to delivery timelines, leave a detailed review in the comment box below. By sharing our experiences, we can all benefit from each others’ knowledge and success. Your review could be the deciding factor for another reader!
