Shipbob

What is ShipBob

ShipBob is a third-party logistics (3PL) and ecommerce fulfillment provider that manages warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping for online merchants. The company operates a distributed network of fulfillment centers across North America, Europe, and APAC to reduce transit times, lower shipping costs through carrier volume, and provide inventory visibility across regions. ShipBob is aimed at DTC brands, subscription businesses, and omnichannel sellers who need operational capacity without building their own warehousing and fulfillment infrastructure.

ShipBob combines physical fulfillment services with a cloud-based dashboard and integrations that connect directly to ecommerce platforms and marketplaces. That combination lets merchants synchronize orders, view inventory locations and stock levels, and route shipments automatically based on rules such as nearest-warehouse or fastest-delivery. The service is used by startups that want fast time-to-market and by established retailers moving to a distributed inventory strategy.

Operational capabilities are augmented by software tools for inventory forecasting, return management, custom packaging, and performance reporting. Brands that require specialized handling — such as temperature-controlled products, subscription box kitting, or multi-SKU bundle creation — can configure those workflows within ShipBob’s WMS (warehouse management system) and implementation services. The company positions itself as an extension of merchant operations, providing both fulfillment execution and programmatic control via APIs and integrations.

ShipBob features

What does ShipBob do?

ShipBob manages the complete outbound fulfillment lifecycle for ecommerce merchants: it receives inbound inventory, warehouses stock across geographies, picks and packs orders, arranges parcel and freight shipping, and handles returns. The platform automates carrier selection and routing to meet delivery SLA targets, and supports multi-channel order ingestion from storefronts, marketplaces, and custom carts.

Key operational features include distributed inventory placement, inventory management and reporting, returns management, order-level tracking and notifications, and support for custom packing and inserts. ShipBob’s software provides dashboards and reports for order volume, fulfillment costs, inventory velocity, and forecasted replenishment needs. For merchants focused on improving the customer experience, ShipBob can support branded packing and ship-notifications to preserve brand presentation through fulfillment.

On the technical side, ShipBob exposes developer-friendly APIs and pre-built integrations with major ecommerce platforms and tools. These integrations enable automated order sync, shipment status updates, and inventory reconciliation. For enterprise customers the platform can be extended with dedicated account teams, SLAs, and additional compliance and security provisions.

Other notable features:

• Distributed warehouse network for reducing transit times and regional shipping costs
• Pick-and-pack pricing models and volume-based shipping discounts
• Kitting and subscription box assembly workflows
• Return processing and RMA workflows connected to merchant portals
• Analytics and business intelligence for unit economics, landed cost, and fulfillment KPIs

For more detail on connectivity and features, review ShipBob’s integration and developer resources such as the ShipBob developer documentation at https://developers.shipbob.com/ and ShipBob’s fulfillment overview at https://www.shipbob.com/fulfillment/.

ShipBob pricing

ShipBob offers flexible pricing tailored to different business needs and fulfillment volumes rather than fixed public tier pricing for all customers. Pricing typically includes several fee categories: receiving and inbound handling, monthly inventory storage (per cubic foot or per pallet), pick-and-pack (per order or per line item), and outbound shipping (carrier rates passed through or negotiated rates). Additional fees commonly appear for special services such as kitting, custom packaging, returns processing, and expedited receiving.

Typical cost components merchants should budget for include:

• Inbound receiving fees: fees per pallet or per carton for intake processing
• Storage fees: monthly charges often calculated per cubic foot or per pallet
• Pick & pack fees: per-order and per-item charges that cover labor and materials
• Shipping costs: carrier postage and freight, which can be reduced through ShipBob’s volume-based discounts
• Special services: kitting fees, labeled SKUs, returns processing, and custom packaging

Because ShipBob’s quotes depend on SKU profile, expected order volume, storage density, and selected warehouse locations, merchants receive custom quotes and may negotiate discounts at scale. Many brands realize lower landed shipping costs by distributing inventory closer to end customers and leveraging ShipBob’s carrier negotiated rates. For concrete, up-to-date figures and any onboarding promotions, consult ShipBob’s site. Visit their official pricing page for the most current information.

