Internet shopping is a growing factor in the world of
ecommerce, reaching millions of people and providing access to variety that was
not previously available without driving to a shopping mall sometimes hundreds
of miles away. When questioned on what the biggest factors are for shopping at
certain ecommerce stores, customers agree that the shipping cost and return
policies are the most important part of choosing a store.
For those who want to create a store on the Internet but
feel incapable of efficiently providing efficient returns or either
reasonably-priced or free shipping, the success of your store may be greatly
limited. In addition to these elements, however, are the other aspects of an
online store. This includes processing orders received, generating postage (digital
is best), keeping up communication with customers regarding their shipments and
making sure the labels are created in a manner that will be easily read and not
lost during the transit process.
Automation is a good friend to anyone who wants to have an
ecommerce storefront. This saves hours, compared to someone who would be doing
the same processes by hand and sans technology. Today's technology makes these
processes simple and keeps them integrated with the use of an API and
integrated software. Sorting the orders, generating the digital postage,
editing shipping labels and keeping the communication lines open for the
customers are all part of the same program.
When it comes to finding the right software to handle all of
these processes, some research is necessary to find the effective and
reasonably-priced version of this software. This is where a Trueship Review
comes into play.
There are a variety of software companies that work with
this type of software, and among those various programs is Trueship's
ReadyShipper. This software is popular for ecommerce shipping and meshes well
with the accessory programs:
- ReadyLabels
- ReadyReturns
- ReadyCloud
A TrueShip
Review can show you the merits of working with this Scottsdale, Arizona,
based company. The business has been creating programs for various aspects of
ecommerce shipping for over 10 years. Those aspects include returns management,
cloud-based visibility and their main product, which is called ReadyShipper
shipping software.
ReadyShipper offers multicarrier support and works well with
ReadyLabels, which produces labels that have a packing list, invoice and even a
perforated comment card that are created with the 4x6” shipping label. Standard
thermal and digital postage can be printed from ReadyShipper. For inkjet and
laser printers, ReadyLabels is a necessary purchase.
In addition, a program called ReadyReturns is available to
help with the organization and management of returns. This program can be
integrated into any website and allows customers who have made a purchase to
come back to the site when they need to make a return. Tracking and processing
information is then provided to the e-retailer, as well as reports and
projections. All custom rules can be entered into the program so they are available
to the customer.
ReadyCloud is yet another program that can be used with
ReadyShipper. This cloud-based reporting system is a backup for all user
preferences and settings so access is available through any internet
connection. Disaster recovery functions are a big selling point for this
software, as is real-time reporting and visibility.
When reading ReadyShipper reviews, most users share the
opinion the software is user-friendly and filled with options. The most common
marketplaces and shopping carts work well with this software. Importing orders,
user-friendly edits, digital postage generation and the creation of shipping
labels can all be done through this program or one of the add-ons that work
seamlessly with this initial program.
For users who purchase ReadyShipper, a 14-day trial is
available, as is an account with either Stamps.com or Endicia. A complimentary
Express 1 account is also available for discount postage.
There are a significant number of modules that come standard
with ReadyShipper, some free and some for a minor monthly fee. These modules
allow the program to work seamlessly with shopping carts that are already
well-known on the Internet, like eBay, 3dcart, Big Commerce, Shopify, Volusion,
Rakuten and Yahoo, just to name a few. There are also a QuickBooks plugin and
some CRM plugins to help make working with other programs a smooth process.
Ecommerce Integration
Details
When reading a TrueShip
Review, a lot of the focus is on how well the integrations work. Below is a
list of some of the integrations available and how efficient they are for your
needs:
- Shopify: With direct integration, Shopify and ReadyShipper work together to make creating an ecommerce store simple. The two make importing orders, sorting, editing and the creation of postal labels, as well as digital postage, all a few simple commands to type. Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce shopping carts, making this important for customer satisfaction.
- Amazon: Like with Shopify, integration for Amazon is seamless. The use of ReadyShipper means the ecommerce merchant can integrate orders and allow users to sort and edit as needed, as well as allowing processing information and updates for customers regarding their order.
- Ebay: With one button, customers can make an order, make changes and create postage and shipping labels. Updates for customers are also readily available, thanks to ReadyShipper.
- Network Solutions: Communication occurs between ReadyShipper and the API of a store that utilizes Network Solutions. This means the updates, processing and the creation of shipping labels are done quickly and efficiently. Also, Customers receive status updates on their order as quickly as the shopping cart updates are received.
- WooCommerce: As one of the most widely used services for shopping carts in ecommerce stores, the efficiency of ReadyShipper's communication with WooCommerce is vital. Therefore, it stands to reason all communications regarding the import of orders, sorting, editing and processing and the updates of both cart and customer regarding orders is done seamlessly. ReadyShipper is equipped with premade templates for WooCommerce, allowing the less computer savvy to look as though they are up on technology and able to create features with the best of their competition. The templates are customizable also, so each store's can be unique with minimal effort.
- Volusion: Direct integration is available between ReadyShipper and Volusion, allowing for the receipt of orders, the processing, sorting and editing along with the generation of both postage and labels for shipping are all done efficiently and with minimal stress.
- Yahoo: Another seamless integration, ReadyShipper was actually the first program to create a functioning Yahoo integration and offer it to its customers.
- 3dcart: Order receipt, shipment processing and updates for customers are all done very efficiently through this integration and its connection to ReadyShipper.
