- Main Differences Between Shippo vs Stamps.com
- The Similarities
- Shippo vs Stamps.com: What is Shippo?
- Shippo vs Stamps.com: What is Stamps.com?
- The Main Features of Shippo
- What is Stamps.com - Main Features
- Shippo vs Stamps.com – Pricing
- Shippo vs Stamps.com – Support
- Shippo vs Stamps.com – Pros and Cons
- FAQs - What is Stamps.com & What is Shippo?
- Shippo vs Stamps.com - Which One is Best?
Last Updated on April 22, 2023 by Ewen Finser
Whether you sell physical goods through an eCommerce business or a marketplace, shipping is an important factor in the success of your business. To make the process more efficient and increase your revenue, you will need to make fewer trips to the post office and reduce your postage costs.
There are multiple shipping discount services to choose from but not all of them offer the features and discounts you need. Choosing a shipping service without any research can be costly in both monthly subscription costs and time spent integrating the shipping platform with your online store.
It's simple to use, easy to set-up and offers a unique PAY-AS-YOU-GO model to start. This means you only pay $0.05 for each package, great for smaller stores. You can scale UP with a BETTER PRICING structure.
I am comparing Shippo vs. Stamps.com, so if you’re not familiar with Shippo or are wondering what is Stamps.com, you’re in the right place. These two popular shipping services offer similar features. Before deciding on a shipping service, consider if it provides discounted shipping, integrations, tracking and reporting, and advanced security to protect sensitive consumer data.
Once you narrow down your top deciding factors, it will be easier to choose the right shipping software for your business. Let’s take a look at how Shippo vs. Stamps.com compare and contrast.
Main Differences Between Shippo vs Stamps.com
The main differences between Shippo vs Stamps.com are:
- Shippo offers a pay as you go plan with no monthly fees, whereas Stamps.com does not.
- Shippo integrates with over 30 shipping partners, whereas Stamps.com only uses USPS as a carrier.
- Shippo features live chat, whereas Stamps.com does not offer that type of customer service.
- Shippo is cloud-based, whereas Stamps.com offers a downloadable version for PC.
- Shippo does not provide shipping supplies such as boxes and scales, whereas Stamps.com does provide it.
The Similarities
- Cloud-based
- Discount shipping
- Marketplace integrations
- 30-day free trial
- No mobile app
- Complies with EU-US Privacy Shield Framework
- Affiliate program
Shippo vs Stamps.com: What is Shippo?
Shippo is a multi-carrier shipping cloud-based software that integrates with online marketplaces and eCommerce businesses. Shippo provides discounted shipping rates, a no-commitment tier option, and an open API.
The platform automates the shipping process by importing orders from eCommerce shopping carts or marketplaces, printing packing slips, and the purchase of shipping labels. It only takes a few minutes to set up your account and the dashboard and navigation are user-friendly.
Unlike Stamps.com, Shippo offers a pay as you go plan so users who are still building up their shipping volume can use the service without monthly fees. Once you use Shippo consistently, consider upgrading to the Professional plan. You won’t have to pay a fee every time you print a label. Plus, gain access to live chat support and company branding options.
Shippo vs Stamps.com: What is Stamps.com?
Built for your PC, purchase, and print discounted online shipping labels, automatically integrates with popular eCommerce and online marketplace platforms.
Stamps.com is for the online power seller that currently makes multiple trips to the post office for various types of postage and package drop-offs. The platform makes shipping different sizes and weight packages easy. Stamps.com provides you with an electronic scale (you pay only the shipping cost for the scale) so you know what your shipping cost will be before you list and you can request package pickups at your home or business within the software.
While Stamps.com only integrates with USPS, many businesses rely on its discounted shipping to ship priority. The platform features buying and printing labels and packing slips. It also gives you access to the USPS store so you can easily order shipping supplies.
Stamps.com is cloud-based but offers a version that you can download which is more powerful and contains additional features. Both work with a PC, if you use a Mac you will only be able to access the online version of the software.
Print your own postage and shipping labels in seconds. Sign Up and Get a Special Postage Offer of $100 Value at Stamps.com! Use Code STAMPS100
The Main Features of Shippo
Discounted Shipping
Before signing up for Shippo, you can enter common shipping parameters into a shipping calculator and see if you will save a considerable amount of money compared to your current marketplace partner.
Shippo boasts an up to 90% off retail rates for USPS, DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx. However, after doing a few calculations on smaller packages (under 3 pounds), I found that using eBay and Mercari platform shipping discounts were the same or better than Shippo’s estimates.
Shippo does provide support for over 55 carriers. This is great if you consistently ship internationally or need more options for cheaper shipping. It is also considerably more than Stamps.com which only supports USPS.
