Shipping in today's eCommerce industry is much more than delivering a product from point A to point B. It forms an essential element of the customer experience strategy for a brand. Efficient, effective, and on-time shipping helps distinguish a Shopify store from competitors, increases satisfaction for customers, and leads to repeated sales. Many business owners are overwhelmed, though, in dealing with the intricacies of shipping, particularly in international orders.
Shipping apps for Shopify help bridge that gap. Such apps simplify logistics, provide sophisticated features like real-time tracking, automated documentation, and discounted carrier rates, and give merchants more time to grow their business. For domestic or international shipping, the right shipping app will dramatically improve efficiency and bottom line.
In this blog, we'll be reviewing the best shipping apps for Shopify, starting with OpenBorder and Passport, and then some other top-rated solutions. We will dive deep into their key features, pricing, user ratings, and how they can help you build a successful Shopify business.
Running a successful Shopify store is not just about having great products or a well-designed website—it’s about ensuring a smooth post-purchase experience. Here’s why shipping apps are critical to achieving that goal:
Some people find manual control of orders time-consuming, since managing their shipping cost also requires computation before affixing labels. Such tasks may cost a merchant their precious time away from the sale and product research and marketing sides of their venture.
Shipping rates vary greatly with the carrier, destination, and size of the package. Most shipping apps provide discounted rates from major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL, thereby reducing shipping costs for merchants. Apps like OpenBorder and Passport also make cross-border shipping easy by providing pre-negotiated rates and upfront duties and taxes.
The best shipping experience will play a major role in retaining customers. Merchants will have a superior experience through apps offering branded tracking pages, real-time updates, and hassle-free returns. Customer inquiries are reduced, and satisfaction increases.
Cross-border commerce will prove a huge growth opportunity for Shopify stores. On the other hand, there are customs duties, documentation work, and dealing with currency conversions. Apps like OpenBorder and Passport specialize in international shipping, making it easier to sell globally without the headaches of cross-border logistics.
Many shipping apps offer analytics tools that provide insights into shipping performance, carrier reliability, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging these insights, merchants can make informed decisions, optimize shipping strategies, and ultimately improve profitability.
1. OpenBorder
OpenBorder specializes in cross-border shipping solutions, enabling Shopify merchants to expand their global reach with ease.
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Benefits:
Pricing:
Pricing details for OpenBorder are not publicly available. Interested merchants should contact OpenBorder directly for a customized quote.
2. Passport
Passport is an international shipping carrier tailored for e-commerce businesses, focusing on affordability and transparency.
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Benefits:
Pricing:
Passport offers customized pricing based on shipping volume and business needs. Merchants should contact Passport for detailed pricing information.
Ratings:
User ratings for Passport are 4.5 out of 5 on G2 and people love it for their reliant and international shipping services.Â
3. AfterShip Order Tracking
AfterShip offers robust shipment tracking capabilities, supporting over 1,100 carriers worldwide.
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Pricing:
AfterShip offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $11 per month, scaling with additional features and higher shipment volumes.
Ratings:
AfterShip holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Shopify App Store, based on over 4,600 reviews, indicating high user satisfaction.
4. ShipStation
ShipStation is a comprehensive shipping solution that integrates with multiple carriers and sales channels.
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Pricing:
ShipStation's pricing starts at $9.99 per month for the Starter plan, which includes up to 50 shipments per month. Higher-tier plans accommodate greater shipment volumes and additional features.
Ratings:
ShipStation has 4.1 rating out of 5 on the shopify app store, with users praising its functionality and integration capabilities.
5. Easyship
Easyship simplifies international shipping by offering a range of features designed for cross-border commerce.
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Pricing:
Easyship offers a free plan with access to basic features. Premium plans start at $29.
Ratings: EasyShip has 4.1 out of 5 ratings with over 400+ reviews.Â
Selecting the right shipping app can significantly enhance the operational efficiency of a Shopify business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale globally, shipping apps are indispensable tools that automate logistics, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
We have covered here two of the best apps for international shipping: OpenBorder and Passport, among others such as AfterShip, ShipStation, Easyship, and more. Each app offers unique features and benefits tailored to different business needs, from automation and real-time tracking to cost savings and enhanced customer experience.
By using these shipping apps, Shopify merchants can simplify their logistics operations, scale their business, and deliver the best shopping experience to their customers. As e-commerce continues to grow, efficient shipping is one of the keys to staying ahead in the game, and these apps are here to help merchants achieve just that.
Emma Johnson is celebrated for her strategic brilliance and innovative flair. By seamlessly blending creativity with data-driven insights, she has propelled Loop’s brand to new heights, establishing it as a formidable force in the Shopify Subscriptions space.