Wondering what ShipBob will cost your ecommerce business? You’re not alone! How much does ShipBob cost? It’s a question many entrepreneurs ask, especially since ShipBob doesn’t display pricing on their website. You’ll need to request a quote to get exact figures. But don’t worry – I’ve done the research to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
In this guide, I’ll break down ShipBob’s pricing structure, show you average costs, and help you decide if their fulfillment services are right for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Custom pricing model: ShipBob doesn’t have public pricing – you’ll need to request a quote
- All-inclusive features: Unlike many 3PLs, ShipBob doesn’t limit features by pricing tier
- Cost components: Pricing includes setup fees, receiving, storage, picking & packing, and shipping
- Recent price increases: ShipBob updated rates by 5-7% in early 2024
- Amazon compatible: Works with both FBA and FBM sellers
- Money-saving options: Strategic inventory placement and limited stock testing can reduce costs
How ShipBob Works
ShipBob is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider that handles warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment for ecommerce businesses. Their services include:
- Receiving your inventory at their fulfillment centers
- Storing your products in bins, shelves, or pallets
- Processing orders when customers make purchases
- Picking and packing items for shipment
- Shipping orders to your customers
- Managing returns when necessary
What makes ShipBob different from many competitors is their technology-focused approach. Their platform integrates with major ecommerce systems and provides analytics to help you track costs and performance.
How Much Does ShipBob Cost and How Is Pricing Calculated?
How much does ShipBob cost? That depends on your business setup. ShipBob’s pricing is customized, but follows a consistent structure with these main components:
1. Onboarding & Setup
You’ll pay a one-time setup fee to get started with ShipBob. This covers integration with your ecommerce platform and initial account setup.
2. Warehouse Receiving
ShipBob charges an hourly rate when they receive your inventory. The first two hours typically have a flat rate, with additional hours billed separately.
3. Storage Fees
Monthly storage costs depend on how much space your products occupy. You’ll pay for:
- Bins
- Shelves
- Pallets
The good news? You only pay for the space you actually use.
4. Pick & Pack Fees
When an order comes in, ShipBob charges for the labor to collect your items and prepare them for shipping.
5. Packaging Materials
Standard packaging (brown boxes, poly mailers, etc.) is usually included at no extra cost. Custom branded packaging will cost extra.
6. Kitting Services
If you need products bundled or assembled before shipping, you’ll pay additional kitting fees.
7. Shipping Costs
Shipping rates vary based on:
- Package weight and dimensions
- Destination
- Delivery speed
- Carrier used
8. Returns Processing
ShipBob charges fees to process returned items, with costs varying by location and return type.
What’s an Average Quote to Expect on ShipBob?
So, how much does ShipBob cost in real-world numbers? While exact pricing varies, here’s a general idea:
| Service | Pricing Model | Cost | Extras |
| Onboarding | Flat rate | $35 per hour | $45 per hour after the first two hours |
| Storage | Variable | $40/pallet monthly $10/shelf monthly $5/bin monthly | Prices vary by location |
| Pick and pack | Variable | From $0.25 per pick per order | $0 for first four picks per order |
| Standard packaging | Flat | $0 | Included in fulfillment costs |
| Branded packaging | Variable | Depends on materials | n/a |
| Kitting | Flat | Project-based | $0.04-$0.50 per extra touch |
| Shipping | Variable | Based on carrier rates | n/a |
How Much Does ShipBob Cost for Storage?
Storage costs vary by fulfillment center location. Here’s a breakdown:
| Location | Pallet Storage Cost | Shelf Storage Cost | Small Shelf Storage Cost | Bin Storage Cost |
| United States | $40 monthly | $10 monthly | $7.50 monthly | $5 monthly |
| Australia | AUD $40 monthly | AUD $10.83 monthly | n/a | AUD $5.42 monthly |
| Canada | CAD $53.50 monthly | CAD $13.25 monthly | n/a | CAD $6.50 monthly |
| Europe | €39.50 monthly | €9.90 monthly | n/a | €4.95 monthly |
| United Kingdom | £32.00 monthly | £8.00 monthly | n/a | £4.00 monthly |
Note: ShipBob’s warehouse staff automatically assign the smallest appropriate storage type to minimize your costs.
How Much Does ShipBob Cost or Charge for Picking and Packing?
Pick and pack fees vary depending on whether you’re shipping to individual consumers (B2C) or other businesses (B2B).
ShipBob B2C Picking and Packing Fees
| Fulfillment Region | Fee (Per Unit) |
| United States | USD $0.25 |
| Australia | AUD $0.40 |
| Canada | CAD $0.36 |
| Europe | €0.24 |
| United Kingdom | £0.23 |
ShipBob B2B Picking and Packing Fees
B2B orders have different handling requirements and pricing:
| Fulfillment Region | Fees Per Unit | Fees Per Case | Fees Per Pallet |
| United States | USD $0.40 | USD $0.80 | USD $10.00 |
| Australia | AUD $0.58 | AUD $1.15 | AUD $14.4 |
| Canada | CAD $0.53 | CAD $1.06 | CAD $13.3 |
| Europe | €0.37 | €0.74 | €9.30 |
| United Kingdom | £0.33 | £0.66 | £8.30 |
How Much Does ShipBob Cost for Returns?