How much is ShipBob per month

ShipBob offers flexible pricing that depends on monthly order volume, SKU complexity, and chosen fulfillment locations. Monthly costs vary: small sellers with low monthly orders might pay a modest base plus per-order fees, while high-volume brands often operate under negotiated per-order or throughput-based pricing with volume discounts. To estimate monthly spend, calculate expected monthly orders × average pick-and-pack fee plus monthly storage and inbound amortized costs.

How much is ShipBob per year

ShipBob’s yearly cost depends on the annualized order volume and storage usage. Annual pricing can be modeled by summing 12 months of the monthly fulfillment spend, inbound handling, and any seasonal peaks. Large or enterprise customers commonly move to annual contracts that include service-level agreements and may receive reduced per-order fees as part of committed volume discounts. For specific annual rate scenarios and potential savings, get a custom quote from their sales team.

How much is ShipBob in general

ShipBob pricing ranges widely depending on service selections and scale. Small merchants may spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month, while mid-market and enterprise customers can spend tens of thousands monthly. The major drivers of total cost are the number of outbound orders, average items per order (which affects pick labor), storage volume, and the geographic distribution of inventory across warehouse sites. To create a reliable budget, gather projected monthly order counts, average units per order, and average unit dimensions to request a tailored pricing proposal.

Visit their official pricing page for the most current information.

What is ShipBob used for

ShipBob is used to outsource warehouse operations and order fulfillment so merchants can focus on product development, marketing, and customer service. Brands use ShipBob to scale operations quickly without investing in leased warehouse space, personnel, and fulfillment infrastructure. This is especially useful for companies experiencing rapid growth, seasonal spikes, or expansion into international markets where local warehousing reduces shipping transit times and import complexity.

Common use cases include direct-to-consumer ecommerce brands that need consistent two-day or faster delivery promises, subscription companies that require scheduled fulfillment and kitting, marketplace sellers that need a single fulfillment backend for multiple storefronts, and enterprise merchants that require SLA-backed fulfillment and reporting. ShipBob’s distributed network is also used for inventory balancing to lower duties, reduce cross-border transit, and make delivery windows more reliable.

Operational benefits realized by users include fewer shipping exceptions, consolidated fulfillment reporting across channels, reduced per-shipment costs via negotiated carrier rates, and the ability to support return logistics and exchange flows. Because software and execution are combined, merchants gain visibility into inventory health and can automate replenishment thresholds and transfer recommendations to prevent stockouts.

Pros and cons of ShipBob

ShipBob pros:

• Centralized fulfillment and reporting across multiple sales channels, reducing operational complexity for merchants.
• Distributed warehouse footprint that shortens transit times and often reduces shipping costs through regional inventory placement.
• Developer APIs and pre-built integrations that enable automation and real-time order/inventory synchronization.
• Support for specialized services such as kitting, subscription fulfillment, branded packaging, and return logistics.

ShipBob cons:

• Pricing is custom and can be complex to model; small merchants may encounter higher per-order fees before they scale into negotiated rates.
• Relying on a 3PL means relinquishing some direct control over warehouse operations and on-the-ground process adjustments.
• International expansion requires navigating customs, duties, and tax changes — while ShipBob assists, merchant oversight and compliance remain necessary.
• Some merchants report variability between warehouses in turnaround or packaging consistency; enterprises typically manage this via SLAs and account teams.

Choosing ShipBob is a trade-off: it replaces operational burden and capital investment with variable costs tied to throughput. For merchants uncertain about volume, a staged approach — starting with a single region and expanding distribution — helps validate the economics before full roll-out.

ShipBob free trial

ShipBob doesn’t operate as a SaaS product with a trial in the traditional sense; fulfillment onboarding is a service engagement that typically begins with a consultation, technical integration, and a pilot or initial inbound. Onboarding timelines can vary but often include a test inbound and limited order volume to validate labeling, packing, and carrier choices. Many merchants treat the initial months as a trial period to confirm service quality and ensure the WMS integration and SLAs meet expectations.

Onboarding programs sometimes have promotional discounts or reduced fees for the first inbound or for implementation costs, depending on the merchant’s size and the current ShipBob offers. ShipBob’s onboarding teams provide implementation checklists, labeling guides, and testing instructions to minimize errors during the ramp-up. Use the integration environment to run simulated orders and confirm API flows before sending high-volume inbound shipments.

Merchants should plan for 2–8 weeks of onboarding work depending on SKU complexity, number of SKUs, and warehouse locations. During onboarding, request a written onboarding plan, designated points of contact, and acceptance criteria for the pilot period. That approach reduces friction and makes the first 30–90 days measurable for both parties.

