Ultimate Guide to Shippo What It Is, How It Works & Why It’s a Smart Choice for Shipping

Ultimate Guide to Shippo: What It Is, How It Works & Why It’s a Smart Choice for Shipping

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In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, smooth and efficient shipping is essential for success. From order placement to package delivery, every step impacts customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Enter Shippo, a platform designed to simplify shipping logistics, save costs, and enhance overall operations. Whether you’re asking “what is Shippo,” “what does Shippo do,” or “how to use Shippo,” this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to leverage this powerful tool.

Table of Contents

What Is Shippo?

Founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs Laura and Simon, Shippo was born out of frustration with the complexities and high costs of shipping for small and medium-sized businesses. Its mission? To democratize access to enterprise-grade shipping tools and rates, enabling businesses of all sizes to “ship like a giant.”

Today, Shippo is a leading shipping platform that connects over 300,000 merchants, online marketplaces, and logistics providers to a vast network of global carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and more. Through its intuitive dashboard and powerful API, users can create labels, compare rates, automate workflows, and track shipments—all from a single interface.

For those exploring “what is Shippo used for,” it primarily streamlines the entire shipping process, making it easier and more cost-effective to send packages locally and internationally.

How Shippo Works to Simplify Shipping

“How does Shippo work?” At its core, Shippo acts as a bridge between your business and multiple carriers, offering tools to:

1. Generate Shipping Labels Easily

  • Create labels individually or in bulk, saving time on repetitive tasks.
  • Print labels on standard paper or thermal printers.

2. Access a Wide Network of Carriers

  • Compare real-time rates from over 40 carriers worldwide.
  • Automatically access discounted shipping rates, sometimes up to 90% off retail prices.

3. Integrate Seamlessly with Your Platform

  • Connect directly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, and more.
  • Import orders automatically or upload via CSV.

4. Automate Shipping Workflows

  • Set rules to assign carriers, package types, and services based on order details.
  • Schedule pickups and generate manifests for batch shipments.

5. Manage International Shipping with Ease

  • Generate customs forms and commercial invoices.
  • Support for paperless trade and compliance with cross-border regulations.

6. Provide Customers with Real-Time Tracking

  • Offer branded tracking pages and notifications.
  • Keep customers informed at every step.

7. Handle Returns Efficiently

  • Generate return labels automatically.
  • Manage returns with scan-based labels, paying only when used.

In essence, “how Shippo works” is about consolidating multiple shipping tasks into a single, user-friendly platform that saves time, reduces costs, and improves customer experience.

Why Use Shippo? Key Benefits for Your Business

Choosing shipping with Shippo offers numerous advantages:

Cost Savings

  • Access deeply discounted rates from major carriers.
  • Compare rates instantly to choose the most economical option.

Time Efficiency

  • Automate label creation, batch processing, and pickups.
  • Reduce manual errors with address validation and package templates.

Enhanced Customer Experience

  • Provide real-time, branded tracking updates.
  • Simplify returns with scan-based labels.

Scalability

  • Suitable for small startups and large enterprises alike.
  • Supports increasing order volumes without hassle.

International Reach

  • Simplify cross-border shipping with customs documentation.
  • Expand into new markets confidently.

Security & Protection

  • Optional Shippo Total Protection insures shipments against loss, damage, or theft.

Core Features of Shippo

1. Label Creation & Printing

Generate labels individually or in bulk, with flexible printing options.

2. Carrier Rate Comparison

Compare rates across multiple carriers instantly to optimize costs and transit times.

3. Seamless Platform Integrations

Connect with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and more for automatic order syncing.

4. Automation & Rules

Set up rules to automatically assign services, package types, and shipping carriers based on order details.

5. International Shipping

Generate customs forms, support Paperless Trade, and manage duties/taxes efficiently.

6. Package & Address Management

Maintain recipient addresses, create reusable package templates, and validate addresses.

