ShipMonk vs. ShipBob: A Complete Comparison

Deciding between ShipMonk and ShipBob? Both are third-party logistics providers that help ecommerce businesses with warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping. 

While both have their merits, choosing the right 3PL partner can make or break your ecommerce fulfillment processes—and customer satisfaction. This guide will walk you through the strengths and weaknesses of both fulfillment services, comparing their features, service offerings, pricing, and more. 

Editor’s note: This post has a lot of detailed comparison info, but here’s the lowdown:

ShipMonk and Shipbob are pretty comparable in that they’re both highly automated, have warehouses across the U.S., and are optimized for high volumes of lightweight products. If you ship a lot of <1 lb items, both of these companies will be a great fit.

However, if you ship big, heavy, bulky, or fragile products, Shipbob and ShipMonk probably won’t be a good fit. Highly automated fulfillment operations have trouble with large or fragile products and often refuse to work with brands that sell these items.

If you sell large or fragile products, consider Red Stag Fulfillment. Our fulfillment operation is intentionally designed for big, heavy, bulky, and fragile products (though we service products of all sizes). And we offer industry-leading shipping rates for large items thanks to our aggressive negotiations with the carriers on larger and heavier packages.

Want to see if Red Stag is right for your brand? Get in touch today.

P.S. We’re very selective with our clients. But don’t worry—if we’re not a good fit, we’ll recommend a 3PL that is better suited to your specific needs. (It might even be ShipBob or ShipMonk!)

ShipMonk vs. ShipBob: A quick comparison

Comparing ShipMonk and ShipBob: Features, pricing, and more

Choosing the best 3PL company goes beyond looking at the price point (although that’s one of the considerations). It’s about understanding how each provider’s features will fit your unique business needs.

In the following sections, we’ll examine the specific features and pricing of ShipMonk and ShipBob.

Top features

Services offered

Minimum order volume

ShipBob and ShipMonk’s minimum order volume requirements differ significantly: 

ShipMonk’s policy of having no minimum order volume makes it an attractive option for small startups or new businesses with low order volume. ShipBob’s Growth Plan caters to smaller businesses shipping under 400 orders per month, making it a more viable option for startups with moderate growth. 

For large enterprises, the minimum order volume requirements may not be as significant of a factor. For example, a small startup with only 50 monthly orders might benefit from ShipMonk’s no minimum volume requirement and avoid additional costs. In contrast, a larger business with a high volume of orders may find the Growth Plan offered by ShipBob to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Pricing 

Customer support

ShipMonk provides multiple support channels, including an online portal where users can log in to submit tickets and access support articles. They offer dedicated account managers for personalized service, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses requiring consistent and direct communication. 

In contrast, ShipBob provides a comprehensive merchant care team that can be reached via its online support portal. However, ShipBob’s customer support is only available during working hours—in Canada/U.S., from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm CST, and on weekends, Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.

ShipMonk pros and cons

PROS:

Dedicated customer support
Provides personalized service with dedicated account managers for more direct and consistent communication.

No minimum order volume
Allows businesses of all sizes, particularly small startups, to benefit without meeting order volume requirements.

Various customization options
Offers flexible packaging and kitting services to cater to businesses specific needs, such as handwritten thank you notes and specialized packaging.

Crowdfunding solutions and marketplaces
Specialized services for crowdfunding and marketplace platforms to help businesses navigate the unique fulfillment requirements of these channels.

CONS:

Potential hidden costs
Fuel surcharges and high pick and pack fees for additional picks can add up, so businesses must consider these costs when evaluating their budget.

Limited storage locations
Currently, it has only three warehouse locations in the U.S., which may limit its reach and shipping options for some businesses.

ShipBob pros and cons

PROS:

No hidden costs
It offers a transparent pricing model with no hidden fees, making it easier for businesses to manage their budgets.

Multiple storage locations
Has multiple warehouse locations in the U.S., providing businesses with more options for order fulfillment and potentially reducing shipping costs.

Incredible analytics
ShipBob provides detailed analytics, allowing businesses to track inventory levels and shipments in real time.

Advanced technology
Uses advanced technology and automated processes for efficient order fulfillment and inventory management. 

