7 Best eCommerce Fulfillment Services in 2024

ShipBob is our top pick as a great way to outsource eCommerce fulfillment and shipping needs. Its advantages include an excellent management system, incredible customer support, and transparent pricing – making it easier than ever for someone to start selling online!

Businesses are transforming in the digital age, especially in eCommerce. With online stores continuously growing, anyone can start an eCommerce business. There’s increasing pressure on fulfillment service providers to offer more competitive advantages.

But – don’t worry if ShipBob doesn’t seem right for you. Our extensive research has unearthed several excellent fulfillment services for eCommerce businesses that can help you reach more customers within a wide area.

Founded in 2014 by Dhruv Saxena and Divey Gulati, ShipBob is a tech-enabled third-party logistics provider that offers business fulfillment, supported by an international fulfillment network across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Based in Chicago, ShipBob has expanded to serving over 5,500 merchants, with 99.96% of orders shipped on time within SLA.

Why choose ShipBob for eCommerce fulfillment?

ShipBob focuses on providing streamlined fulfillment for small to midsize businesses, direct to their customers’ doors. Connect your store, send them the products, and they will store your products securely in their fulfillment centers. When your customer buys something from your store, ShipBob packs and ships out the order.

1. Distributed inventory in several locations

ShipBob’s distributed inventory in multiple locations allows you to split your inventory to reach your customers within a shorter time, reducing shipping costs. Two-day shipping is available through ShipBob’s proprietary software technology that selects the warehouse for the quickest turnaround time.

2. Unified customer experience

ShipBob’s software provides a unified customer dashboard that combines fulfillment, inventory, and warehouse management. You get everything shipping-related at your fingertips – manage subscriptions, alter your orders post-purchase, automatically share tracking details with your customers, and more.

Also, you can monitor your inventory status – with reminders to replenish any depleting stocks, transfer your inventory, and more. A free analytics tool helps improve supply chain decision-making; other useful metrics gain valuable insight into your fulfillment needs.

3. Transparent pricing

ShipBob uses a pricing model with no hidden fees. A price calculator on their website helps calculate your order fulfillment pricing. ShipBob offers integrations with major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, Walmart, and others. They have FDA-certified warehouses, perfect for those shipping perishable goods.

The downsides of ShipBob

The pricing structure can be complicated, especially for newbies. If you do not have the volume (<100/month), opting for ShipBob may be costly.

Pros and cons of ShipBob

Former Symphony Commerce colleagues Harish Abbott and Michael Krakaris founded Deliverr in 2017. Relatively new to the industry, Deliverr is an eCommerce fulfillment provider based in San Francisco, the US. They have fulfilled millions of orders for over 5,000 businesses.

Shopify acquired Deliverr in 2022, thus joining its Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN).

Why choose Deliverr for eCommerce fulfillment

Deliverr prides itself in its ‘affordable nationwide two-day delivery everywhere you sell‘ tagline; this includes Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, Wish, eBay, and more. The fulfillment centers are across over 40 locations in the US. Also, technology supplements express shipping via maximizing your inventory in strategic places to be nearer your customers, so you save on shipping.

1. Simple setup

It takes five to ten days to complete the setup and start selling. Connect your listing via several clicks, send them your inventory, and you’re ready. Deliverr’s dashboard is user-friendly and has lots of self-service options. You can see your inventory status and order tracking information in real time.

2. Fast shipping

Once you send your inventory to a region, Deliverr automatically sends them to at least four of its fulfillment centers to maximize your coverage area. The distribution also helps reduce shipment time, allowing you to meet customer demands better.

You also get 2-day shipping badges to help you boost sales. Deliverr claims that these prime-looking badges do help to increase your sales. Eligible customers will see a “Free Next Day Delivery” badge at no extra cost to you.

3. Variable pricing

Deliverr’s core pricing is in fulfillment and storage fees. The all-inclusive fulfillment fee covers receive, pick and pack, order handling, packaging, and shipping anywhere in the US. Three service levels (standard (5-7 days), 3-day, and 2-day delivery) are available. Other fees (removal fees) apply.

The downsides of Deliverr

Although Deliverr offers branded packaging services, they only do so to selected Shopify merchants in the Beta test phase. As of now, they still use brand-neutral packaging across the board.