Yes, ShipBob charges for processing returns. The cost depends on:
- Which warehouse fulfilled the original order
- Whether the return is from a customer or marked “Return to Sender” (RTS)
- The shipping label used
For customer-returned orders with ShipBob shipping labels, processing fees are:
| ShipBob Warehouse | Processing Fee |
| United States | USD $3.00 |
| Australia | AUD $4.25 |
| Canada | CAD $4.02 |
| Europe | €2.76 |
| United Kingdom | £2.43 |
For RTS orders, the processing fee is waived, but shipping costs still apply. These range from approximately $5-25 depending on the region and carrier.
How Do You Sign Up for ShipBob?
Getting started with ShipBob is straightforward:
- Visit the ShipBob website
- Click “Request A Quote” and enter your business details
- Wait for ShipBob to contact you with pricing information
- Review the quote and decide if it meets your needs
- Complete the onboarding process if you decide to move forward
The process is designed to ensure ShipBob understands your specific fulfillment needs before providing pricing.
Does ShipBob Limit Its Features per Pricing Tier?
No! This is a major advantage of ShipBob’s approach. Unlike many 3PLs that offer different feature sets at different price points, ShipBob gives all customers access to their complete suite of features.
This means:
- No feature limitations based on your spending
- Full access to their dashboard and analytics
- Complete integration options
- All available fulfillment services
You simply pay for what you use in terms of storage, handling, and shipping.
How Can You Save Money on Your ShipBob Subscription?
Want to keep ShipBob costs under control? Here are some practical strategies:
1. Start Small
Send limited inventory to ShipBob initially to test their service without committing large amounts of stock (and the associated storage costs).
2. Optimize Inventory Management
Since ShipBob charges for storage, keeping inventory moving quickly through their warehouses can significantly reduce costs. Better inventory forecasting means less money spent on storage.
3. Distribute Inventory Strategically
Using ShipBob’s multiple fulfillment centers can reduce shipping costs by keeping products closer to your customers. Their Inventory Placement Program can help with this.
4. Optimize Packaging
Choose the right-sized packaging for your products to avoid dimensional weight surcharges.
5. Watch for Seasonal Promotions
ShipBob occasionally offers special rates or promotions that can save you money.
Get a Custom Quote from ShipBob →
Frequently Asked Questions on How Much Does ShipBob Cost?
Does Branded Packaging Cost Extra With ShipBob?
Yes, while ShipBob includes standard packaging materials (brown boxes, bubble mailers, poly bags, etc.) in their basic fulfillment costs, branded packaging requires additional payment. The exact cost depends on your specific packaging requirements and materials.
Does ShipBob Provide a Returns Service?
Yes, ShipBob offers returns processing services for an additional fee. They can receive returned items, inspect them, and either restock them or dispose of them according to your preferences. Processing fees start at around $3.00 per return, with additional costs for shipping.
What Was ShipBob’s Recent Price Increase?
ShipBob implemented a 5-7% price increase in early 2024, aligning with industry-wide carrier rate increases. This adjustment was rolled out in two phases (December 29, 2023, and January 21, 2024).
Can ShipBob Integrate With My Ecommerce Platform?
Yes, ShipBob integrates with most major ecommerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Magento, BigCommerce, and many others. Their technology is designed to seamlessly connect with your existing systems.
Does ShipBob Work With Amazon Sellers?
Yes, ShipBob is compatible with both Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) sellers. They can help you manage inventory across multiple channels, including Amazon.
How Does ShipBob Compare to Other 3PLs?
ShipBob is generally known for its technology-forward approach and transparent pricing. Compared to competitors like Speed Commerce, ShipBob may have higher per-pick costs but offers strong platform integration and analytics. ShipBob is often better for growing businesses, while some competitors might better serve larger operations.
Should You Use ShipBob?
ShipBob can be an excellent fulfillment partner for ecommerce businesses, particularly those looking for:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Scalable fulfillment that grows with your business
- Technology integration with your ecommerce platform
- Analytics and insights to optimize operations
- Multiple fulfillment centers for distributed inventory
ShipBob works especially well for:
- Small to medium-sized ecommerce businesses
- Businesses with steady growth trajectories
- Companies selling on multiple channels
- Those who value technology and data
The best way to determine if ShipBob is right for your business is to request a quote and compare it against your current fulfillment costs or quotes from other providers.
Remember that while pricing is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. The reliability, scalability, and technology that ShipBob offers may provide value that goes beyond the basic numbers on your invoice.
Have you used ShipBob for your business? Share your experience in the comments below!
Looking to automate your business as much as possible? Checkout: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Business Automation for Entrepreneurs
