To find the best fulfillment companies for small businesses, I evaluated more than a dozen providers, grading them against a 23-point scale I developed, which factored in pricing, features, specialty services, ease of use, and real-world user reviews.
Based on my evaluation, ShipBob remains the top fulfillment company in 2025, retaining its position as the leading provider from last year’s rankings.
- ShipBob: Best overall
- Saltbox: Best for fulfillment with coworking space
- ShipHero: Best for transitioning to third-party fulfillment
- Red Stag Fulfillment: Best for heavy and high-value products
- ShipMonk: Best for startups and crowdfunding projects
- Flexport: Best for selling on competitive marketplaces
- FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Best for Amazon sellers
- ShipNetwork (Rakuten Super Logistics): Best for high-volume ecommerce
The best fulfillment companies handle receiving, shipping, and all the logistics in between at affordable costs, while providing retailers with transparency into their stock. The providers on this list were selected for their affordability, transparency, and scalable features that support growing operations.
Best Fulfillment Companies for Small Businesses Compared
Our Score (Out of 5) | Monthly Order Minimum | US Warehouse Locations | Error Rate | Order Weight Limit | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.68 | $275 spend | 37 | 0.05% | 50 lbs | |
4.61 | None | 12 | <1% | 45 lbs | |
4.46 | 500+ | 5 | 0.1% | 20 lbs | |
4.12 | 200+ | 2 | None | ||
4.02 | None | 50+ | Undisclosed | 50 lbs | |
3.88 | 10 | 0.1% | 50 lbs | ||
3.62 | None | 110 | Undisclosed | 50 lbs | |
3.34 | 250+ | 10 | 0% | 30 lbs | |
Which Order Fulfillment Provider Is Right for You?
Not sure which order fulfillment company is right for your business? Take this five-question quiz for our personalized recommendation (you won’t be redirected to another screen):
Which Fulfillment Service is Right for You?
ShipBob: Best overall
Pros
- Offers a plan specific for startups
- 50 global warehouse and fulfillment centers
- Advanced reporting and analytics software
Cons
- High storage fees
- Lacks integrations with Etsy & Groupon
- Inconsistent real-world user reviews
Overview
Who should use it:
- Small to mid-sized ecommerce businesses: ShipBob offers scalable fulfillment solutions, making it easy for growing brands to manage inventory and shipping efficiently.
- Businesses needing fast, affordable shipping: With two-day shipping options and multiple warehouse locations, ShipBob helps businesses reduce transit times and costs.
- Ecommerce brands selling across multiple channels: ShipBob integrates with Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, and other platforms, ensuring seamless multichannel fulfillment.
- DTC brands that want custom packaging: ShipBob supports branded packaging and kitting, enhancing the unboxing experience for customers.
- Companies expanding into global markets: ShipBob’s international fulfillment network enables faster shipping and reduced customs delays for cross-border sales.
- Subscription box and bundled product sellers: With kitting and assembly services, ShipBob makes it easy to ship curated product bundles and subscription boxes.
- Retailers handling both B2B and DTC orders: ShipBob accommodates wholesale orders alongside direct-to-consumer shipping, streamlining fulfillment for businesses selling in both spaces.
Why I like it:
ShipBob has one of the largest fulfillment networks on my list, offering advanced distribution and same-day shipping for orders placed before noon. Only Amazon and Flexport have more warehouses, but ShipBob remains a top choice for growing businesses — it delivers Amazon-level fulfillment with accessible pricing, and its Growth Plan makes it especially startup-friendly with affordable rates and dedicated onboarding.
ShipBob excelled in all categories, earning the only perfect score for service quality and functionality during my evaluation. However, mixed user feedback, a high monthly minimum, and steep storage fees make it best for businesses with fast-moving inventory.
I reached out to ShipBob and they gave us the ballpark pricing information below. To get pricing for freight and import services, contact ShipBob.
