Simpl Fulfillment vs ShipBob: Comparison Table

Choosing the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider is critical for scaling your ecommerce business. Simpl Fulfillment and ShipBob are two popular options, each with distinct strengths. This updated 2025 comparison dives deep into pricing, services, integrations, customer support, and more to help you decide which 3PL aligns with your needs. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing brand, we’ll break down why Simpl Fulfillment stands out for transparent pricing and personalized service, while ShipBob excels in global reach.

Overview: Simpl Fulfillment vs. ShipBob

Both Simpl Fulfillment and ShipBob offer full-service ecommerce fulfillment, including inventory storage, order picking, packing, and shipping. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Simpl Fulfillment: Based in Austin, TX, Simpl focuses on small-to-medium businesses with transparent, flat-rate pricing, same-day fulfillment, and hands-on support. Ideal for brands prioritizing cost clarity and flexibility.
ShipBob: A global 3PL with 60+ warehouses across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Best for businesses needing fast, multi-region shipping and robust tech integrations.

Below, we compare key factors to help you choose the right partner.

1. Pricing and Transparency

Pricing is often the deciding factor when selecting a 3PL. Here’s how Simpl and ShipBob stack up:

Simpl Fulfillment Pricing

Order Fees: Low, flat per-order fee (e.g., $3–$5 for single-item orders) that includes picking, packing, void fill, and postage. Exact costs depend on shipment weight.
Storage Fees: Flat rate per pallet or bin per month (e.g., $10–$30), calculated weekly to optimize space and keep costs low.
Receiving Fees: Free for inbound orders created in Simpl’s software with separated SKUs, saving you on setup costs.
No Hidden Fees: No onboarding fees, minimum order requirements, or surprise charges. Transparent pricing makes budgeting straightforward.

ShipBob Pricing

Order Fees: Starts at ~$5.50 for the first item, plus $0.50 per additional item. Includes picking, packing, and standard packaging but varies by order complexity.
Storage Fees: Charged by volume (e.g., $40/pallet, $10/shelf, $5/bin monthly). Smaller bins can increase costs for compact items.
Receiving Fees: $25/hour for the first 2 hours, then $40/hour, with a 2-hour minimum. High SKU counts can drive up costs.
Onboarding Fees: $500–$1,000 for standard accounts (waived for “Growth Plan” but with less support).
Minimums: $500/month minimum for “Starter” tier, higher for others. Suits brands with 400+ orders/month.

Why Simpl Wins on Pricing

Simpl’s flat-rate model and free receiving make it more cost-effective for small-to-medium businesses shipping standard products (e.g., apparel, electronics). ShipBob’s volume-based fees and minimums can add up, especially for startups or brands with fluctuating volumes. For transparency, Simpl’s dashboard provides real-time cost breakdowns, while ShipBob’s pricing can be harder to predict without detailed quotes.

2. Fulfillment Services and Speed

Both 3PLs handle end-to-end fulfillment, but their approaches differ:

Simpl Fulfillment Services

Same-Day Fulfillment: Orders placed by 2 PM CST ship the same day from Simpl’s Austin facility, ensuring 2–4 day US delivery via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Specializations: Excels in FBA prep, subscription boxes, crowdfunding, and standard products (e.g., CBD, jewelry, supplements). Limited oversized item support.
Custom Packaging: Offers branded boxes, inserts, and eco-friendly options like recycled kraft paper, with 3D scanning to minimize waste.
Accuracy: 99.98% pick accuracy, with Simpl covering costs for any errors.
Scalability: Flexible for 50–5,000 orders/month, ideal for growing brands.

ShipBob Services

Multi-Warehouse Speed: 60+ global facilities enable 1–2 day shipping to most US customers and faster international delivery.
Specializations: Handles diverse products, including oversized items (e.g., furniture), perishable goods (FDA-certified warehouses), and B2B orders.
Standard Packaging: Includes basic boxes and void fill. Custom options available but at extra cost.
Accuracy: High accuracy (~99.95%), though no public error coverage policy.
Scalability: Best for 400+ orders/month, with a 5:1 order-to-SKU ratio requirement.

Why Simpl Wins for Small Businesses

Simpl’s same-day fulfillment and focus on standard ecommerce products make it a great fit for brands not needing global warehouses. ShipBob’s multi-location network is overkill for businesses shipping under 1,000 orders/month, and its oversized item focus doesn’t align with Simpl’s streamlined model. If speed and simplicity matter, Simpl delivers.

3. Technology and Integrations

A 3PL’s tech stack can make or break your operations. Here’s how they compare:

Simpl Fulfillment Technology

Dashboard: Cloud-based software with real-time inventory, order, and returns tracking. Simple interface tailored for small businesses.
Integrations: Native support for Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and more. Open API for custom setups.
Automation: Auto-syncs orders, updates inventory, and sets low-stock alerts. Easy to configure without tech expertise.
Reporting: Detailed analytics on order volume, shipping costs, and inventory turnover, accessible 24/7.