Is ShipBob free

No, ShipBob does not offer a free plan. Fulfillment services are billed based on usage and selected services, and there is no perpetual free tier for order fulfillment. Some promotional onboarding discounts or credits may be available during sales processes, but ongoing fulfillment involves per-shipment, per-item, and storage fees.

ShipBob API

ShipBob provides developer-facing APIs and documentation to connect order sources, synchronize inventory, create shipments, and retrieve tracking and fulfillment reports. The API supports typical ecommerce flows: create orders, query inventory availability per warehouse, create returns, and receive webhooks for shipment status changes. Developers use the API when pre-built integrations do not cover a merchant’s custom cart or when they need advanced automation such as multi-warehouse routing logic.

Documentation and SDKs are available through ShipBob’s developer portal at https://developers.shipbob.com/. The documentation includes endpoint references, authentication patterns (API keys / token-based), example payloads, and best practices for rate limits and error handling. For integrations requiring high security or volume, ShipBob offers engineering support and sandbox environments to reduce implementation risk.

Enterprises that require deeper integration often pair ShipBob’s API access with a dedicated technical onboarding resource from ShipBob and custom SLAs. This enables asynchronous processing, bulk data reconciliation, and automated inventory placement recommendations.

10 ShipBob alternatives

Paid alternatives to ShipBob

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon’s fulfillment service for marketplace sellers; strong for Prime-eligible delivery and huge scale but carries marketplace-specific policies and fees favoring Amazon sellers.
• Deliverr: Fast fulfillment focused on fast-commerce and marketplace seller speed guarantees, offering integrations into marketplaces with transparent shipping guarantees and simpler pricing for volume merchants.
• ShipHero: Fulfillment and WMS that serves both 3PL needs and self-hosted warehouses; provides strong WMS features and integrations for merchants who want more control over in-house operations or managed services.
• Red Stag Fulfillment: Specializes in heavy, high-value, and large-item ecommerce fulfillment with a focus on accuracy, insurance, and white-glove handling for complex SKUs.
• Rakuten Super Logistics: Network-based fulfillment solution focused on ecommerce retailers with strong order routing and same-to-next-day regional delivery options.
• FedEx Fulfillment: Full-service fulfillment backed by FedEx logistics and shipping network, useful for brands that prefer integrated carrier and fulfillment services under a single provider.
• ShipStation (with fulfillment partners): Primarily a shipping and order management platform that integrates with multiple 3PLs and carriers; best for merchants who want a strong shipping UI plus partner fulfillment orchestration.

Open source alternatives to ShipBob

• ERPNext: Open-source ERP with inventory, warehouse, and order management modules; suitable for merchants that want full control and self-hosted operations with no vendor lock-in.
• Odoo (Community Edition): Open-source ERP platform with warehouse and inventory management; requires implementation effort but is flexible for custom fulfillment workflows and integrations.
• OpenBoxes: Open-source supply chain and inventory management system used in health and humanitarian contexts; can be adapted for ecommerce warehouse workflows and inventory tracking.
• Snipe-IT (for asset management): While not a complete fulfillment WMS, Snipe-IT is open source for asset management and can be part of a broader self-managed fulfillment stack when combined with other tools.

Each alternative fits different use cases: paid 3PLs offer hands-off warehousing and scale, while open-source systems are better for merchants wanting full operational control and who can manage hosting and staffing for warehouse operations themselves.

Frequently asked questions about ShipBob

What is ShipBob used for?

ShipBob is used for outsourced ecommerce order fulfillment and inventory management. Merchants use ShipBob to receive, store, pick, pack, ship, and process returns for orders across multiple sales channels. The platform helps brands scale fulfillment without investing in owned warehouse infrastructure and offers regional distribution to cut transit time and costs.

How does ShipBob pricing work?

ShipBob offers usage-based pricing that varies by inbound, storage, pick-and-pack, and shipping costs. Quotes are customized based on SKU profile, monthly order volume, and warehouse locations; larger volumes typically secure lower per-order rates. For exact numbers and any onboarding promotions, consult ShipBob’s current pricing options at https://www.shipbob.com/pricing/.

Does ShipBob integrate with Shopify and marketplaces?