- Onboarding: Starting at $499 (if availing of the Growth plan); self-onboarding available
- Storage fees:
- Pallet (48 x 40 x 54 inches): $40/month
- Shelf (42 x 12 x 23 inches): $10/month
- Small Shelf (22 x 12 x 14 inches): $7.50/month
- Bin (21 x 7 x 11 inches): $5/month
- Receiving
- Cost for the first two hours: $35
- Cost for each succeeding hour: $45/hour
- Picking (B2C, fragile): $0.30 per unit
- Picking (dangerous goods/HAZMAT):
- $0.15 per order containing products marked as dangerous goods for merchants onboarded before January 19, 2025
- $0.25 per order containing products marked as dangerous goods for merchants onboarded on January 19, 2025 or later
Note: Prices are based in the US as a country of fulfillment and are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee.
Clients’ bills are assessed and updated daily, and all charges are visible in a fully itemized format from your dashboard. In the same tab, shipping details can be toggled to estimate variable order costs.
- Large global fulfillment network: 37 US and 13 non-US locations in over 200 countries.
- Two-day shipping options: Expedited shipping across major regions to improve customer satisfaction.
- Ecommerce platform integrations: Seamlessly connects with Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more.
- Real-time inventory management: Cloud-based dashboard for tracking stock levels, order status, and analytics.
- Customization options: Branding options to enhance customer experience
- Highly flexible: D2C orders, subscription boxes, and B2B sales with EDI compliance
- FBA prep: Prepares and sends inventory to Amazon for multichannel clients
- Retailer dropshipping service: Items listed on Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Chewy, Nordstrom, Target, and more ship directly from ShipBob to customers
- Managed freight program: ‘FreightBob’ offers a comprehensive freight and inventory management service, improving transit times and visibility for shipments from China
- WMS (Warehouse Management Software): Proprietary WMS available for use in self-managed warehouses, compatible with ShipBob’s fulfillment services.
User reviews of ShipBob present a mixed picture of its fulfillment services. On platforms like G2, ShipBob holds an average rating of 3.6 out of 5, with users praising its customer support, ease of use, and seamless integrations, while some complained about higher-than-expected fulfillment costs and delayed shipments.
In summary, third-party user reviews have the following sentiments:
Saltbox: Best for fulfillment with coworking space
Pros
- Custom packages include combination of in-house and/or third-party services
- Easy access to inventory and facilities keeps sellers in full control
- Membership includes amenities such as office space
Cons
- Limited volume capacities may not work for large or enterprise-level businesses
- Business-only customer support hours
- Lacks amenities for cold storage
Overview
Who should use it:
- Small ecommerce brands needing workspace: Saltbox offers coworking spaces with integrated fulfillment, ideal for hands-on entrepreneurs.
- Growing businesses needing flexible fulfillment: No long-term contracts and scalable storage make it easy to adjust as business needs change.
- Brands wanting fulfillment and logistics support: Provides in-house fulfillment services, warehousing, and carrier partnerships for streamlined shipping.
- Local businesses wanting hands-on inventory access: Unlike traditional fulfillment centers, Saltbox allows direct access to inventory for packing, labeling, or custom branding.
- Entrepreneurs looking for a supportive community: Offers networking opportunities, shared resources, and an ecommerce-focused work environment.
Why I like it:
Saltbox scored 4.61 out of 5 in our evaluation, performing well across all categories. I particularly like its transparent pricing, listed directly on its website no need to request a quote. However, it lacks an international warehouse network and extended customer service hours, which may be a drawback for some businesses.
I see Saltbox being ideal for businesses that want to retain control over their fulfillment while still benefiting from outsourced services when needed. Note, though, that Saltbox can only handle brands shipping 20,000+ orders per month, which may limit scalability at a certain point. For larger businesses with enterprise-level needs, ShipNetwork is a better fit.
Saltbox has membership pricing plans — making it the only order fulfillment provider I know that has clear-cut pricing plans. They are as follows:
- $199/month (Access plans): Early logistics tools (inventory receiving and mailing services), co-working space, and package drop-offs.
- Starting at $656/month (Workspace plans): All features and amenities under Access plus warehouse space and logistics support (inventory receiving, in-suite pick and pack, mailing services)
Additional fees:
- In-suite pick and pack: Starts at $3 per order, with supplies and shipping costs being additional.
- Special projects: $45/hour for a-la-carte list of tasks performed by Saltbox’s eForce team, such as FBA prep, wholesale order fulfillment, kitting and bundling, product assembly, quality inspection, and inventory cycle counts.
- Coworking and fulfillment hybrid: Combines office space, warehousing, and fulfillment services for small businesses.
