Are you looking for an alternative to Sendcloud?
Inefficient shipping management can hinder the growth of any eCommerce. That's why it's crucial to have software that automates shipping operations and can scale according to your needs.
If Sendcloud no longer meets your expectations, whether due to its features or because you need a more customizable solution, you're in the right place. We will help you find the perfect alternative for your business without affecting your budget.
What is Sendcloud?
Sendcloud is a shipping management platform for eCommerce that automates carrier connections, label creation, and returns management. It is popular among small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses in Europe.
How to know if you need an alternative to Sendcloud
As your eCommerce grows, logistical challenges increase. If your shipping software is no longer meeting your needs, here are some signs that you might need an alternative to Sendcloud:
- Returns are affecting your margins: When returns become frequent and costly, and you don't have an automated process in place, it's time to seek a more efficient solution. A more efficient platform, with a portal that turns returns into new revenue, is key to protecting your margins.
- Your tech stack is too complex: If you're relying on multiple disconnected platforms to manage shipping, returns, and customer service, you're losing time and efficiency. Opting for an all-in-one solution will allow you to centralize all operations in one place, giving you greater control and visibility.
- Your workflows need more automation: If your current system doesn't offer the customization or level of automation your business requires, it's a sign that it has become outdated. Automating tasks and creating custom rules is essential to optimizing your logistics, especially in more complex and/or international operations.
Alternatives to Sendcloud you should consider
1. Outvio
Specialization: Shipping, exchanges and returns, customer service, invoice auditing, 3PL module
Starting price: From €125 per month
Outvio is the most comprehensive alternative to Sendcloud. In short, it compiles everything you need to run your eCommerce into an easy to manage yet powerful single tool.
Outvio offers integrations for over 100 carriers worldwide to optimize delivery management, comes with an off-the-shelf self-service returns portal to manage returns and product exchanges turning these into new revenue opportunities with the help of AI, and automates customer communication throughout the whole shopping experience via SMS, Whatsapp and email.
However, what sets Outvio apart even more is that it also includes an integrated customer support module called Outvio Desk. Outvio Desk is a comprehensive helpdesk software that incorporates a live chat app for online stores, automates responses to customer queries, integrates social media channels, and allows to manage all customer support communication in one place.
Key features of Outvio:
- Support for over 100 carriers
- Comprehensive management of international returns and exchanges
- Customer service software with integrated online chat
- Fully customizable notifications via email, SMS, and WhatsApp
- Automatically resolves shipping issues
- Automatically audits transport invoices
- Fulfillment systems for eCommerce
2. Shippo
Specialization: Rate comparison Starting price: From $19 per month
Shippo is an attractive option for small businesses and startups that need an affordable and accessible solution for managing their shipments. Compared to Sendcloud, Shippo offers a more budget-friendly alternative, ideal for eCommerce businesses looking for simplicity over advanced customization features.
Key features of Shippo:
- Competitive pricing, ideal for growing businesses
- Easy integration with major eCommerce platforms
- Automatic creation of shipping labels
- Basic order notifications
3. EasyShip
Specialization: Rate comparison Starting price: From $29 per month
Easyship is ideal for eCommerce businesses that need to manage both domestic shipping within the USA and international shipping. Easyship stands out for offering pre-negotiated rates with carriers within the USA, allowing businesses to save time and costs on domestic shipments.
Key features of Easyship:
- Automatic rate calculation
- Over 250 shipping options
- Intuitive dashboard for managing international shipments
4. AfterShip
Specialization: Shipment tracking Starting price: Varies by module
AfterShip is a shipment tracking software that is very useful for keeping the buyer informed during the transportation of their order. As a software of Chinese origin, it is particularly recommended for businesses operating within the Asian continent, as it has a wide network of carriers.
Key features of AfterShip:
- Strong presence in the Asian continent
- Real-time tracking
- Integration with multiple carriers
- Automatic notifications via email or SMS
5. ShippyPro
Specialization: Shipping and Returns Management Starting price: From €220 per month
ShippyPro offers a comprehensive solution for managing both shipments and returns from multiple channels on a single platform. It is a tool of Italian origin, although it is also present in other European countries, such as France or Germany. It offers a good level of customization.