Yes, ShipBob integrates with major ecommerce platforms and marketplaces. It provides pre-built connectors for Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Amazon, Walmart, and more, enabling automated order sync, inventory updates, and shipment tracking. When a pre-built integration is not available, merchants can use the ShipBob API to build custom connectors.

Can ShipBob handle international fulfillment?

Yes, ShipBob supports global fulfillment through its network of international warehouses. Merchants can distribute inventory across regions to reduce cross-border delivery times and import costs, but customs, duties, and local regulatory compliance still require merchant attention. ShipBob can assist with inbound routing, cross-border logistics, and tariff-related services in partnership programs.

Is ShipBob suitable for subscription box businesses?

Yes, ShipBob supports subscription and kitting workflows. The platform can assemble multi-item kits, manage recurring shipment schedules, and apply packing rules for subscription boxes. Merchants should discuss SKU lifecycle, replenishment cadence, and special packaging needs during onboarding to ensure pricing and processes match the subscription model.

When will my orders ship with ShipBob?

ShipBob typically ships orders based on the SLA agreed during onboarding and the merchant’s selected service level. Many merchants use ShipBob to offer two-day or faster delivery promises by distributing inventory closer to customers. Actual ship times depend on warehouse cutoffs, carrier transit times, and chosen shipping methods.

Where can I find ShipBob’s developer documentation?

ShipBob publishes developer documentation and API references online. You can access the technical API docs and integration guides via the ShipBob developer portal at https://developers.shipbob.com/ to implement order and inventory automation, webhooks, and other programmatic features.

Why would a merchant choose ShipBob over Fulfillment by Amazon?

Merchants choose ShipBob for greater control over branding, multi-channel fulfillment, and custom packaging options. While FBA offers Amazon Prime exposure and convenience for Amazon sellers, ShipBob enables merchants to fulfill across their own storefronts and marketplaces with consistent packaging and customer experience. The choice depends on channel strategy, fees, and desired brand control.

Does ShipBob handle returns and exchanges?

Yes, ShipBob provides returns management and reverse logistics services. Merchants can configure return rules, inspection criteria, restocking workflows, and refund routing. Return labels and RMA tracking are supported through the ShipBob dashboard and APIs, allowing reconciliation of return inventory into available stock.

How secure is my data with ShipBob?

ShipBob operates production services with standard security controls and enterprise features for data protection. They offer secure access controls, audit logging, and partner integrations that follow industry practices; specific enterprise security features and certifications can be reviewed with ShipBob’s security documentation and sales team. For details about compliance and enterprise security, consult ShipBob’s published resources and security pages on their site.

shipbob careers

ShipBob publishes open roles across engineering, operations, customer success, and fulfillment center staffing. Careers pages typically include job descriptions, location details for both corporate and warehouse roles, and information on the company mission and benefits. Candidates interested in fulfillment operations or SaaS-enabled logistics should monitor ShipBob’s careers page for listings and application guidelines.

shipbob affiliate

ShipBob offers partner and referral programs for agencies, e-commerce consultants, and technology partners. These programs typically provide mutual referral benefits, integration support, and co-marketing resources for partners that recommend ShipBob to merchants. Interested agencies can inquire about partner tiers and partner onboarding via ShipBob’s partnerships or sales contact paths.

Where to find shipbob reviews

Independent merchant reviews and case studies are available on ecommerce industry review sites and ShipBob’s own customer stories. Look for customer feedback on platforms such as G2, Trustpilot, and ecommerce-focused forums to compare real-world experiences with SLA performance, customer support quality, and fulfillment accuracy. Also review ShipBob’s case studies for examples of cost savings and operational outcomes with specific brands.

shipbob affiliate

ShipBob’s partner programs include integration partners, agency partners, and referral relationships that help ecommerce service providers and platforms refer clients into ShipBob’s fulfillment network. Partner terms, revenue share models, and technical requirements vary by program; interested organizations should contact ShipBob’s partnerships team for program specifics and application processes.

Where to find shipbob reviews

Reviews for ShipBob are available on technology review platforms and industry publications. Look up merchant feedback on G2 and Trustpilot for crowd-sourced ratings, and consult logistics and ecommerce publications for performance benchmarking and case study write-ups. Reading a combination of third-party reviews and ShipBob’s customer case studies provides a balanced view of operational strengths and potential friction points.