- Flexible services: Create your own hybrid fulfillment arrangement—Saltbox is the only order fulfillment service with this kind of flexibility
- Direct inventory access: Unlike traditional 3PLs, businesses can visit their space to manage products, pack orders, or customize branding.
- On-site logistics support: Provides carrier partnerships, shipping assistance, and fulfillment staff to streamline operations.
- Entrepreneurial community: Networking opportunities and shared resources for ecommerce business owners.
- Integrations: Over 30 integrations available, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Etsy, Magento, and Walmart—plus CSV upload and API options
- Crowdfunding/batch fulfillment: Support for crowdfunding ventures and limited product launches at the same capacity as standard DTC businesses
Saltbox, founded in 2019, has experienced rapid growth and enjoys a steady customer base but I still didn’t find that many SaltBox reviews from third-party sites online, even on popular forum sites used by small business owners. That said, the available Saltbox reviews I have read are mostly positive.
ShipHero: Best for transitioning to third-party fulfillment
Pros
- Affordable two-day shipping to lower 48 states
- Zone-free shipping costs for ultra-predictable pricing
- Amazon SFP-eligible
Cons
- High minimum monthly order requirement
- Limited warehouse network
- No climate control
Overview
Who should use it:
- Ecommerce retailers shipping nationwide: ShipHero’s no shipping zone pricing offers flat-rate shipping based on parcel size and weight, making fulfillment costs predictable for small businesses and startups.
- Businesses using 3PLs or hybrid fulfillment: ShipHero’s robust warehouse management system (WMS) helps manage warehouses efficiently, making it ideal for those balancing in-house and outsourced fulfillment.
- Ecommerce businesses seeking comprehensive warehouse management: ShipHero offers an all-in-one Warehouse Management System (WMS) that streamlines inventory control, order processing, and shipping, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) providers desiring specialized tools: ShipHero offers functionalities tailored for 3PL operations, including client management and customized workflows, enhancing service offerings.
Why I like it:
ShipHero, scoring a 4.46 out of 5 in my evaluation, offers solutions for both in-house and third-party order fulfillment services. It provides inventory management, shipping software, and Warehouse Management Software (WMS) to streamline in-house operations. These facilitate a smooth transition to third-party fulfillment, with options for a hybrid approach by splitting inventory between ShipHero’s warehouses and the client’s own facilities.
However, ShipHero’s limited warehouse network, minimum order requirements, and business-hours-only customer support are potential drawbacks.
See how ShipHero compares to our top pick in our ShipBob vs ShipHero comparison guide.
ShipHero uses an ‘all-in-one’ fulfillment fee structure that includes flat-rate postage, pick and pack (for one item), and packaging materials. These rates are custom-quoted; the company states that because fulfillment needs vary, it can better meet expectations by offering personalized quotes.
However, ShipHero universally charges $0.70/cubic foot per day for storage and $0.33 per additional pick.
ShipHero’s warehouse management system (WMS) is a separate offering from its order fulfillment services. This software is used to manage and optimize day-to-day fulfillment operations and logistics in a self-managed warehouse. Prices start at $1,850/month.
- Fulfillment network: Five US and two Canadian warehouse locations
- Warehouse management software: ShipHero WMS is used by large-scale warehouses globally. Although pricey, its comprehensive inventory and shipping management capabilities can offset costs in time and expenses
- No shipping zone pricing: Flat-rate shipping based on parcel size and weight for predictable fulfillment costs.
- Mobile pick and pack technology: Barcode scanning and mobile picking reduce errors by 99.9% for faster, more accurate fulfillment.
- Multi-carrier rate shopping: Optimizes shipping costs with real-time rate comparisons across major carriers.
- Integrations: Over 50 turnkey integrations plus API options
- Batch fulfillment: Offers per-project services for crowdfunding campaigns and product launches
- FBA prep and Seller-fulfilled Prime Eligibility: Power your Amazon sales with ShipHero’s programs and qualify for an Amazon Prime badge
- Operational visibility: See order status in real time, including photos of every packed box
- Accessible customer support: Dedicated support contact for personalized customer service
ShipHero maintains a high overall rating from real-world user reviews on third-party sites. Reviews typically average around 4.2 to 4.4 out of 5. Here are the main trends I noticed:
Red Stag: Best for heavy and high-value items
Pros
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- Affordable shipping & handling for oversized items
- Low order minimums & no long-term contracts
Cons
- Only two warehouse locations
- Clunky user interface
- Costly pick and pack fees
Overview
Who should use it:
- Ecommerce retailers specializing in heavy, oversized, or fragile items: Red Stag Fulfillment excels in handling large, bulky, and delicate products, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
- Businesses dealing with high-value merchandise: With advanced security measures and liability coverage, Red Stag provides peace of mind for companies shipping valuable goods.