Tracking and Reports
Track shipments right from the platform. View the shipment origin and destination. Easily view reports from your dashboard on shipping costs, label lists, and average shipping costs. Plus, automatically send an email to customers when their order ships.
Security
Currently, Shippo doesn’t use any advanced security measures. If you have more than one user, all users have the same permissions as the account owner. Beyond being compliant with the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework and a secure domain, Shippo isn’t transparent about its security procedures.
It's simple to use, easy to set-up and offers a unique PAY-AS-YOU-GO model to start. This means you only pay $0.05 for each package, great for smaller stores. You can scale UP with a BETTER PRICING structure.
Integrations
Shipping Partners
- USPS
- UPS
- DHL Express
- FedEx
- AxleHire
- PCF Final Mile Delivery
- CDL Last Mile Solutions
- DHL eCommerce
- Parcel Force Worldwide
- Canada Post
- Australia Post
- LSO
- Deutsche Post
- DHL Germany
- FastWay
- FedEx SmartPost
- GLS France
- FLS Germany
- Hermes
- LaserShip
- Newgistics
- OnTrac
- Sendle
- UPS Mail Innovations
- CouriersPlease
- Deutsche Post
- Mondial Relay
- Orangeds
- APC Postal Logistics
- Asendia
- Globegistics
- Purolator
eCommerce
- Square
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Wix.com
- BigCommerce
- Squarespace
- Weebly
- GoDaddy
- Commerce7
- Webflow
- Magento
- Volusion
- Ecwid
- ChannelAdvisor
- ePages
- Selz
- Spree Commerce
- Arcadier
- Reaction Commerce
Marketplaces
- Mercari
- Amazon
- Etsy
- eBay
- Bump
- Zibbet
- Depop
- OfferUp
- Vinted
Shippo also integrates with order and inventory management, finance, and general services like Zapier and Returnly.
What is Stamps.com – Main Features
Discounted Shipping
Since Stamps.com specializes in working with USPS, the discounts they provide are very appealing for avid USPS shippers.
- Up to 16% on Priority Mail Express shipments
- Up to 40% on Priority Mail shipments
- Up to 30% on First Class Package Service shipments
- Up to 7% on international shipments
- Up to 40% on package insurance
Tracking and Reports
Get real-time package tracking with Stamps.com from any computer. Just click on “view history” from the customer home page and search by a filter such as a date, recipient, mail class, cost code, etc.
If the package was sent with USPS Tracking, Signature Confirmation, or Priority Mail Express, the tracking number will be shown as a clickable link. The link will provide you with up to tracking information instantly.
You can also view expense tracking on Stamps.com. This is perfect for quickly analyzing which USPS shipping service you use most often and for adjusting your product pricing to cover any increased shipping costs.
View expense tracking reports in the following ways
- Postage purchase history
- Postage expenses by projects, groups, or departments
- Custom reference codes by client, department, etc.
- Maximum print amount per transaction to prevent overspending
- Data can be exported
Stamps.com features a daily USPS acceptance SCAN (Shipping Confirmation Acceptance Notice) form. This form includes one barcode for all of your packages that are shipped that day. This speeds up the process for USPS mail carriers and automatically logs your packages have been successfully picked up by USPS. This provides peace of mind for both you and your customer, knowing that the package is on its journey from point A to point B.
Security
Stamps.com also actively complies with EU-US Privacy Shield Framework. All United States person’s data is stored in the United States. European Union person’s data is stored in the EU or US.
While there is little information about Stamps.com’s overall data security, according to their privacy policy they consistently update security practices, securely transmit sensitive personal information including cardholder information, train staff in security measures, and limit staff accessing data.
Integrations
Shipping
Stamps.com uses popular carriers like USPS and UPS. You can also get shipping discounts with integrations like Endicia, ShipStation, ShipWorks, and Shipping Easy.
eCommerce
You can currently integrate Stamps.com with seven eCommerce marketplaces including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, PayPal, Rakuten, Sears, and Yahoo.
Marketplaces
Stamps.com has nineteen eCommerce integrations including 3DCart, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Shippo vs Stamps.com – Pricing
Shippo
Pay As You Go
No commitments
$0.05 per label (free through 12/31/20)
- Up to 5000 Shipments Per Month
- No Monthly Fees
- Best USPS Discounts
- Email Support
Professional
$10 – $125 per month (free through 12/31/20)
- No Per Label Fee
- Best USPS Discounts
- Branded Customer Experience
- Email and Live Chat Support
- 5 User Accounts
$10 per month |
$25 per month |
$35 per month |
$50 per month |
$75 per month |
$100 per month |
$125 per month |
Custom pricing |
1-60 orders |
61-200 orders |
201-450 orders |
451-750 orders |
751-1,750 orders |
1,751 -3,500 orders |
3,501 -5,000 orders |
5,000+ orders |
Premier
Contact for pricing
- Technical Implementation Assistance
- Best USPS Discounts
- Branded Customer Experience
- Dedicated Customer Support
- 15 User Accounts
For Premier users, Shippo offers a la carte package tracking and a la carte address verification option.
