ShipStation

ShipStation

Big Shipping Power. Small Shipping Costs.

#4 dans Ecommerce Shipping
2 min read ยท Updated 11/17/2025
ShipStation homepage screenshot

At a glance

Quick overview for ShipStation: rating, pricing summary, key features, and highlights.

Ciroapp review

3.3
Powerful Shipping Automation, Weak Customer Support.

We find ShipStation offers powerful automation and deep carrier discounts, streamlining logistics for handling high volumes efficiently. Overall, while the technical capacity and feature set are strong, prospective users must be aware that the platform is regularly criticized for slow, unhelpful customer support and opaque billing practices.

Pros

  • Pro:Seamless integration with unlimited selling channels (Starter plan and up).
  • Pro:Access industry-leading carrier discounts (up to 90% off FedEx rates).
  • Pro:Automates repetitive tasks, allowing users to batch print up to 500 labels.
  • Pro:Robust automation rules like rate shopping simplify workflow significantly.

Cons

  • Con:Customer support is consistently reported as slow, outsourced, and ineffective.
  • Con:Users report critical failures with the two-factor authentication (MFA) login process.
  • Con:Concerns regarding unexpected fees, pricing opacity, and sharp subscription increases.
  • Con:Filing claims or securing refunds for lost packages or billing adjustments is often difficult.
Free trial
Yes โ€” 30 days
Money-back guarantee
Yes โ€” 90 days
Range: $0โ€“$349.99/monthFree plan, Free trial, Monthly subscription
This section is a summary. Detailed sections about features, use cases, pricing, and reviews follow below.

ShipStation review, pricing, features, pros & cons

Tired of spending hours needlessly managing orders from different selling channels? ShipStation solves this core frustration by bringing all your logistics into one platform. You can save an average of 10 hours each month, automate label creation, and cut your shipping expenses by up to 90%.

โœจ

What is ShipStation?

ShipStation is a centralized logistics solution designed for businesses looking to streamline and scale their operations. It connects to over 400 existing integrations, linking your stores and providing access to more than 180 carrier partners. This single sign-on platform helps simplify your entire order fulfillment process.

ShipStation actively manages everything from importing orders to tracking shipments. It is built to grow with you, supporting operations scaling to as many as 15,000 orders a day. โœ…

ShipStation Key Features

โœจ Centralized Logistics Hub

Tired of managing multiple order systems? ShipStation solves this core frustration by merging all your operations into one powerful platform. It connects seamlessly to over 400 existing integrations, linking all your selling channels immediately. This single sign-on experience saves you valuable time, drastically minimizing the hours spent manually managing orders.

You can use this central hub to manage all imported orders and your existing carrier accounts with ease. Whether you keep your current fulfillment partners or connect new ones, ShipStation keeps everything organized. This centralization is designed to streamline your entire fulfillment process from import to tracking.

โœจ Powerful Automation and Label Batching

ShipStation speeds up your workday and helps slash fulfillment errors through robust automation tools. The platform gets to work the moment your orders are imported, automating repetitive tasks based on preset rules. This efficiency is critical for growing businesses, allowing you to create 15 times more labels per hour.

For high-volume operations, ShipStation allows you to bulk print labels in large batches, supporting up to 500 labels at once. You can utilize advanced features like order tagging and scan-based workflows to improve accuracy. These tools help you scale smoothly and process a massive volume of shipments quickly.

โœจ Instant Access to Industry-Leading Discounts

Stop paying retail prices for shipping. ShipStation helps you cut costs instantly by using automated rate shopping to surface the lowest possible shipping rate. The platform connects you to the worldโ€™s top carriers without requiring tedious complex negotiations. This focus helps businesses achieve significant, measurable savings every day.

You gain access to deep discounts that immediately cut your major shipping expenses, ensuring you always ship affordably. You can pay for postage flexibly via credit card or pay by bank.

Instant savings include:

  • Up to 90% off FedEx Standard List Rates.
  • Up to 87% off USPS Retail Prices.
  • Up to 81% off DHL Express international shipping.

โœจ Elevating the Customer Experience

Shipping is a vital extension of your brand, and the order is not finished until after successful delivery. ShipStation helps you provide an outstanding customer experience that continues well past the moment of shipment. You can customize the communication and visual elements shoppers receive during the fulfillment process.

ShipStation supports essential branded tools for the post-purchase journey:

  • Custom emails and packing slip templates.
  • Dedicated branded tracking pages.
  • Branded returns portal.