- Companies requiring hazardous materials shipping: Red Stag is equipped to handle hazardous or dangerous goods adhering to strict safety protocols. It’s also one of the only 3PLs that accepts hazardous merchandise (like ammunition).
- Businesses aiming for Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) eligibility: Red Stag’s services align with Amazon’s SFP requirements, assisting sellers in achieving Prime status.
- Companies requiring customized logistics solutions: Red Stag offers tailored services, including kitting and assembly, to meet specific business needs.
Why I like it:
Red Stag provides dedicated customer support and payouts for errors, including lost or damaged items. It also boasts incredible order accuracy (99.98%) and zero-shrink guarantees.
Red Stag scored a 4.12 out of 5 in my evaluation, earning points for its robust special services, but the company was docked for order minimum requirements, lack of billing transparency, and limited warehouse network. Its biggest drawback is that it cannot guarantee two-day shipping everywhere in the US—a normal guarantee with the other providers.
See how Red Stag compares to the top-ranking provider in our ShipBob vs Red Stag comparison review.
Red Stag pricing is custom to each client based on a combination of order volume, package weights, and SKU count. I confirmed this with the Red Stag’s team and they said they provide free onboarding and discounted rates with carriers.
Red Stag Fulfillment allows you to partner with it risk-free for 30 days to see if it’s a good match for your needs. If you’re unsatisfied with its people, processes, and services at the end of the guarantee period, it won’t bill you for any of your fulfillment service fees.
- Specialized handling for heavy, oversized, and fragile products: Designed for bulky and high-value items with secure and damage-free fulfillment.
- 100% order accuracy guarantee: Ensures precise picking, packing, and shipping to minimize errors and returns.
- Secure warehouses with advanced monitoring: Facilities feature 24/7 security, redundant backup systems, and loss prevention measures.
- Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) support: Helps businesses qualify for Amazon Prime without using FBA.
- Service guarantees: Red Stag is so confident in its storage, packing, and tracking systems that it will remedy issues for free and pay you $50 for any errors on its part. It also has guarantees for receiving and unloading inventory within 48 hours of the shipment arriving at Red Stag warehouses.
- Turnaround times: Same-day fulfillment is offered for orders placed before 5 p.m.; compare this to ShipBob, which has same-day with a cutoff of noon.
- Mobile-friendly fulfillment software: Red Stag’s RSF OPS software is specifically designed for use on mobile. Although we didn’t find it as user-friendly as others, it would be helpful if you frequently work on the go.
- Management and quality control: Video tracking throughout Red Stag warehouses to prevent losses through damages, mistakes, or theft.
Overall, there are only a handful of user reviews available on third-party sites about Red Stag. However, most of the reviews have been positive, averaging 4.5 for close to a hundred reviews.
Here’s a summary of the reviews:
Flexport: Best for selling on competitive marketplaces
Pros
- Large warehouse network with robust shipping capabilities
- Prime-like badges to advertise fast shipping
- Intelligent inventory allocation
Cons
- No custom packaging options
- Cannot fulfill FBA or Amazon SFP (Seller-Fulfilled Prime) orders
- Fluctuating and expensive storage costs
Overview
Who should use it:
- Businesses needing digital freight brokerage: Flexport connects with hundreds of carriers to offer flexible shipping solutions for small businesses selling online and enterprise-level customers.
- Ecommerce brands selling on non-Amazon marketplaces: Unlike FBA, Flexport specializes in fulfillment for Walmart, eBay, Wish, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Express
- Businesses engaged in global trade: Flexport’s comprehensive logistics solutions and global network simplify international shipping and customs processes, making it ideal for companies involved in importing and exporting goods.
- Companies looking for integrated supply chain solutions: Flexport’s end-to-end platform connects various aspects of global trade, empowering businesses to grow and innovate.