Pros and cons of Deliverr

Simpl Fulfillment, an eCommerce order fulfillment service provider, was founded in 2016 by Barrett Shepherd. Based in Texas, the US, the company offers varied fulfillment services – eCommerce order fulfillment, subscription box fulfillment, Amazon dropshipping, crowdfunding fulfillment, and more. Simpl Fulfillment boasts 99.99% order accuracy.

Why choose Simpl Fulfillment for eCommerce fulfillment

Simpl Fulfillment takes on almost any goods, including coffee and tea, F&B, jewelry, fragile goods, hazmats, supplements, oversized and heavy products, and many more. They have a more personalized approach; you meet with their sales personnel, and once you agree, the onboarding starts. Once your account is up, connect your store and send your products to their warehouse.

1. Low error rates

When your customer makes an order, Simpl Fulfillment will pick, pack, and ship your products. Their double scan verification and automated tools help reduce error rates. Simpl Fulfillment provides free powerful software with real-time order tracking, returns, and inventory tracking. You can set up reminders when stock is low.

2. Straightforward pricing structure

Simpl Fulfillment’s pricing is straightforward, a flat fee based on weight per order; it includes postage, picks and packs (up to three free picks per order), packaging (standard packaging and dunnage), and more. Their shipping ranges from two to five days, and same-day shipping is available for an additional fee.

3. Ship with multiple carriers

Simpl Fulfillment works with major carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx. Since the rates are volume-based, you get to enjoy cheaper rates. They also support international delivery to more than 200 countries. In addition to allowing you to do custom packaging (extra charge), they offer custom handwritten notes/inserts.

They offer over 80 sales channel integrations (Walmart, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and others).

The downsides of Simpl Fulfillment

There is a minimum of $350/month that you must commit to using them. However, Simpl Fulfillment allows some flexibility by billing you the difference if you spend less than that in a month; this isn’t a deal breaker. However, Simpl Fulfillment has only a warehouse where they leverage other carriers; this poses an external dependency factor.

Pros and cons of Simpl Fulfillment

Founded in 2013 by Mollenhour and Gross when they could not find a reliable fulfillment vendor, Red Stag Fulfillment was born to help both B2C and B2B online retailers. Aside from the usual eCommerce and order fulfillment services, the company stresses omnichannel fulfillment services, where all purchases come into a single management platform.

Why choose Red Stag Fulfillment for eCommerce fulfillment

Red Stag Fulfillment has two US fulfillment center locations, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City, Utah. They work with other shipping partners to help ship hundreds to thousands of orders per month. They take pride in their 96% 2-day shipping deliverables, 13% same-day shipping, 100% shipped on time, and 99.997% shipped accurately.

1. Fulfillment guarantees provided

When it comes to guarantees, Red Stag Fulfillment is no stranger. They stress several fulfillment guarantees:

2. Top-notch Security

Security is no joke to Red Stag Fulfillment; this is evident in their state-of-the-art 24-hour security system that monitors and records all parts of the facility, supplemented by multiple power sources for backup. Employees have passed background checks. There are videos everywhere with metal detectors at all ingress and egress locations.

3. Comprehensive cloud-based management

Red Stag Fulfillment’s proprietary cloud-based system provides a user-friendly dashboard that gives you complete control of everything about your fulfillment and inventory operations. The system is mobile-friendly, so you get tracking and reporting of your orders on the go.

4. No commitment necessary

There are no long-term commitment fees, SKU management fees, setup fees, or hidden fees. That said, you will have to pay the following:

5. Works with major shipping partners

Red Stag Fulfillment works with major carriers like FedEx, so you save up to 45% on heavy or large items. They offer integration with many eCommerce platforms and ERP systems (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more). Packaging is standard, but there’s also an option for customizing your packaging.

The Downsides of Red Stag Fulfillment

Red Stag Fulfillment does well regarding volume. They require you to ship hundreds of orders per month. Although they state they can be flexible on the minimum quantity, this depends on your order size, SKUs, and others. Hence, if you are not looking at large volumes, it could be best you look elsewhere.

Pros and cons of Red Stag Fulfillment

Founded in 2006 by Tobias Lütke and Scott Lake, Shopify is an eCommerce company headquartered in Ontario, Canada. They offer retailers online shopping services, including payments, e-carts, marketing, shipping, and customer engagement tools. As of mid-2021, Shopify has more than 1.7 million businesses in around 175 countries riding on its platform.

Why choose Shopify Fulfillment Network for eCommerce fulfillment?