ShipBob Technology

Dashboard: Robust WMS with inventory, order, and analytics tools. More complex but powerful for high-volume brands.
Integrations: 30+ platforms, including Shopify, Amazon, Netsuite, Wix, and EDI for B2B. Strong for multi-channel sellers.
Automation: AI-driven warehouse selection and order routing for optimal speed and cost. Custom automation rules available.
Reporting: Advanced insights, including demand forecasting and carrier performance, but steeper learning curve.

Why Simpl Wins for Ease of Use

Simpl’s intuitive software is designed for non-technical users, making it easier for small teams to onboard and manage. ShipBob’s tech is feature-rich but can overwhelm startups due to its complexity. Both integrate well, but Simpl’s API flexibility suits custom needs without the enterprise-level baggage.

4. Customer Support

Support can be a lifeline when issues arise. Here’s what each offers:

Simpl Fulfillment Support

Dedicated Managers: Every client gets a personal account manager for onboarding, troubleshooting, and growth planning.
Availability: 24/7 support via phone (737-346-6420), email (team@simplfulfillment.com), and live chat.
Response Time: Typically under 1 hour for urgent issues, with proactive check-ins for high-volume clients (500+ orders/month).
Client Feedback: Praised for hands-on help, especially for Amazon FBA prep and peak season prep.

ShipBob Support

Tiered Support: “Growth Plan” offers basic email/chat; premium plans include account managers but cost more.
Availability: 24/7 for urgent issues, but response times vary (1–4 hours reported).
Response Time: Some clients note delays during peak seasons or with complex queries.
Client Feedback: Mixed reviews—strong for tech support, weaker for personalized guidance compared to smaller 3PLs.

Why Simpl Wins on Support

Simpl’s dedicated managers and fast responses give small businesses the attention they need to succeed. ShipBob’s support is reliable but less personal, especially for lower-tier plans. If you value a partner who knows your brand, Simpl is the clear choice.

5. Warehouse Network and Locations

Warehouse locations impact shipping speed and costs:

Simpl Fulfillment Locations

Single Facility: Centralized in Austin, TX, optimized for cost efficiency and climate-controlled storage.
Shipping Reach: 2–4 day ground shipping to 96% of the US via negotiated carrier rates (USPS, UPS, FedEx).
Best For: Brands shipping standard products domestically, with occasional international needs.

ShipBob Locations

Global Network: 60+ warehouses across the US (e.g., Chicago, LA), Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Shipping Reach: 1–2 day shipping to most US customers, with strong international options.
Best For: Businesses needing distributed inventory for faster delivery or global expansion.

Why Simpl Wins for Simplicity

Simpl’s single warehouse keeps costs predictable and operations streamlined, perfect for brands under 15,000 orders/month. ShipBob’s network is ideal for high-volume or international sellers but adds complexity and cost for smaller brands.

6. Additional Services

Both 3PLs offer value-added services to enhance your brand:

Simpl Fulfillment Add-Ons

Eco-Friendly Options: Biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping tips.
FBA Prep: Labeling, polybagging, and bundling for Amazon compliance.
Kitting: Bundling and assembly.
Subscription Boxes: Custom kitting and recurring order management.
Crowdfunding: Specialized fulfillment for Kickstarter/Indiegogo campaigns.
Returns Management: Easy returns processing with real-time updates.

ShipBob Add-Ons

B2B Fulfillment: EDI-compliant wholesale and retail dropshipping.
FBA Prep: Comprehensive Amazon prep services, though with receiving fees.
Kitting: Bundling and assembly for multi-item orders.
Returns: Streamlined returns, but $3/order fee applies.
Freight Services: Support for oversized or bulk shipments.

Why Simpl Wins for Small Brands

Simpl’s add-ons cater to niche needs (e.g., crowdfunding, subscriptions) without extra fees for core services like receiving. ShipBob’s broader offerings suit enterprise clients but often come with higher costs, less relevant for startups.

Comparison Table: Simpl Fulfillment vs. ShipBob

Feature	Simpl Fulfillment	ShipBob
Pricing	Flat per-order based on weight, free receiving	$5.50+ per order, $25+/hour receiving
Storage Fees	Flat per pallet/bin/shelf ($5–$40/month)	$40/pallet, $10/shelf, $5/bin
Minimums	None	$500/month (Starter tier)
Fulfillment Speed	Same-day (2–4 day US delivery)	1–2 day delivery (multi-warehouse)
Warehouses	1 (Austin, TX)	60+ (global)
Integrations	Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Netsuite, 60+ integrations, open API	Shopify, Netsuite, EDI, 30+ platforms
Support	Dedicated account manager who works directly with you	24/7, tiered (basic for Growth Plan)
Best For	Small-to-medium brands	High-volume, multi-region, or oversized items
Specializations	Apparel, CBD/D8, FBA prep, subscriptions, crowdfunding	B2B, global shipping, perishable goods

Pros and Cons