Why I like it:
Flexport is a technology-driven logistics powerhouse, combining digital freight brokerage, fulfillment, and supply chain management into a seamless platform. What I love about Flexport is its ability to simplify global shipping for both small businesses selling online and enterprise-level brands.
Like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Flexport leverages a massive warehouse network to offer two-day and expedited shipping, but it stands out by focusing on non-Amazon marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, Wish, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Express — giving businesses more flexibility in where they sell.
Flexport scored 4.02 out of 5 in my evaluation. It was rewarded for its impressive US footprint, badging features, and shipping capabilities — but lost points due to poor customer service hours, lack of branding options, and problematic reviews.
Flexport’s fulfillment pricing structure is nearly identical to that of FBA—but total costs come out to be more affordable in most cases. This especially applies to multichannel sellers.
Like FBA, its storage costs fluctuate greatly during peak season. This can easily lead to surprise charges, so users must examine their budget carefully. Unlike FBA though, Flexport fulfillment charges for shipping based on three service levels: Standard (five to seven days), 3-day, and 2-day delivery.
See its ballpark pricing on common line items in Flexport quotes and invoices and learn what costs are commonly not included in quotes.
- Social selling: In addition to Shopify, Etsy, Walmart, and the other venues most on our list offer, Flexport also works with Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
- Prime-like badges: Offers badges on marketplace listings to promote fast shipping, automatically displayed for eligible customers on qualifying venues, signaling next-day or two-day delivery.
- Fulfillment network: Over 50 warehouses across the US, second only to Amazon in network size.
- Shipping carriers: Support for 12 shipping carriers, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL.
- Multi-modal shipping options: Supports ocean, air, truck, and rail freight for flexible transportation solutions.
- Sustainability initiatives: Provides carbon offset programs and tools to track emissions, helping businesses meet environmental goals.
- Advanced logistics: Flexport’s order fulfillment services are backed by an extensive logistics ecosystem, specializing in a broad range of services including freight and customs, with comprehensive logistics tools.
Overall, Flexport has positive reviews averaging 4 out of 5 on review sites. However, reviews are not as plentiful at the time of writing. Here are the main trends I noticed:
ShipMonk: Best for subscription services
Pros
- Dedicated rep with client-specific training
- Warehouse automations
- Affordable batch fulfillment
Cons
- Limited international fulfillment network
- Hidden fees reported in fine-print pricing
- Difficult to terminate services
Overview
Who should use it:
- Subscription box businesses: With special pricing and kitting services, ShipMonk supports brands offering recurring shipments and curated product bundles.
- Groupon, Etsy, and subscription box sellers: ShipMonk integrates with platforms that many competitors don’t, providing specialized fulfillment for unique marketplaces.
- Crowdfunding projects: ShipMonk offers affordable batch fulfillment, making it a great option for startups shipping pre-orders in bulk.
- Amazon sellers: ShipMonk is Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP)-eligible, allowing businesses to meet Prime standards without using FBA.
Why I like it:
ShipMonk scored 3.88 out of 5 in my evaluation, earning some of the highest scores for overall functionality and ease of use. What I like most about ShipMonk is its ability to handle multi-channel fulfillment, including platforms like Groupon, Etsy, and non-Amazon marketplaces — something many competitors don’t offer.
Another big advantage is its batch fulfillment and special pricing for subscription boxes, making it an affordable option for businesses with recurring orders or large pre-order shipments.
See how ShipMonk compares to the top-ranking provider in our ShipBob vs ShipMonk comparison review.
There’s a minimum requirement of $250 in pick and pack costs to use ShipMonk’s services—which is a low threshold compared to ShipBob’s $275 minimum monthly spend.
ShipMonk’s pricing model is highly scalable, with volume discounts that apply on a sliding scale (starting at 500 orders/month). That being said, fragile items and items heavier than 5 lbs will incur additional charges.
The billing portal on ShipMonk’s software features a detailed breakdown of your monthly fulfillment costs, offering transparency in each invoice. However, users report running into unexpected costs from fuel surcharges and contract complications.
- Subscription Services: ShipMonk specializes in handling subscription box orders, with special pricing, inventory forecasting, kitting, custom packing procedures from wrapping to inserts, and more.