โœจ Full Visibility and Inventory Management

Maintaining control over inventory and shipments across channels is simple with ShipStation. The platform helps you keep track of all your orders and fulfillment processes in real-time. You can use the system to manage product inventory levels directly, ensuring you stay ahead of stock needs.

Monitoring performance is easy too, as ShipStation provides multi-channel shipping and product analytics. This deep visibility helps you streamline operations and make better logistical decisions. You can also track in-transit shipments from a single dashboard.

โœจ End-of-Day Fulfillment Control

ShipStation helps you manage the critical steps required for smooth carrier handoffs. You can easily generate necessary end-of-day forms to document all your outbound packages accurately. This task is essential for maintaining smooth communication with your carrier partners.

Furthermore, the platform allows you to schedule carrier pickups directly, streamlining your physical workflow. A dedicated mobile app means you can stay connected to every order and manage your shipments even when you are away from the office.

Use Cases

๐Ÿ›’ Consolidating Orders from Multiple Selling Channels

You sell products across several different platforms like Etsy, your website, and a major marketplace. Instead of logging into three different systems, ShipStation connects all your channels using one secure login. Orders flow instantly into your centralized dashboard, ready for fulfillment. This single sign-on platform connects you to over 400 existing integrations.

This centralization saves you hours each month managing different fulfillment queues. You achieve full control over all your shipping logistics in one easy-to-use place. The platform also lets you view multi-channel shipping analytics, helping you make smart operational choices.

๐Ÿ’จ Automating Your Daily Shipping Rush

You receive hundreds of orders overnight and need them shipped fast and without errors. ShipStation gets to work the moment orders import, helping you automate repetitive tasks based on criteria you set. This includes creating instant tags, managing multi-package shipments, and setting up automated shipping choices.

Once orders are organized, you use the batching tool to print up to 500 labels simultaneously. This scan-based workflow dramatically increases your speed and accuracy. You can create 15 times more labels per hour than you could processing them manually.

โญ Elevating Post-Purchase Customer Experience

Problem: Generic carrier tracking emails feel impersonal and miss important branding opportunities. Shipping is an extension of your brand, and the process is not finished until the customer is satisfied.

Approach: Use ShipStationโ€™s tools to customize the experience. You can design custom emails and packing slip templates to match your brand look. Plus, you offer customers access to dedicated, branded tracking pages and an easy-to-use returns portal.

Expected outcome: Shipping becomes an outstanding customer experience, providing reliable service that lasts well beyond the final delivery.

๐Ÿ’ต Guaranteeing the Lowest Postage Rate

ShipStation connects you to over 180 carrier partners. When you process an order, the system instantly surfaces the lowest shipping rate available for the specific package size and destination. This guaranteed rate shopping means you save money on every single package.

These are serious savings, including up to 90% off FedEx Standard List Rates and up to 87% off USPS Retail Prices. You also have the flexibility to integrate your existing carrier accounts and negotiated rates. This approach ensures you are continually cutting costs, not corners, on fulfillment expenses.

Tip: You can choose to pay for postage using either a credit card or by paying through a direct bank withdrawal.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Maintaining Control While Rapidly Scaling

As your business grows, you need a stronger foundation to manage complex logistics. ShipStation is built to support companies that need to scale rapidly, handling up to 15,000 orders per day. The platform helps keep track of all your shipments, products, and inventory levels.

Using the mobile app, you stay connected to your entire operation from anywhere. You can also easily create end-of-day forms and schedule carrier pickups right from the dashboard, ensuring efficient handover. This strong logistical support helps customers scale their operations by over 40 times.

Pricing Overview for ShipStation

Pricing range
$0โ€“$349.99/month
Pricing types
Free plan, Free trial, Monthly subscription
Money-back guarantee
Yes โ€” 90 days

ShipStation offers flexible monthly subscription plans ranging from $0 up to $349.99, tiered primarily by features and shipment volume. All plans typically start at a low shipment count but can be scaled up as your business grows.

Plans & Pricing

Free

Monthly$0
10 Shipments/month (lowest tier)
  • 1 user
  • 1 store connection
  • Discounted Carrier Rates
  • Tracking emails
  • Chatbot support

Starter

Monthly$14.99
50 Shipments/month (lowest tier)
  • 3 users
  • Unlimited store connections
  • Automated rate shopping
  • Return labels
  • Basic automations
  • Reporting
  • Email and chat support

Standard

Monthly$29.99
50 Shipments/month (lowest tier)
  • 10 users
  • Unlimited automations
  • Combine and split orders
  • Bring your existing carrier accounts
  • Returns and Exchanges
  • Basic warehouse management
  • Shipping API
  • Phone support

Premium

Monthly$349.99
50 Shipments/month (lowest tier)
  • 15 users
  • Inventory management
  • Advanced warehouse management
  • Auto-Split
  • Cubiscan
  • Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)
  • Dedicated account management

ShipStation costs between $0 and $349.99 per month with four plans: Free at $0/month, Starter at $14.99/month, Standard at $29.99/month, and Premium at $349.99/month.