Shopify started providing services to simplify the online shopping experience. It only makes sense for them to include the fulfillment systems and technology so you can focus on your business which you should. Shopify Fulfillment Network comes into the picture once your customer confirms the purchase.

1. Extensive fulfillment network

Qualifying merchants in the US can apply to leverage Shopify’s fulfillment centers across the US and Canada. Once your application is successful, you add the Shopify Fulfillment Network app to your store and send your products to their designated fulfillment center. Your products are sent to locations close to your customers to enjoy two-day order deliveries (verified by Shop Promise).

2. High-tech inventory management

Shopify’s smart inventory allocation technology identifies the closest fulfillment center and optimal inventory quantities. Orders can be shipped internationally as well. Onboarding takes around two weeks to complete. You track everything about your orders and inventory via the app real time. Shopify Fulfillment Network also supports flash sale fulfillment, so you need not be concerned with peak periods. There’s also the subscription order fulfillment.

3. Whole-process Handling

Shopify Fulfillment Network handles your returns seamlessly. They allow you to set the return rules, and Shopify inspects your products fast to process refunds quickly. You can also track your returns from shipment through product inspection. Custom packaging is allowed to help boost your brand. Integration with many sales channels is possible via eBay, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Walmart Marketplace, Google Ads, and Pinterest.

4. Variable pricing

The domestic rate per item is $8.63, with $6.12 on the second item and $4.90 on three items in the order. These rates vary based on weight and dimensions; they include inventory management, storage and handling, postage and packaging supplies, and two-day delivery (wherever applicable).

They work with USPS, DHL, UPS, and Canada Post to bring end-to-end fulfillment for the customers. There are no up-front cost

The downsides of Shopify Fulfillment Network

Not all retailers can use Shopify Fulfillment Network as you need to apply and obtain approval. You will need to commit to three or more American or Canadian daily orders whose products are not on the prohibited items list. Although there are no monthly minimums for fulfillment services with Shopify, they expect you to reach a certain level of sales before joining them.

Pros and cons of Shopify Fulfillment Network

eFulfillment Service was founded by John Lindberg in 2001 and is a family-owned business based in Michigan, the US. They’re actually among the first Internet fulfillment companies to offer web-based fulfillment software for integrated shipping with multiple shopping carts.

A member of the Better Business Bureau, the eCommerce Merchants Association, and the Mailing and Fulfillment Service Association (MFSA), it’s little wonder they’re an award-winning company.

Why choose eFulfillment Service for eCommerce fulfillment?

Holding the Top 3PL award for seven straight years speaks volumes of eFulfillment Service. Their focus is on eCommerce order fulfillment, and they do the job so well that they’ve won numerous awards in recognition, including from MFSA.

Their warehouse is in the center of the US. eFulfillment Service scales with seasonal activities, so you can focus on your business.

1. Easy management

They take pride in their secure, easy-to-use order fulfillment software that gives you control over inventory monitoring and management, returns management, order tracking, reporting, and more (all available 24/7). Also, eFulfillment Service’s guarantee gives you peace of mind knowing that they will fulfill your orders promptly and accurately.

2. Satisfaction guaranteed

They have garnered a 99.7% client satisfaction rating with over 99.9% accuracy. Also, their 100% satisfaction guarantee shows emphasis on customers. eFulfillment Service claims to be familiar with the relevant international shipping rules, brokering, and product regulations. Their international fulfillment is via USPS, UPS, and DHL.

3. Cheap shipping rates

One of their repeated taglines is low shipping rates. There are no setup fees, order minimums, long-term storage fees, integration fees, hidden fees, or long-term contracts. They believe in scalability. Hence, you pay only for the fulfillment services you use (you pay as you go).

The downsides of eFulfillment Service

eFulfillment Service is more suited for startups and smaller volume companies. Hence, larger businesses may find a better alternative elsewhere.

Pros and cons of eFulfillment Service

Amazon is an American multinational technology company popularly seen as an influential powerhouse. Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon is no stranger to anyone.

Short for Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon FBA allows you to ship your products to Amazon’s warehouses. Once a customer confirms an order Amazon FBA takes care of the rest.

Why choose Amazon FBA for eCommerce fulfillment?