- Advanced automation: Warehouse automation technologies increase ShipMonk’s efficiency and effectiveness, resulting in quicker fulfillment times, higher picking accuracy, cheaper fulfillment costs, and more secure storage.
- Quality control: Improved order accuracy with features like “Snap n’ Pack,” which takes a photo of packed orders before they’re shipped, and automatic reshipment of orders whose tracking number hasn’t been updated.
- Duty-free import with Section 321: Sellers can ship merchandise to ShipMonk’s Mexico location and then incrementally import it into the US, divided into multiple $800 portions. This eliminates duties for volume importers.
ShipMonk’s reviews from third-party sites average 4 out of 5. Notable is the uptick in positive reviews from the past year compared to previous years. Here’s a summary of the reviews across several sites:
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Best for Amazon sellers
Pros
- Prime shipping designation provides access to over 200 million Prime subscribers
- Fast turnaround and shipping times
- Hands-off return and refund management
Cons
- Expensive storage fees that fluctuate seasonally
- Low visibility into stock levels and pooling products between sellers may put you at risk
- No common specialty services like kitting, assembly, or branded packaging
Overview
Who should use it:
- Amazon sellers looking for Prime eligibility: Amazon FBA enables fast, Prime-eligible shipping, increasing visibility and conversion rates on the marketplace.
- Amazon sellers looking to win the Buy Box: FBA improves Buy Box placement, giving products a competitive edge in Amazon’s ranking algorithm.
- Ecommerce brands seeking multi-channel fulfillment: Through FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), sellers can use Amazon’s network to ship orders from Shopify, eBay, and other platforms.
Why I like it:
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a very popular choice for Amazon sellers, offering automatic Prime status and access to over 200 million Prime subscribers. FBA also manages customer inquiries, processes returns and refunds, and automates order fulfillment, saving significant time for sellers.
In our evaluation, FBA scored 3.62 out of 5. The benefits of Amazon’s ecosystem, combined with FBA’s scalability, international shipping capabilities, and no minimum requirements, make it a considerable option for many Amazon sellers.
FBA prices vary by season but are transparent via Seller Central, aiding in budget predictability. However, FBA’s pricing and procedures can be complex, especially for products that aren’t small and lightweight — so understanding its system is key to avoiding extra fees.
FBA’s pricing structure is complicated, especially if you’re using FBA to fulfill orders from channels other than Amazon. Plus, its fees are slightly higher if your products are apparel or what it considers to be dangerous goods (which is anything that includes lithium batteries or magnetized material).
To address this, Amazon offers a host of useful fee tools to provide transparency and predictability for existing clients and potential customers estimating their profitability.
See how FBA’s pricing and features compare to the top-ranking company in our FBA vs ShipBob comparison review.
- Huge international fulfillment network: FBA has over 110 warehouse locations in the US and 75 international fulfillment centers. This blows away the competition.
- Quick delivery: Shipping times are driven by the Amazon Prime shipping guarantees, which have set the industry standard. Shoppers can select their delivery speed too, and Amazon orders largely arrive as expected.
- Scalability: Sellers that move from 10 products to millions of products monthly can use Amazon FBA. It’s important to monitor stock levels closely to optimize costs as you grow, but you won’t outgrow FBA’s fulfillment capacity.
- Specialty services: FBA items are eligible for Amazon’s gift services, and offering this doesn’t add to your fulfillment costs. Amazon does manage customer service and refunds for orders it fulfills, which is not typical.
- Search rankings: Amazon’s product-search algorithm favors products that are fulfilled by FBA, which can boost the visibility and sales of your goods.
Amazon FBA user reviews from third-party sites are few, but there is plenty of feedback in Amazon Seller forums. Here’s a summary of the reviews:
ShipNetwork (Formerly Rakuten Super Logistics): Best for high-volume commerce
Pros
- One- to two-day US ground delivery network
- Can support high-volume orders
- Specialty fulfillment services (refrigeration)
Cons
- Restrictive minimum order volume requirements
- No custom packaging
- No international warehouses
Overview
Who should use it:
- Small businesses needing enterprise-level fulfillment: ShipNetwork supports enterprise-grade logistics while remaining accessible with a 250-order-per-month minimum, making it a scalable option for growing businesses.