Main features of ShippyPro:
- Automation in the creation of shipping labels
- Seamless integration with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and others
- Basic tools for returns management
- Unified shipment tracking from various channels
6. PacklinkPro
Specialization: Rate Comparison
Starting price: From €25 per month
Packlink PRO is a simple and economical platform, ideal for small businesses that need flexibility without a high cost. It is perfect for small ecommerce businesses looking for a quick solution to manage their shipments.
Main features:
- Real-time rate comparison between various carriers
- Integrations with eCommerce platforms
- Centralized management of all shipments
- Access to shipping rate discounts
7. Shipstation
Specialization: Shipping Management
Starting Price: From $9 per month
ShipStation is a popular platform for efficiently managing shipping from multiple channels. It is ideal for e-commerce businesses that sell on various platforms and are looking for a centralized shipping solution.
Main features of ShipStation:
- Compatible with multiple marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Etsy
- Automates label creation, notifications, and tracking
- Access to discounted shipping rates with UPS, FedEx, and USPS
- Real-time inventory synchronization from multiple sales channels
Do you already work with Sendcloud? Tips for migration
While migrating from Sendcloud to a more complete alternative is highly beneficial for your business, the process may seem daunting. However, you shouldn't fear taking this step, as you could be limiting your profitability otherwise. The following tips will be useful for a successful migration:
Audit your current needs
Before migrating, evaluate which Sendcloud features aren't meeting your needs or are limiting your operations. These could be areas like return automation, custom tracking, or post-sales branding. Identifying these gaps will help you set clear goals for the new platform and ensure that the functionalities you need are covered.
Plan the technical transition
A detailed plan is crucial to avoid interruptions. Make sure to cover:
- Key integrations: Review the connections with your ecommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.) and confirm that the new tool supports these integrations.
- Carriers: Ensure that your current carriers are supported on the new platform and prepare for the transition of rates and settings.
- Automations: Document the automated workflows in Sendcloud to replicate them on the new platform without affecting operations.
Migrate the data
Export all relevant information from Sendcloud, such as shipping history, returns, settings, and carriers. Use the import tools of the new platform to ensure the data integrates correctly. If you choose Outvio, exporting all this data is an automatic process that won't take more than a few clicks.
Run parallel tests
Before making the final switch, test both platforms in parallel with a small number of shipments. This will allow you to ensure everything works correctly and detect any issues before deactivating Sendcloud.
Monitor and adjust after the migration
Once the migration is complete, closely monitor the performance of the new platform. Adjust the settings as needed to optimize logistical efficiency and ensure workflows run smoothly.
Are you a 3PL provider?
If you are a 3PL logistics provider and use Sendcloud to print your shipping labels, we have great news for you! Outvio offers an exclusive module designed to optimize the operations of 3PL providers.
Our software for 3PL allows you to consolidate the management of multiple clients in one place, streamlining and making the process more efficient. Additionally, it features advanced automation, which optimizes repetitive tasks like carrier selection or creating customized labels for each client, allowing you to focus on other critical areas of the business.
You will also be able to automatically audit the transport invoices of all clients, saving valuable time and eliminating any duplicate or erroneous charges.
How to identify the best alternative to Sendcloud?
When looking for an alternative to Sendcloud, it’s key to think beyond price and opt for a solution that offers more features.
A software with advanced tools will not only cover your current needs but will also help you scale as your business grows and new challenges arise.
Choose a platform that not only manages shipments but also automates returns and allows for the customization of the post-sale experience. This will not only improve customer satisfaction but also save you the use of other tools by centralizing all your operations in one place.
Additionally, having a scalable solution will prevent future problems, enabling you to handle larger volumes without complications.
In the end, investing in more complete software not only optimizes your processes but also saves you time and money as your business grows.
That's why, if you're seeking a reliable alternative to Sendcloud that enhances customer experience while reducing logistics costs, we encourage you toopen an Outvio account and discover its capabilities firsthand.