CONS:

Limited marketplaces
Currently only integrated with Walmart, Amazon, and eBay, limiting options for businesses using other e-commerce platforms such as Etsy

Offers FBM and not SPF
ShipBob does not provide Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) services, which may limit fulfillment options for businesses selling on Amazon.

Which is the best option for you when comparing ShipMonk vs. ShipBob?

The best option between ShipMonk and ShipBob ultimately depends on a business’s individual needs and goals—it’s not a one-size-fits-all choice. To help with the decision-making process, here are some key factors to consider based on two common scenarios:

• Startup vs. established company
  For startups with limited resources and lower order volumes, ShipMonk may be a more suitable option due to their lack of minimum order requirements and flexible packaging options. ShipBob’s advanced technology and omni-channel capabilities better fit established companies with higher order volumes and more complex fulfillment needs.
• Budget-conscious vs. service-focused
  A budget-conscious business may benefit from ShipBob’s transparent pricing model and no hidden fees. A service-focused company may prioritize dedicated customer support and customized packaging options, making ShipMonk a more appealing option.

But what if you choose to consider cost, order volume, your growth plans and customer expectations? Let’s compare how they stack up:

• Cost
  For cost-conscious businesses, ShipMonk may be the better option as they don’t have a minimum order requirement and offer flexible packaging options. Businesses with higher budgets may benefit from ShipBob’s advanced technology and analytics, which can help reduce fulfillment costs.
• Order volume requirements
  If a business has low order volumes, ShipMonk may be the better option as they do not have a minimum order requirement. A business with higher order volumes may benefit from ShipBob’s multiple warehouse locations and advanced technology for more efficient fulfillment.
• Growth plans
  For businesses with plans to scale and expand, ShipBob may be the more suitable option as they offer omni-channel fulfillment services and multiple warehouse locations, allowing for greater reach and shipping options. If your business is at a stage where you need to keep costs low and focus on building your brand, ShipMonk may be a better option.
• Customer experience expectations
  A business that values a high level of customer experience may benefit from ShipMonk’s customized packaging options and dedicated customer support. Businesses looking for advanced analytics and real-time tracking capabilities may prefer ShipBob’s services.

How Red Stag Fulfillment is different from other 3PLs

Red Stag Fulfillment stands out among other 3PL providers due to our accuracy guarantees, specialization in handling large or heavy items and fragile products, and exceptional customer service.

While ShipMonk and ShipBob have their strengths, Red Stag offers unique capabilities that cater to businesses with specific needs and priorities.

What sets Red Stag apart?

• Our accuracy guarantee.
  We pride ourselves on ensuring every order is picked, packed, and shipped correctly the first time, with an error rate of 99.98%.
• We specialize in handling large or heavy items.
  Unlike ShipMonk and ShipBob, we do not have strict weight or size restrictions, making us a top choice for businesses with big, bulky, or heavy products. Our warehouse facilities are equipped to handle items of all shapes and sizes, including bulky or fragile items.
• Exceptional customer service.
  We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients and providing personalized support. Our dedicated customer service team can answer any questions or concerns, ensuring your business runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Our services are strategically designed to meet the needs of businesses seeking scalability and minimal oversight.
  They are highly suitable for COOs, directors, and VPs seeking a fulfillment partner that aligns with their operational goals.

In comparison, ShipBob and ShipMonk may not offer the same accuracy guarantees, specialization in handling large and heavy items, or personalized customer service. But don’t just take our word for it—our clients speak for themselves. 

“[Red Stag Fulfillment was] always very dependable. It was a given that, if an order got to them, it would be shipped on time.”

Tony Stucker

CEO and owner
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Find the right 3PL provider for your unique business needs

Selecting the right 3PL provider is crucial for the success of your business. With so many options available, finding one that meets all your unique needs can be overwhelming. 

That’s where Red Stag Fulfillment comes in.

Red Stag Fulfillment distinguishes itself by delivering exceptional service tailored to the specific needs of businesses dealing with oversized and bulky items. Focusing on precision and customer satisfaction guarantees a seamless experience that helps companies to excel.

When choosing a 3PL, it’s essential to consider what truly matters to your organization—minimizing errors, enhancing scalability, or providing an outstanding customer experience. 

If you’re ready to level up your fulfillment process, contact us today and learn more about how we can support your business’s growth.