- Companies requiring high order accuracy: With a 100% order accuracy guarantee, ShipNetwork guarantees a 0% error rate for customer satisfaction.
Why I like it:
ShipNetwork provides domestic fulfillment services and international freight delivery with a 100% accuracy guarantee, ultimately earning a score of 3.34 out of 5 in my evaluation.
However, ShipNetwork’s pricing is custom-quoted, so it’s difficult to tell whether or not it’s a cost-effective option for low-volume sellers. This lack of pricing transparency cost ShipNetwork several points in our evaluation. It was also docked for its packaging restrictions, popularity, integrations, and customer service hours.
ShipNetwork does not disclose its pricing online—all onboarding, receiving, storage, pick and pack, and account management costs are custom-quoted.
Contact ShipNetwork for a quote.
- Xparcel: This program lets you compare quotes to choose the fastest and least expensive carrier. Others, like Flexport, choose the shipping service for you.
- Freight forwarding: ShipNetwork’s in-house team of freight experts can handle your domestic and international freight service needs.
- Customer support: US-based client service: Unlike many large-scale 3PLs, ShipNetwork does not outsource its customer service outside the US. Clients can receive support via live chat, phone, and email during standard business hours.
- Ecommerce smart tools: ShipNetwork provides online tools, including a shipping optimizer and customs guide with clearing support.
- Lot tracking: Manufacturers and retailers can work with ShipNetwork to track, fulfill by expiration/freshness dates, and properly recall product lots along the supply chain.
- Temperature control: The company offers climate control and refrigeration in some of its facilities. While others like ShipBob, Saltbox, FBA, and Red Stag claim climate control, ShipNetwork is the only one with refrigeration capabilities.
- Guaranteed accuracy: ShipNetwork promises 100% order accuracy and 100% of orders shipping within a day.
Both ShipNetwork and Rakuten Super Logistics have very few user reviews online, making it difficult to get an impression of the actual user experience. That said, the very few online user reviews I chanced upon are from forum posts that describe a highly negative experience using the company.
Methodology: How I evaluated order fulfillment companies
To be able to recommend the best order fulfillment companies, we considered the factors that matter most to small retail and ecommerce businesses. To address those needs, we compared the eight top fulfillment companies based on pricing, functionality, specialty services, and ease of use.
We evaluated more than a dozen providers on a 23-point scale shaped by industry experience, reader surveys, and competing providers’ attributes. Our criteria weigh functionality, scalability, and transparency throughout a range of processes.
Click through the tabs below for a more detailed breakdown of our evaluation criteria:
20% of Overall Score
Many fulfillment companies offer pricing on a custom-quoted basis. We assert that it’s better to openly publish pricing. This eliminates the need for potential clients to contact each company for a quote—potentially wasting both parties’ time—and promotes general transparency.
Since we can’t fairly compare the specific costs of each provider, this category examines the providers’ pricing transparency, billing transparency, and billing predictability. Saltbox and Flexport got top scores in this category.
30% of Overall Score
We evaluated the quality of service and functionality of each company by weighing critical details like order turnaround time, shipping partner options, size of fulfillment center network, and accuracy rate.
We also considered how each service integrates with ecommerce shopping carts, marketplaces, operational tools, and solution providers that your online store may use. ShipBob was the only product to get a perfect score.
15% of Overall Score
We awarded points for the availability of special services like climate control, international shipping, custom packaging elements, and different types of assembly. Being crucial to ecommerce operations, return handling, and reporting/analytics were prioritized.
Lastly, we assessed whether each company was eligible to fulfill Amazon Prime or SFP (Seller-Fulfilled Prime) orders. ShipBob and Red Stag scored the highest in this category.
15% of Overall Score
This score considered customer service accessibility—prioritizing companies that provide a dedicated service rep for each client and weighing their support center’s hours of availability.
Each service was also evaluated for software usability and operational transparency. Companies were awarded points for having highly functional software that allows users to see where each order is within the fulfillment process and warehouse space.
Lastly, order minimums and service scalability were weighted heavily to provide the best recommendation for small businesses that need a fulfillment partner that can grow with them. ShipBob and ShipMonk earned top ratings.
20% of Overall Score
This score combined our retail and ecommerce experts’ final evaluation of value, ease of use, and standout features with scores from real-world users on trusted third-party review sites. Saltbox and Red Stag earned perfect scores.
