As ecommerce continues to grow, third-party logistics (3PL) providers like ShipBob have become essential partners for outsourced order fulfillment. Understanding ShipBob's pricing structure is critical before committing your business to their services. This comprehensive guide breaks down ShipBob's 2025 pricing, including setup fees, storage costs, fulfillment rates, and potential hidden costs, helping you determine if it's the right 3PL for your business.
Ecommerce businesses need predictable costs to scale effectively. ShipBob's pricing model can be complex due to customized quotes, minimum fees, and variable rates. Understanding the full picture helps you:
ShipBob doesn't publish standard pricing on their website, instead using a quote-based system tailored to each business. This approach ensures you only pay for what you need, but it can make comparison shopping challenging. Here's what you need to know about their main cost categories:
ShipBob charges a one-time implementation fee that varies based on your service level:
The implementation fee covers:
ShipBob charges for storage based on warehouse space used, not SKU count. US rates as of 2025:
Note: ShipBob assigns the smallest possible storage type to help minimize costs, but you cannot specify which storage type you want.
ShipBob's fulfillment fees cover picking, packing, and preparing orders for shipment. In the US, basic rates include:
ShipBob negotiates bulk discounts with carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Specific shipping rates aren't disclosed publicly and vary based on:
Industry-wide carrier rate increases of 5-7% in 2024 have likely impacted ShipBob's shipping costs in 2025.
Returns processing includes these costs:
Processing fees are waived for RTS orders, but shipping costs still apply. Rates vary by location and carrier.
ShipBob requires a minimum monthly spend of $275 for fulfillment services (excluding warehousing/receiving). This minimum can significantly impact low-volume sellers or businesses just starting out.
Small businesses face unique challenges with ShipBob's pricing structure:
When evaluating ShipBob against alternatives like Simpl Fulfillment, consider these key differences:
Simpl Fulfillment offers several advantages that may benefit growing ecommerce brands:
When evaluating ShipBob or any 3PL provider, focus on these factors:
ShipBob receives mixed reviews from users:
Positive Aspects:
Common Concerns:
ShipBob offers a robust fulfillment solution with global capabilities that works well for many ecommerce businesses, especially those with consistent, higher-volume sales. Their technology platform and analytics provide valuable insights, and their integration capabilities are strong.
However, the lack of pricing transparency, minimum spend requirements, and mixed support reviews may present challenges for small businesses or startups. Companies with low order volumes or seasonal fluctuations might find alternatives like Simpl Fulfillment more cost-effective.
The best approach is to request detailed quotes from multiple 3PL providers, carefully compare all costs (including minimums and potential hidden fees), and choose the partner that aligns with your specific business needs and growth trajectory.
1. What is ShipBob's pricing structure for 2025?ShipBob uses a quote-based system with costs for onboarding ($0-$2,500), storage ($40/pallet, $5/bin in US), fulfillment ($0.25/unit for B2C), and variable shipping rates. A $275/month minimum applies.
2. Does ShipBob have hidden fees?While ShipBob aims for transparency, some costs aren't publicly listed, such as fees for custom packaging, kitting, expedited shipping, and specialized handling. Request a detailed breakdown when getting a quote.
3. How long does ShipBob's onboarding take?Integration typically takes 1-2 weeks, but troubleshooting may extend this timeline. No trial accounts are offered, requiring full commitment upfront.
4. Is ShipBob good for small businesses?ShipBob's $275 monthly minimum and setup costs can be challenging for small businesses. Companies with low order volumes may find alternatives with no minimums more cost-effective.
5. How does ShipBob compare to other 3PLs?ShipBob offers strong technology and global reach but less pricing transparency than some alternatives. Companies like Simpl Fulfillment provide free onboarding, no monthly minimums, and dedicated support for all customers.
6. What are ShipBob's shipping costs?Shipping rates vary by weight, dimensions, destination, and service level. ShipBob negotiates carrier discounts but doesn't publish specific rates, requiring a custom quote.
7. Does ShipBob charge for returns?Yes, ShipBob charges $3 per return for processing in US facilities, with similar fees internationally. RTS (Return to Sender) orders have waived processing fees but still incur shipping costs.