You choose Amazon FBA to leverage Amazon’s impressive infrastructure and outsource your order fulfillment to them. They pick, pack, ship, and even handle returns for you. You will need to create an Amazon selling account if you don’t have one. Then, specify the FBA inventory for the products and prepare them to transfer to a fulfillment center.

1. Massive fulfillment network

Amazon has 110 fulfillment centers in the US and 185 centers globally, impressive figures. Using Amazon FBA entitles you to Amazon Prime Free 2-Day Shipping, free shipping, and more.

Amazon FBA specializes in subscription box sales. They integrate with big names in eCommerce, inventory, and tracking.

2. Customer service available

You also ride on Amazon’s global customer service network. The company doesn’t mandate a specific number of items for you to use its service. It also provides a useful management tool, allowing you to track your inventory and manage products.

3. Hassle-free fees

Although you pay for storage and orders to fulfill, you pay as you go. Amazon FBA includes the shipping costs in your fees for Amazon Prime free 2-Day Shipping and free shipping on eligible orders.

Orders fulfillment fees cover picking and packing your orders, shipping and handling, customer service, and product returns; they vary per item. You can have a preview of the fees through the FBA revenue calculator.

The downsides of Amazon FBA

There are unexpected service fees when you do not pack your products with the proper preparation or labeling. Long-term storage fees apply and are assessed monthly for items stored longer than 365 days.

Although Amazon FBA is a quality service, it can be pricey. You may face more returns due to Amazon’s open return policy.

Pros and cons of Amazon FBA

Third-Party Fulfillment Vs. Self-Fulfillment

The fulfillment options you choose for your business will significantly impact your business’s success.

Third-party Fulfillment

Third-party fulfillment is a popular choice among many entrepreneurs. It is pretty popular because it can be considerably less expensive than self-fulfillment, especially if you are selling a product that is small in size and weight.

Third-party fulfillment companies can also offer more complex shipping methods, such as international shipping or rush delivery services, which may not be available through your fulfillment center.

Self-fulfillment

Self-fulfillment is when you handle all aspects of fulfillment, including warehousing, shipping, and customer service. This option may, in some scenarios, save on direct costs. However, it is more often expensive once you factor in the time and challenges in managing this end of the business yourself.

Benefits Of Using An Order Fulfillment Service

Third-party fulfillment services are an excellent choice for businesses that want to outsource their warehousing and logistics. They can offer you a wide range of benefits, including;

Understanding Third-Party Fulfillment Costs

Many new eCommerce business owners find understanding third-party fulfillment costs challenging. It’s easy to get lost in this sea of potential fees since prices vary significantly depending on your needs.

You can expect to find two main pricing models:

Most service providers calculate percentage fees before any discounts or promotions. For example, if you’re selling a shirt for $20 and offering free shipping on orders over $50, then third-party fulfillment costs would be calculated by taking 20% of $20 (or $4) plus 50% of $30 (or $15), for a total of $19.50.

Some merchants charge additional fees for expedited shipping or other services such as gift wrapping or insurance coverage for lost packages. Depending on how your provider handles items, these fees may be included in your third-party fulfillment cost calculations or charged separately.

Considerations When Choosing A Fulfillment Service

When choosing a third-party fulfillment center for your eCommerce business, you need to be sure it is the best option for your logistics. While order volumes may be rising, delivery targets are also getting shorter.

Choosing the right fulfillment center to suit your needs is essential for your eCommerce business. Here are some top considerations when evaluating yours;

Wrap Up – Which Fulfillment Service Is Best For You?

The eCommerce fulfillment services business is highly competitive. That makes it a buyer’s market, and you can expect many advantages if you’re in the eCommerce business. Choosing the right service provider to meet your needs is the most important thing.

Although we believe that ShipBob does an excellent job at being the best all-rounder, you may find one of the others more advantageous. Take your time in checking out other service providers. Remember – if the one you choose doesn’t work out, you can quickly swap to an alternative.

	ShipBob	Deliverr	Simpl Fulfillment	Red Stag Fulfillment	Shopify Fulfilment Network	eFulfillment Service	Amazon FBA
Fulfillment centers	US, UK, EU, Australia, Asia	US	US	US	US	US	US, CA, UK, DE, ES, FR, IT, PL, CZ
Worldwide shipping	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
eCommerce platform Integration	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Overall rating	5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	3/5	3/5
Starting price (/item)	$5.38	$4.15	$6	$1.80 to $2.25	$8.63	Get a Quote	Varies per item
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