How to choose the best fulfillment services
Hiring a fulfillment company is a big commitment and should be carefully explored. I’ve seen more than one review where an ecommerce company said fulfillment issues caused them to lose money.
Take your time, interview several companies, and make sure you understand contracts before signing up with one.
Step 1: Understand your goals
What do you want from a fulfillment service? Some ideas include:
- Expanding market reach
- Improving shipping efficiency and turnaround time
- Handling increased demand
- Cutting costs
- Qualifying as an Amazon Prime supplier
Be sure to prioritize your goals and only consider fulfillment partners that can meet your requirements.
Step 2: Gather your company data
Providing fulfillment services is a big commitment for the fulfillment company as well. As such, they will want to know a lot about you. Before making a request for information or securing a quote, have this information about yourself ready:
- Your ultimate goal for fulfillment services
- Your budget and financial information
- Average monthly, weekly, and daily order volume—note any major seasonal fluctuations
- Number of SKUs
- Sales channels
- Technical requirements
- Timeline expectations
- Weight of your products
- Where most of your customers are located or where most of your orders ship to
- Your current shipping carrier and rates
Having this data on hand will also help you to receive accurate pricing quotes and help you understand if what a fulfillment company is offering will actually save you time or money compared to your current operations.
Step 3: Collect your questions
Make use of your sales and fulfillment teams to be sure you address their concerns, too. Some questions you might consider are:
- Cost and how pricing works
- How billing works
- Tasks accomplished
- Warehouse locations
- Inventory tracking and compatibility with any current systems
- How shrinkage is handled
- Custom packaging needs
- Alerts
- Returns and reverse logistics
- How inventory is divided across warehouse locations
- Shipping partners and rates
Step 4: Start your research
Once you know what you need and have your information ready, start your research with the nine providers listed above. Keep in mind that while we recommend certain providers as best for specific situations, this does not mean the others don’t tackle that same task well. You can also go to WarehousingAndFulfillment.com, which can match your needs with information from over 500 services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click through the sections below to find the answers to common questions about product fulfillment services.
An order fulfillment company handles the entire process of storing, packing, and shipping products on behalf of a business. It manages inventory, processes orders, and ensures timely delivery to customers.
The average cost of fulfillment varies based on order volume, storage needs, and shipping costs, typically ranging from $3 to $10 per order, plus storage and additional service fees. Some providers charge a percentage of sales instead of flat fees.
To find a fulfillment company, assess your business needs, compare providers based on pricing, services, and scalability, and read user reviews. Request quotes and test their services with a small batch of orders before committing.
The perfect order of fulfillment is an order that is processed, packed, shipped, and delivered on time without errors or damages. It meets customer expectations in terms of accuracy, speed, and condition upon arrival.
A fulfillment company is a service provider that specializes in storing inventory, processing orders, and shipping goods for other businesses—particularly retail and ecommerce sellers.
These companies that ship your products have purpose-built infrastructure, including warehouses, loading docks, packing stations, and trained employees. This allows them to store and ship large volumes of products quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively.
A 3PL is a general term for any company that delivers an outsourced logistics service—such as order fulfillment, shipping, freight distribution, or import/export. It stands for third-party logistics. Fulfillment companies are 3PLs, but not all 3PLs perform order fulfillment. Other examples of 3PLs include shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and freight brokers.
As a typical ecommerce retailer, the total cost owed to a 3rd party fulfillment provider mostly breaks down into four fees: inventory receiving, storage, pick and pack, and outbound shipping. In many cases, packaging materials are also part of the fulfillment outlay.
The periodic cost of each of these processes depends on order volume and complexity, as well as product specifications. Additional services—like custom boxes, special handling, and item assembly—can also contribute to your fulfillment expenses.
Bottom Line
Outsourcing your order fulfillment to a third party can help save time and money. It’s typically recommended when your growing business can no longer fulfill orders in-house without adding more people or space.
Overall, I found ShipBob the best order fulfillment service for small businesses. It has reasonable pricing, no order minimums, and a wide range of services.
If you didn’t find what you are looking for, WarehousingAndFulfillment.com can compare your specific needs to over 500 pre-screened fulfillment companies to find the best fit for your business. Plus, the service is completely free to use.