These are not the only integrations offered by ReadyShipper,
however. These are some of the more popular names that are involved. In
addition, ReadyShipper integrates PayPal, Etsy, Newegg, Rakuten, Magento,
OrderMotion, Monsoon Commerce, LimeLight, ChannelAdvisor, ERP, AcctVantage and
coreSense. All of these are integrated fully and efficiently to allow for
smooth transactions regardless of your shopping cart programming choices.
Shipping Labels
ReadyShipper allows the creation of shipping labels, or they
can be done via the ReadyLabel program, that provides signature labels. Using
ReadyShipper provides the ability to create carrier labels for FedEx, UPS and
USPS. The capability is available for users to link their shipper accounts to
the order within a matter of minutes, after which point they can generate the
necessary postage and shipping labels for that particular order and future
orders as well.
Standard 4” x 6” thermal shipping labels, as well as digital
postage, can be created by users who opt to work through ReadyShipper. TrueShip
Reviews note the ability to create all-in-one invoices from a laser or inkjet
printer. These invoices include a packing list, a peel-and-stick 4” x 6”
shipping label and a comment card for customers to send back. All major
shipping carriers, from FedEx, USPS and UPS to Stamps.com, Endicia, APC Logistics
and even Express 1 are compatible with this program.
Interface
Easy to navigate and error and bug free features are a
highlight of TrueShip. Likewise, the Apple-inspired interface has clearly
labeled buttons and drop-down features that allow access to further areas of
the interface. Pre-installed integrations in ReadyShipper allow the creation of
an account within minutes and an “Order Browser” to be used once the accounts
are linked.
Management of imported orders and the ability to edit one or
a group at once are easy to access once the “Order Inspector” feature is
available. ReadyShipper also offers “Shipping Genie,”, which allows the
flagging of any order prior to sending. This helps avoid errors and the costs
of returns.
TrueShip updates the shopping cart once the order or orders
have been processed. All order statuses are updated and those updates are sent
to customers with the tracking number. This is a timesaver as well, since
otherwise you spend time manually entering the information to allow the
shipment of orders and updates sent to customers.
Documentation
In any TrueShip Review, as with that of competition, it is
important to get an idea of the documentation available through the company. In
this case, documentation is available on the website in the form of hundreds of
pages. This is all a supplement of their email and phone support, as well as a
wide assortment of tutorial walk-through videos. These help new customers get
an idea of how to use the programs. They can be viewed via YouTube. If this
does not seem sufficient to help you get a full grasp of how to use the
program, a weekly training webinar is held by TrueShip that is free to new
users and can answer any unanswered questions or help clear up any lasting
issues you have regarding program use.
Multicarrier Support
ReadyShipper offers full support of FedEx, UPS and USPS.
With a simply link between a shipper account and the program, digital postage
can easily be created and shipping labels are done within minutes. TrueShip
also offers an easy connection with Stamps.com, Endicia, APC Logistics and
Express 1.
Shipping Discounts
Shipping discounts on USPS postage are available simply by
signup for new users of the ReadyShipper program. Express 1 and TrueShip work
together to provide a complimentary account that provides great rates on
Priority Mail and Express mail shipments. Flat rate boxes and mailers are
included in these great rates. Finally, a built-in shipping discount, labeled
Flat Rate Select, is available through ReadyShipper. This discount helps users
ship Priority Mail packages up to 20-pounds at even better rates.
Monthly Fee
There are some sticking points with programs like this.
However, instead of a sticking point, there is a great selling point for
TrueShip, and that is the reasonable monthly fee and the 14-day free trial so
users can experience cost effective shipping. With the payment of the monthly
fee, one ecommerce module is included. Each additional module is roughly $9.95
per month. This adds to the regular monthly fee of $29.95. One benefit is these
are flat rates and are not increased if the monthly shipping volume is
drastically higher one month than the next.
Summary and Rating
When it comes to integration, customer support, multicarrier
support, operating system compatibility and ease of use, TrueShip gets a full
five stars and then some. This company provides a great program that covers all
of these issues on both Mac or PC operating systems. The monthly fee is a flat
rate that does not increase in correlation with the package volume sent out.
This program has no notable bugs or glitches and provides all of this with a
reasonable price and great shipping processes.
Breakdown of Our
TrueShip Review
- Usability: Learning how to use ReadyShipper is a simple undertaking, with lots of email support, weekly webinars and documentation that supplements these aspects to ensure you can use the software in any way possible to maximize the success of your ecommerce store.
- Reliability: With no internet connection necessary to run this desktop-based software, it works smoothly and has an impressive reaction time.
- Add-ons: ReadyShipper is constantly adjusting add-ons and integrations to incorporate new modules as other programs and shopping carts gain popularity. It is guaranteed to cover all the areas you need it to cover.
- Shipping Discounts: With a Stamps.com and Endicia account that are both complimentary, TrueShip allows customers the ability to save money, particularly on postage. Additional savings are available via the complimentary Express 1 account and the Flat Rate Select available in ReadyShipper.
- Support: Email support and a toll-free support line are available during regular business hours to address issues customers run into.
- Price Point: A fee of $29.95, plus a per-module rate of $9.95 per month for those needed beyond the one included means the rate is reasonable and predictable. Contracts are not required, customers are just expected to pay the bill on a monthly basis.
Conclusion
Logic requires that potential creators of an ecommerce
retailer research their options and consider the various opportunities
available for software, considering those that provide high quality at a
reasonable price and do not change the price based on the volume, as it is hard
to predict future volume for a budding ecommerce store.
Integration and simply interface are two of the brilliant
points for using TrueShip software. Add on the many features and lack of bugs,
and ReadyShipper is the overall winner for anyone who hopes to open a
successful ecommerce store. The final selling point is the complementary trial
of 14 days to make sure the software is what you expect and hope to utilize.