Here's a look at the features included with each plan tier.

Free

Price: $0 per month Websites Supported: 1 Best For: Quick label printing and basic shipping. Refund Policy: Not applicable Other Features:

  • 1 user
  • Discounted Carrier Rates
  • Tracking emails automatically sent
  • Chatbot support included

The Free plan is perfect for businesses just starting out, offering essential tools without any monthly cost. You can access discounted shipping rates and manage a single store connection. This plan is ideal if your shipping needs are very basic and your volume is low.

Starter

Price: $14.99 per month Websites Supported: Unlimited Best For: Small businesses setting up and managing their shipping operation. Refund Policy: 90-day money-back guarantee Other Features:

  • 3 users included
  • Unlimited store connections
  • Automated rate shopping
  • Return labels and basic automations
  • Reporting and email support

The Starter plan is a great step up when you begin processing more orders. You get three user logins and the ability to connect all of your selling channels. This tier adds key features like basic automations and reporting to help streamline your workflow. ๐Ÿš€

Standard

Price: $29.99 per month Websites Supported: Unlimited Best For: Businesses needing more advanced, scalable shipping capabilities. Refund Policy: 90-day money-back guarantee Other Features:

  • 10 users included
  • Unlimited automations
  • Combine and split orders
  • Bring your existing carrier accounts
  • Basic warehouse management and Shipping API

Standard is ShipStation's 'Most Popular' plan, designed for active companies ready to scale. This tier significantly increases user access to 10 and unlocks unlimited automations. You can integrate your existing negotiated carrier accounts and access phone support, too.

Premium

Price: $349.99 per month Websites Supported: Unlimited Best For: Larger businesses managing complex shipping and logistics. Refund Policy: 90-day money-back guarantee Other Features:

  • 15 users included
  • Full Inventory management capabilities
  • Advanced warehouse management
  • Auto-Split and Cubiscan integration
  • Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)

The Premium plan is built for high-volume users who need maximum control over their logistics and inventory. With 15 user seats and highly specialized features like Advanced Warehouse Management, this plan supports the most complex fulfillment operations. ShipStation grows right along with you!

ShipStation offers flexible plans for every stage of growth. You can start with a 30-day free trial right away without needing a credit card. If you choose a paid plan and are not completely satisfied, ShipStation offers a generous 90-day money-back guarantee for a full refundโ€”no questions asked.

User Reviews

ShipStation receives mixed yet clearly polarized feedback. Many users praise the platform for its efficiency, noting the seamless integration with various selling channels and the significant time saved when printing labels and managing high shipment volumes.

Customers frequently highlight the convenience of features, such as creating return labels and accessing competitive, discounted shipping rates. Positive experiences often mention excellent onboarding sessions led by helpful, specific representatives.

However, persistent issues plague the customer support infrastructure. Reviewers routinely describe support as unhelpful, slow, or outsourced, often relying on canned, irrelevant responses.

A major pain point is pricing opacity, with users reporting unexpected fees, unauthorized charges, and sharp fee increases ($15/month to $120/month) that feel greedy. Reliability is debated; while some say it works great, others fight technical glitches ๐Ÿ›, difficulty tracking carrier claims/refunds, and an overly cumbersome two-factor authentication system that makes basic login exceedingly frustrating.

What users say elsewhere

Anna K.
ยท Trustpilot
5.0 / 5

This was one of the best business decisions this year! Implementing ShipStation and shipping directly from our home office has been a total game-changer. It is an easy, seamless solution that saves us so much time.

Chris B.
ยท Trustpilot
2.0 / 5

It works amazing for shipping the product out and managing the shipping process overall. But when you need to file a claim through the shipper, the system falls apart completely. There is no real process for tracking claims or getting refunds.

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Why use ShipStation?

If you need powerful logistics management without the complex workflow, ShipStation offers significant, measurable advantages. Over one million businesses have already improved their delivery operations using this platform. It combines necessary efficiency with serious savings.