It's simple to use, easy to set-up and offers a unique PAY-AS-YOU-GO model to start. This means you only pay $0.05 for each package, great for smaller stores. You can scale UP with a BETTER PRICING structure.
What is Stamps.com pricing?
Stamps.com’s monthly plans start at $17.99 per month. There are no hidden costs and you can cancel anytime.
As a first-time Stamps.com user, you can receive a special offer which includes $80 in free gifts. Gifts include:
- Free 5 pound digital scale ($50 value)
- $5 in free postage ($5 value)
- Stamps.com supplies kit ($5 value)
- $20 in free postage to use after your 30-day free trial ($10 per month for 2 months)
Pro
$17.99 per month
- One user account
- One location
- 10 cost codes
- Customer support
Premier
$24.99 per month
- Pro plan plus:
- Three user accounts
- One location
- Printable certified mail forms
- 50 cost codes
Enterprise
- Premier plan plus:
- Multiple users
- Multiple locations
- Dedicated account manager
- 1,000 cost codes
- Advanced reporting features
Shippo vs Stamps.com – Support
Shippo
Shippo offers online documentation including common FAQs, integration help, and API info. Registered users can utilize an online form to submit a request.
Monthly subscribers get access to email and live chat support. Premier users received dedicated customer support.
Stamps.com
Stamps.com can be reached via email or phone. Email inquiries take 1-2 business days to receive a reply. Toll-free phone support is available Monday through Friday, 6 am – 6 pm PT.
The platform also offers written and video tutorials, community threads, and webinars.
Shippo vs Stamps.com – Pros and Cons
Shippo
Pros
- 30-day free trial
- Discounted shipping rates
- Pay as you go and affordable monthly pricing
- Address validation (free for domestic shipments)
- Customs forms
- Customer email notifications
- Discounted shipping insurance
- Open API
Cons
- Limited customer service
- Lack of integrations
- No mobile app
- No customizable user permissions
Stamps.com
Pros
- 30-day free trial
- Discounted postage
- Affordable options for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Convenient
Cons
- Designed for PC
- Difficult to cancel monthly subscription
- No chat support
- No mobile app
FAQs – What is Stamps.com & What is Shippo?
Is Stamps.com worth the money?
Stamps.com is for frequent shippers that make multiple trips to the post office and spend over $50 a month in postage. If you own an online store or sell on marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay, Stamps.com can streamline your shipping process.
Is there an alternative to stamps.com?
Stamps.com has multiple competitors including Shippo, FedEx Ship Manager, EasyPost, and Easyship.
Is Stamps.com the same as USPS?
Stamps.com is an approved partner of the United States Postal Service(USPS). The USPS allows Stamps.com to sell postage for users to purchase and print labels.
Which is better Stamps.com vs Pitney Bowes?
While Pitney Bowes provides postage for small parcels, the system requires you to enter all the information manually and will only accept packages under two pounds.
Stamps.com can support packages up to 25 pounds (with an upgraded scale), auto-populate mailing labels, digital form alerts, and integrates with Amazon and eBay.
Can I use shippo for personal use?
Anyone can use Shippo; it is not just for businesses. Shippo requires an order to create a shipping label. If you need to create one manually to ship a personal parcel, you can manually type in the sender and recipient address information.
Shippo vs Stamps.com – Which One is Best?
If you run a small business and want to connect a discounted shipping service to your shopping cart, eCommerce store, or online marketplace, Shippo may be a good solution for you. The shipping service is free till the end of the year so now is a good time to try it out.
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to set up or use the software and the automation and integrations work well. The platform even has a pay as you go option for business owners who prefer not to commit to a monthly fee. However, customer service is slow to respond, security is lacking, and extra features are minimal for the monthly subscription cost.
It's simple to use, easy to set-up and offers a unique PAY-AS-YOU-GO model to start. This means you only pay $0.05 for each package, great for smaller stores. You can scale UP with a BETTER PRICING structure.
Stamps.com is useful for business owners who ship the majority of their products via priority mail. The service also provides you with a free scale (shipping cost only) so you can be confident you are choosing the right service to avoid shipping delays. Just keep in mind Stamps.com costs nearly $20 a month so you will need to have good shipping volume to offset the monthly cost.
Print your own postage and shipping labels in seconds. Sign Up and Get a Special Postage Offer of $100 Value at Stamps.com! Use Code STAMPS100
While both services provide discounted shipping and a healthy number of integrations, neither service has a mobile app for shipping on the go. If this feature is important to you, along with more powerful shipping comparison tools, I recommend looking into ShipRush vs ShipStation.
Further read: