ShipBob vs. Shopify Fulfillment: What Ecommerce Stores Should Know

Fulfillment can be a significant challenge for many ecommerce businesses, especially as they grow and scale. This is where third-party logistics (3PL) providers come in, offering specialized services to help manage fulfillment operations for Shopify sellers. 

Two popular options in the market are ShipBob and Flexport (formerly the Shopify Fulfillment Network). They both offer services to streamline the fulfillment process for ecommerce stores. However, there are key differences that business owners should be aware of when choosing between these two providers.     

ALERT: While ShipBob and Flexport (formerly Shopify Fulfillment) excel at fulfilling small items, they’re not equipped for larger products.

Their automated warehouses can’t accommodate items over 50 lbs or those exceeding certain dimensions (48″ shortest side for Flexport, 30″ for ShipBob). And if your products are anywhere near those size restrictions, you’ll be paying more than you should.

If you sell large products, you need a 3PL that specializes in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment.

Red Stag Fulfillment is an industry leader in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment. Our warehouses and processes are designed for the big stuff, and we’ve negotiated deep discounts with national carriers for shipping big items that most 3PLs can’t match.

If you sell small stuff, keep reading. ShipBob or Flexport (formerly Shopify Fulfillment) may be a great match.

If you sell large stuff, reach out today to learn how we can streamline your fulfillment.

Important update regarding Shopify Fulfillment

In May 2023, Shopify sold their fulfillment operation to supply chain logistics platform Flexport. 

While Shopify Fulfillment still has a landing page, know that you are using Flexport’s fulfillment services when you sign up for the Shopify Fulfillment Network. Flexport’s continuing use of the name “Shopify Fulfillment” is just a branding play to win the business of ecommerce operators who want to keep their entire operation in the Shopify wheelhouse. That’s why this article is essentially a comparison of ShipBob and Flexport. 

With so many other 3PLs—including ShipBob—offering seamless Shopify integrations, there is no inherent advantage for Shopify stores to use “Shopify Fulfillment.” Flexport may still be the best option for your fulfillment needs, but you shouldn’t choose them solely because of their Shopify branding play. 

Now that’s out of the way, let’s get on with the comparison. 

ShipBob vs. Shopify Fulfillment at a glance 

Differences between ShipBob and Shopify Fulfillment

Before deciding on a 3PL provider for your ecommerce business, let’s examine how ShipBob and Flexport can meet different fulfillment needs.

Integrations and ease of use

For merchants using the Shopify app, both ShipBob and Flexport offer integrations with the popular ecommerce platform. 

However, there are some differences in ease of use and flexibility. ShipBob has partnerships with various ecommerce platforms, allowing it to integrate easily with multiple options such as Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, and Magento. 

ShipBob also offers additional integrations (124 in total) with popular tools that allow for more automation and customization, including (but not limited to):

• Inventory and order management.
  Inventory Planner, Cin7, and Zentail 
• Returns management.
  Corso, Aftership, Loop Returns 
• Marketing, CRM, and customer support.
  Justuno, Lucky Orange, Quartile, Gorgias 
• Accounting, tax, and financing.
  Bookkeeper360, SimplyVAT, Avalara 

Flexport offers 19 integrations that assist with returns management, ecommerce, and selling automation, including (but not limited to):

BigCommerce

ChannelAdvisor

eBay

Etsy

Facebook Shops

Linnworks

ReturnGO

Shopify

Walmart

Wish

WooCommerce

Services offered

ShipBob provides a wide range of services, including:

• Warehousing
  They have over 20 fulfillment centers worldwide, allowing merchants to store inventory closer to international customers and minimize shipping times.
• Order management
  They offer a user-friendly dashboard allowing real-time order tracking from all sales channels.
• Kitting and custom packaging
  ShipBob fulfillment offers the option to customize the packaging with your logo or branding, adding a personal touch to the fulfillment process.
• International shipping
  With their global fulfillment centers, ShipBob can handle international shipping for businesses looking to expand globally.
• Returns management
  They offer a streamlined returns process, allowing merchants to easily manage and process returns.

Flexport focuses on providing end-to-end fulfillment. Merchants using Shopify Fulfillment can access Flexport’s global logistics services, including:

DTC and ecommerce fulfillment

B2B wholesale distribution to 20+ retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and eBay

Order management

Inventory and reserve storage

Packaging prep and returns management

International ocean and air freight, including instant pricing and booking

Domestic trucking

Customs and insurance

Supply chain financing

Pricing

Pricing for both ShipBob and Flexport is quote-based. While we may not be able to provide specific fees for either service, you can explore both options to get a feel for what you’d pay:

ShipBob’s pricing page, where you can enter your ecommerce business’s info to receive a quote

Flexport’s pricing calculator on their main site and on the Shopify Fulfillment Network site

NOTE: To better understand the prices these services may quote you, read our article on how 3PL pricing works.

Customer support

ShipBob offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, such as email, phone, and live chat. It also has a dedicated Merchant Care team to assist businesses with their fulfillment needs and provide personalized support. In addition to a support team, ShipBob has a comprehensive knowledge base and support center on its website for self-help options.

Flexport offers support through its standard customer service channels. Users can contact Shopify’s support team for any integration-related questions or inquiries. 

You can chat with them on their website from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on weekends. For more complex issues, users can reach out to Flexport fulfillment experts through their platform via chat from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by creating a support ticket during non-live chat-supported hours. 

ShipBob: Biggest pros and benefits

PROS:

Scalability: ShipBob allows businesses to scale up their fulfillment operations as they grow, offering different service levels based on volume. It eliminates the need to switch to a new provider as a business expands.

Tech-driven solutions: ShipBob utilizes advanced technology and automation to streamline fulfillment processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Wide network of fulfillment centers: With over 20 locations strategically across the U.S., ShipBob provides fast and cost-effective shipping options for domestic and international orders.

Integration options:  ShipBob offers integrations with popular ecommerce platforms, making it easy for businesses to connect their online store and automate order fulfillment.

Flexport (formerly Shopify Fulfillment): Biggest pros and benefits

PROS:

Seamless integration with the Shopify platform: Businesses can easily connect their store to it and access all fulfillment options within one platform. This makes it highly convenient for Shopify users to manage their orders and inventory levels without having to switch between multiple systems.

Competitive shipping rates: Businesses can take advantage of these rates to save on shipping costs and offer affordable shipping options for their customers. 

Expertise in global logistics: They can provide businesses with added benefits such as faster international shipping and customs clearance.

Which fulfillment solution is best for you?

Both 3PLs have their advantages and drawbacks, and the best option ultimately depends on a business’s specific needs. Factors like growth plans, preferred integrations, and budget can greatly impact which solution is right for you. Let’s break down a few common scenarios that may help you decide.

For a Shopify store

Flexport may be better if your business is fully embedded in the Shopify ecosystem. With its native integration and easy setup, businesses can streamline their fulfillment process within one platform.

For a multi-platform ecommerce store

Businesses that use multiple ecommerce platforms or are considering scaling beyond Shopify may find ShipBob to be a better fit. As ShipBob is not limited to Shopify, it allows businesses to expand their sales channels and manage fulfillment within one platform. 

With its wide range of integrations, businesses can easily connect their store and automate order fulfillment, regardless of the platform they use.

For businesses focused on growth and scalability

ShipBob and Flexport are both designed to be scalable, making them suitable options for businesses focused on growth. However, ShipBob’s wider range of services makes it a better choice for businesses anticipating rapid growth. 

With its tech-driven solutions and ability to handle increased order volumes, ShipBob can support businesses as they scale and expand their operations. ShipBob’s multiple warehouse locations and inventory management tools allow businesses to fulfill orders more efficiently and effectively as their sales increase. 

For those prioritizing cost-effectiveness

ShipBob offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to keep costs in check. They also offer discounted shipping rates through their carrier partnerships, which can help businesses save on fulfillment costs. 

For larger order volumes, ShipBob may be a more cost-effective option as their order minimum requirement only affects small businesses.

Flexport has no order minimum, making it a suitable option for businesses with low order volumes and high order volume variability.

How Red Stag Fulfillment stacks up against ShipBob and Shopify Fulfillment

Red Stag’s unique strengths and specialized handling make it a superior alternative for businesses with more complex fulfillment needs. Our track record of success features clients like Original Oatly and Pop-A-Shot, who have seen significant benefits from switching to Red Stag’s services.

“Red Stag Fulfillment has been exactly what I’d hoped for when I started. I never envisioned that we would have had this much growth—and they have grown with us seamlessly.”

Tony Stucker

Pop-A-Shot CEO

With our high accuracy rates, customized solutions, and experience in handling large, heavy, or high-value items, and lightweight items with a small number of SKUs, Red Stag can provide a more tailored and efficient fulfillment experience for businesses. 

Here’s why Red Stag comes out on top for businesses with complex fulfillment needs:

Accuracy and reliability

We pride ourselves on our high fulfillment accuracy rates and offer a 100% guarantee for every order. This sets us apart from ShipBob and Flexport, as they may not offer the same level of accuracy and guarantees. 

At Red Stag, we understand the importance of getting orders right and work tirelessly to ensure that our clients’ customers’ expectations are met. 

If there’s a mistake, we’ll cover the cost to fix it, pay you $50 for the inconvenience, or both. Our no-shrinkage and on-time inventory guarantees provide additional peace of mind for businesses looking for accurate and reliable fulfillment services.

Integrations

Our direct integrations with popular online retail platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Opencars, and more make it easy for businesses to seamlessly connect their store with Red Stag’s fulfillment services. 

We also offer custom integrations via API for businesses that require a more tailored solution, ensuring that all fulfillment needs are met—just tell us what you need and we’ll help set it up.

Specialized handling and customization

Red Stag truly shines in the ability to handle specialized products and unique fulfillment needs. Unlike ShipBob or Flexport, we have extensive experience handling large, heavy, or high-value items with precision and care. 

Our specialized handling solutions, such as our secure storage for high-value items and our ability to handle bulky and small, light, or awkwardly shaped products, make us the clear choice for businesses with complex fulfillment needs. 

We also offer customized solutions for businesses that require unique packaging or kitting services, ensuring that each order is fulfilled according to specific requirements.

While Flexport may be a good option for businesses with simple fulfillment needs, they may struggle with more complex products, such as large or heavy items.

Make the right fulfillment choice for all your business needs

Partnering with a 3PL that meets your current needs and has the capabilities and flexibility to support your future growth isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. 

Red Stag Fulfillment is the clear choice for businesses with complex or unique fulfillment needs. We offer accuracy, reliability, integrations, and specialized handling and customization services that set us apart from the competition. 

With Red Stag, you can be confident that your orders will be fulfilled accurately and delivered to your customers on time, every time.

Reach out today to learn how Red Stag’s flexibility and expertise can help your business thrive with efficient, custom-tailored fulfillment services.