Best fulfillment services for Shopify

Shopify is the premier platform for managing e-commerce businesses, but getting your products in front of customers is only part of the equation. After a sale, you need a reliable way to get your products to consumers’ doorsteps, and to do that, you will need a reliable fulfillment partner. Take a look at the best fulfillment services for Shopify.

Quicklook: Best fulfillment services for Shopify

• Best for end-to-end solutions: ShipBob
• Best for small businesses: Shopify Fulfillment Network 
• Best for new companies: Red Stag Fulfillment
• Best for shipping to Europe: ShipMonk 
• Best for next-day shipping: ShipNetwork
• Best for Shopify app Integrations: ShipHero Fulfillment 

6 best fulfillment services for Shopify

ShipBob

Best for: End-to-end solutions

ShipBob is a true full-service fulfillment company, capable of handling everything from fulfillment to label printing and every step in between. Its onboarding process is fast and seamless, and though it might take a few days to get used to all the great technology and tools, that’s a good problem to have when you’re looking to modernize operations.  

Countries available: Ships to 200+ countries

B2B fulfillment: Yes

Special features: 

• Integrates with Shopify
• End-to-end fulfillment services
• Cloud-based software

Benefits: 

• Great customer service 
• Huge network  
• User-friendly software

Disadvantage: 

• Learning the platform can take time

Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN)

Best for: Small businesses

Shopify has its own in-house fulfillment network. Known as SFN, the network is easy to use and excellent for small-business owners. It offers two-day deliveries and does not charge up front fees during the first six months.  

Countries available: 220

B2B fulfillment: No

Special features: 

• No fees for six months
• Affordable shipping
• Custom packing slips

Benefits: 

• Affordable 
• Easy inventory management   
• All tools are in one place 

Disadvantages: 

• Not as robust as some other solutions 
• No B2B fulfillment 

Red Stag Fulfillment

Best for: New companies 

Red Stag Fulfillment offers a free, 30-day trial, so you can make sure the platform is right for you. It has remarkable order accuracy, fast shipping options and provides plenty of support. Additionally, Red Stag will easily integrate with your Shopify store. 

Countries available: 24

B2B fulfillment: Yes

Special features: 

• Integrations
• Inventory monitoring
• 30-day free trial

Benefits: 

• 100% customer order accuracy 
• Free trial  

Disadvantages: 

• Serves fewer countries than most providers 
• Can be costly

ShipMonk

Best for: Shipping to Europe

ShipMonk is unique in that it has warehouses throughout Europe and North America. It’s a great option for international brands. 

Countries available: Contact for details

B2B fulfillment: No

Special features: 

• Integrates with the Shopify app 
• Transparent billing
• EU-based warehouses

Benefits: 

• Up front pricing  
• Numerous integrations  
• Unique fulfillment services, including those for subscription boxes

Disadvantages: 

• No B2B fulfillment  
• Limited rapid-shipment options 

ShipNetwork

Best for: Next-day shipping 

ShipNetwork specializes in expedited domestic shipping and fulfillment, operating more than 10 fulfillment centers across the nation. But it only specializes in domestic shipping — ShipNetwork does not have a presence in any other country. 

Countries available: U.S.

B2B fulfillment: No

Special features: 

• Next-day shipping
• 100% order accuracy guarantee 
• Return management 

Benefits: 

• Fast shipping 
• Subscription box fulfillment  
• Great return management services

Disadvantages:  

• No B2B 
• No international shipping 

ShipHero Fulfillment

Best for: Shopify app integrations

ShipHero primarily serves Canada and the U.S., providing businesses with easy-to-use integrations and an intuitive platform. 

Countries available: U.S. and Canada

B2B fulfillment: No

Special features: 

• Shopify app integration
• User-friendly platform
• Seven different warehouses

Benefits: 

• Great customer support  
• Keeps you up to date on the status of orders  
• Real-time inventory management and package tracking

Disadvantages: 

• No B2B fulfillment 
• No warehouses outside of North America
• Limited shipping options

How do fulfillment services through Shopify work?

A fulfillment service manages order completion when customers make purchases through your Shopify store. When you receive an order, your fulfillment provider will print a label, pick your products off warehouse shelves, pack them and ship them. 

Most providers have warehouses throughout the U.S., so they can offer one- or two-day shipping options. The top providers will handle returns and field customer requests and complaints about your products.

How to choose a fulfillment service for Shopify

When searching for the best fulfillment service for Shopify, consider providers that can offer the following:

Industry knowledge 

Before you settle with a provider, make sure that they know the unique challenges your industry is facing. Choosing a partner that offers industry-specific expertise will help you maximize your return on investment and overcome unexpected shipping hurdles. 

For instance, if you are launching a new business, choose a provider that offers shipping for startups. If you sell nutritional products and supplements, select a fulfillment service that has worked in the space before. 

A similar customer base

When selecting a fulfillment partner, one of the most important factors to consider is whether it already serves a base of customers that is similar to your own. For instance, if you sell clothing and apparel, find a company that has experience in fulfilling apparel orders. 

Lower costs

The right fulfillment partner will help you keep your shipping and storage costs in check. It can provide numerous services to reduce your overhead and boost profitability. A few add-on services that will decrease your expenses include return handling and call center services.  

Technology integrations

The ideal fulfillment partner will help you integrate your existing warehouse management solutions with its cloud-based platform. These integrations will provide robust insights into inventory, assets and outbound orders. Many top providers may also be able to connect you with new technologies that will optimize your operations. 

Data and analytics

Data is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, but many businesses underuse this critical asset. The right fulfillment partner will help you make better use of your data by providing sophisticated analytics solutions. You can start to leverage real-time data to make more informed business decisions. 

Selecting an order fulfillment company 

When choosing a warehousing partner and fulfillment center for your business, make sure to carefully weigh your options, do plenty of research and consider the factors outlined above. Doing so will help you find the best fulfillment services for Shopify based on the unique needs of your business. 

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