7. Tracking & Notifications

Offer branded tracking pages, email updates, and detailed shipment insights.

8. Returns & SCAN Forms

Create return labels and manifests to streamline the return process and batch shipments.

9. Shipping Insurance

Opt for Shippo Total Protection to safeguard against potential shipment issues.

10. API for Developers

Build custom shipping solutions and integrations tailored to your needs.

Shipping with Shippo: Plans & Pricing

“Is Shippo worth it?” For many, yes—especially when considering potential savings and efficiency gains.

1. Starter Plan

  • Free to start.
  • Ideal for small volume shippers (up to 30 labels/month).
  • Access to discounted rates, basic tracking, and integrations.
  • Perfect for “Shippo for personal use” or small businesses.

2. Professional Plan

  • Monthly fee, supporting higher volumes (up to 10,000 labels/month).
  • Additional features: custom branding, multiple users, advanced reports.
  • Suitable for growing businesses.

3. Premier & Enterprise

  • Custom pricing.
  • Designed for high-volume and complex logistics.
  • Dedicated support and tailored solutions.

Billing: For new users, charges are processed immediately after each label purchase, making it easy to track your spending. Visit goshippo.com for detailed plans and current rates. Visit goshippo.com for detailed plans and current rates.

How to Use Shippo: A Step-by-Step Guide

“How to use Shippo?” Starting is straightforward:

  1. Sign Up
    Visit goshippo.com and complete the Shippo signup process in minutes.
  2. Connect Your Store
    Link your e-commerce platform directly or upload orders via CSV.
  3. Add Payment Method
    Set up a credit/debit card to purchase labels.
  4. Create Labels
    Enter package details or select existing templates, compare rates, and buy labels instantly.
  5. Print & Ship
    Print labels and attach to packages. Schedule pickups or drop off at the carrier.
  6. Track Shipments
    Share tracking links with customers or embed branded tracking pages.
  7. Handle Returns
    Generate return labels as needed, only paying when they are used.

Troubleshooting & Support

“Shippo not working” or facing errors? Common solutions include:

  • Check your internet connection and printer settings.
  • Verify address accuracy; use address validation features.
  • Review your carrier account connections.
  • Visit the Shippo Status Page for system updates.
  • Contact Shippo support via their Help Center for personalized assistance.

Is Shippo Worth It?

For businesses aiming to reduce shipping costs, improve operational efficiency, and deliver a better customer experience, Shippo offers compelling value. Its extensive carrier network, automation tools, and international capabilities make it a versatile choice. Many users find that the savings on postage and time savings on workflows justify the platform’s costs, especially as order volumes grow.

Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Shipping Potential

Shipping with Shippo transforms complex logistics into a streamlined process. Its robust features, global carrier access, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool for e-commerce merchants, marketplace sellers, and even individuals with personal shipping needs. Whether you’re just starting or scaling rapidly, Shippo adapts to your requirements—helping you save money, save time, and elevate your customer service.

Take control of your shipping operations today. Visit goshippo.com to sign up and experience the benefits firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Shippo for personal shipping needs?

Yes, individuals can create accounts and use Shippo for personal shipments, especially for small volumes or occasional packages.

What is Shippo used for?

It’s used for creating shipping labels, comparing carrier rates, automating workflows, managing international shipping, tracking packages, and handling returns.

How does Shippo work?

It connects your e-commerce platform or manual orders to multiple carriers, allowing you to generate labels, compare rates, and track shipments—all from one dashboard.

Is Shippo legit?

Absolutely. With over 300,000 businesses trusting the platform and facilitating over 100 million shipments annually, Shippo is a reputable and reliable shipping solution.

How much does Shippo cost?

Plans range from free options for small volume shippers to custom enterprise solutions. Costs depend on your volume and feature needs.

How to get started with Shippo?

Visit goshippo.com, sign up for an account, connect your store or upload orders, and start shipping.