Hereโ€™s why ShipStation helps you work better and faster:

  • Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Errors. Automate repetitive tasks the moment orders import. This includes creating scan-based workflows and multi-package support. You can print labels in batches of up to 500, helping you create 15 times more labels per hour.
  • Access Industry-Leading Discounts. Cut costs, not corners. ShipStation surfaces the best shipping rates, offering savings up to 90% off FedEx Standard List Rates and up to 87% off USPS Retail Prices. Businesses using this solution saved $4 million last year alone.
  • Centralize Control with One Login. Manage all your channels and existing carrier accounts using one secure login. ShipStation lets you track inventory levels, view multi-channel shipping analytics, and even schedule carrier pickups easily.
  • Elevate Your Customer Experience. Shipping is an extension of your brand. ShipStation helps you provide an outstanding experience through custom emails, packing slip templates, and dedicated branded tracking pages and returns portals. ๐Ÿ’ก
  • Proven Growth Support. The platform offers the tools and solutions necessary to scale. Customers report scaling their operations by over 40 times with ShipStationโ€™s support, confirming its ability to handle rapidly increasing volume.

Ready to transform your workflow with ShipStation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to start the 30-day free trial?

No, a credit card is not required to begin your 30-day free trial. If you need to purchase postage or insurance service during the trial, you will need to provide billing information for those specific partner costs. You will only be billed for a subscription if you choose to upgrade to a paid plan.

Is ShipStation priced based on the number of users, or the volume of shipments?

Pricing depends primarily on your monthly shipment volume and the specific features you require. Each plan tier includes a fixed number of user seats; for instance, the Starter plan includes three users, while the Standard plan includes ten users.

What is the 90-day money-back guarantee, and how does it work?

ShipStation offers a generous 90-day money-back guarantee for all paid subscription plans. If you are not satisfied for any reason, you can request a full refund of your subscription fees within the first 90 days of service. This guarantee does not cover any postage or insurance costs you have incurred.

Will I be charged extra if I connect multiple selling channels to my account?

No, ShipStation aims to help you sell wherever you can grow, so they do not charge extra fees for connecting multiple stores. Unlimited store connections are included starting with the Starter plan. An extra fee might apply only if the selling channel is classified as a 'Premium Integration.'

Can I use my existing negotiated rates with carriers like UPS or FedEx?

Yes, you have the option to bring your existing negotiated carrier accounts to the platform. This feature is unlocked starting with the Standard plan. You will not pay an additional fee for connecting those carriers.

How easy is it to change my subscription level if my shipping needs change?

You can upgrade your plan or increase your volume tier at any time directly within the ShipStation application settings. If you choose to downgrade your plan or volume tier, the change will become effective at the start of your subsequent billing cycle.

How do I cancel my ShipStation subscription or end my free trial?

You can cancel your account at any time by navigating to your subscription plan settings within the app itself. You may also contact the provided email address to request cancellation of service.

What types of support are available for each plan tier?

The level of free support provided depends on your monthly plan. The Free plan offers Chatbot support, while the Starter plan adds Email and Chat support. If you require Phone support, it is included with the Standard plan and higher, and Premium also offers Dedicated Account Management.

Does the monthly subscription fee include the cost of shipping postage?

No, the monthly subscription fee grants you access to the software and discounted rates, but it does not cover postage. You are responsible for paying the actual cost of postage and insurance directly to the carriers.

What specific types of advanced integrations does the platform offer?

ShipStation connects with over 400 integrations, including over 180 carriers. Specific advanced features include integrations for Inventory Management, Advanced Warehouse Management, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and Cubiscan.

Are there any add-on features I can pay for outside of the standard plans?

Yes, you can customize your plan with optional paid add-ons. These include features like Dropshipping capabilities, 3PL integration, and specific fulfillment partner connections. Pricing for these specific add-ons is not publicly detailed.

Are there any hidden fees besides the monthly subscription cost?

ShipStation generally confirms they will not charge additional fees outside of the subscription price. The only potential exceptions are costs for additional users, accessing certain add-ons, or connecting a Premium Integration.

Does ShipStation provide specific details on its data security and privacy policies?

Specific details regarding data security, encryption standards, or compliance (such as GDPR or CCPA) are not explicitly stated on the official site's overview pages. You should review the dedicated legal or privacy policy documentation for this critical information.

Is ShipStation available for international businesses or only US-based customers?

The platform heavily promotes integration and discounted rates with major US carriers and offers international carrier options like DHL Express and GlobalPost. However, the site does not explicitly state which specific international regions or languages it fully supports.

Ready to try ShipStation? Check out the official site or pricing.