Who Prints Shipping Labels: A Comprehensive Guide for eCommerce Merchants

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, efficient shipping processes can make or break a business. One crucial aspect of this process is printing shipping labels. But who exactly prints these labels, and what are the best solutions available for merchants? This comprehensive guide will explore the importance of shipping label printers and analyze the top options for eCommerce sellers in 2023.

The Importance of a Good Label Printer

A reliable shipping label printer is more than just a convenience; it's a vital tool for any eCommerce business shipping items themselves. The right shipping label software can revolutionize your shipping process by offering several key benefits:

• Bulk printing of shipping labels, significantly increasing order output and delivery speeds
• Reduction of manual entry errors, leading to improved shipping accuracy and quality
• Automatic updating of orders with tracking details, reducing customer queries and enhancing satisfaction

With these advantages in mind, let's explore the top five label printers for merchants who handle their own shipping.

5 Best Label Printers for Merchants Shipping Themselves

1. Easyship

Easyship is a comprehensive shipping platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of features to manage every aspect of the shipping process.

Pros:

• Integration with 21 sales channels, including major platforms like Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, and Shopify
• Access to over 250 global shipping solutions, including USPS, UPS, DHL Express, FedEx, and DPD
• Discounted shipping rates of up to 70%
• Automated shipping rules and tracking number updates
• Calculation of taxes and duties for international shipments

Cons:

• The real-time rates checkout plugin requires Shopify Advanced or Shopify Plus
• The manual order delivery process can be complex to set up and use

Pricing:

Easyship offers a free plan for up to 100 monthly shipments. For higher volumes, they provide three paid plans:

• Plus: $29/month for 500 shipments
• Premier: $49/month for 3,000 shipments
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for unlimited shipments

2. ShippingEasy

ShippingEasy is a web-based shipping solution that excels in domestic shipping services. It offers multi-channel and carrier integrations, providing access to competitive shipping rates and pre-paid shipping label printing.

Pros:

• Integration with major carriers: USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and DHL Express
• Compatibility with over 100 eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, eBay, and Amazon
• Automated shipping rules for carrier allocation based on various factors
• Batch printing of shipping labels with customization options
• Guarantee of the lowest shipping rates

Cons:

• Limited to five carrier services, which may restrict domestic shipping speeds and international delivery options
• Some features, particularly customization tools, could be improved
• The interface may not adapt well to all browser sizes

Pricing:

ShippingEasy offers a free plan for the first 50 monthly shipments. Paid plans include:

• Basic: $29/month for 500 shipments
• Plus: $49/month for 1,500 shipments
• Select: $69/month for 3,000 shipments
• Premium: $99/month for 6,000 shipments

3. Stamps

Stamps is an on-demand postage solution that allows you to import orders from various sales channels and print pre-paid shipping labels.

Pros:

• Automatic order import from major platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Magento
• Data import functionality using various file formats (XML, CSV, SQL, Access, Excel, etc.)
• Automatic tracking number updates on sales channels
• Batch printing and reporting functionality

Cons:

• Integration limited to USPS only
• Limited sales channel integrations
• Limited customization options

Pricing:

Stamps offers a free four-week trial with a $5 USPS credit. After the trial, users pay a flat $17.99 monthly subscription, regardless of shipment volume.

4. ShipStation

ShipStation is a popular choice among eCommerce sellers who handle their own shipping. It offers robust functionality for printing shipping labels and enhancing overall shipping performance.

Pros:

• Integration with over 44 carriers, including major players like USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and more
• Multi-channel integration with more than 40 sales channels
• User-friendly interface with custom API access available
• Automation rules and batch printing capabilities
• Scanning functionality and integration with warehouse, multi-channel management, and inventory tools

Cons:

• Reported inability to identify customers who have made purchases on different sales channels, leading to potential duplication
• No free package option, although a 30-day free trial is available

Pricing:

ShipStation offers six monthly subscription packages:

• Starter: $9/month for 50 shipments
• Bronze: $29/month for 500 shipments
• Silver: $49/month for 1,500 shipments
• Gold: $69/month for 3,000 shipments
• Platinum: $99/month for 6,000 shipments
• Enterprise: $159/month for 10,000 shipments

5. ShipRush

ShipRush prides itself on offering deep label printing functionality at competitive prices, making it suitable for eCommerce sellers of all sizes and volumes.

Pros:

• Integration with over 80 sales channels, ERP systems, and accounting solutions
• Access to more than 200 different parcel and freight options for global shipping
• Shipping automation for commonly performed tasks
• Customization options for shipping labels and documents
• Discounts for USPS and FedEx shipping services

Cons:

• Phone and chat support limited to working week hours
• Occasional slow import of new orders
• Creating shipping rules for large inventories can be time-consuming

Pricing:

ShipRush offers a free 60-day trial. After the trial, users can choose from three packages:

• Speedy: $29.95/month
• Turbo: $59.95/month
• Warehouse: $99.95/month

How FreightAmigo Can Enhance Your Shipping Label Process

While the above solutions offer excellent options for printing shipping labels, integrating them with a comprehensive Digital Logistics Platform like FreightAmigo can further streamline your shipping processes. Here's how FreightAmigo can complement your shipping label solution:

• Seamless Integration: FreightAmigo can integrate with your chosen shipping label software, ensuring a smooth flow of information between your order management system and shipping processes.
• Comprehensive Shipping Options: With access to a vast network of carriers, FreightAmigo can help you find the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options to complement your label printing process.
• Advanced Tracking: Our Digital Platform provides real-time tracking information, which can be synchronized with your shipping label software to keep your customers informed at every step.
• Customs Clearance Support: For international shipments, FreightAmigo can assist with customs documentation, ensuring that your labels and associated paperwork are compliant with international regulations.
• Data Analytics: Our platform's analytical capabilities can help you optimize your shipping processes, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency in your label printing and overall shipping operations.
• 24/7 Expert Support: Our round-the-clock logistics expert support can help you troubleshoot any issues with your shipping labels or broader shipping processes, ensuring smooth operations.

By leveraging FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Solution alongside your chosen shipping label printer, you can create a more robust, efficient, and cost-effective shipping process for your eCommerce business.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shipping label printer is crucial for eCommerce businesses looking to streamline their shipping processes. Each of the five solutions we've explored - Easyship, ShippingEasy, Stamps, ShipStation, and ShipRush - offers unique features and benefits that cater to different business needs and volumes.

When selecting a shipping label solution, consider factors such as your shipping volume, the sales channels you use, your preferred carriers, and your budget. Remember that the right solution can significantly improve your shipping efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Moreover, by integrating your chosen label printing solution with a comprehensive Digital Logistics Platform like FreightAmigo, you can further optimize your shipping processes, gaining access to a wider range of carriers, real-time tracking, customs support, and expert assistance.

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, staying ahead in shipping and logistics can give you a competitive edge. By carefully evaluating these options and considering how they can work alongside FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Solution, you can create a shipping strategy that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your business as it grows.