Shippo is a shipping platform that connects to multiple couriers, letting an online seller compare rates and print labels from one dashboard instead of managing separate accounts with each carrier. For an African entrepreneur selling physical products internationally, it simplifies choosing the right carrier for each order.
Key features
- Rate comparison across multiple couriers for each shipment, helping find the most cost-effective option.
- Label printing directly from the platform, reducing manual work at fulfillment time.
- Order sync with common e-commerce platforms so shipments don’t need manual re-entry.
- Tracking updates that can be shared with customers automatically.
- Address validation to catch shipping errors before a package is sent.
Pricing
Shippo offers a free plan with pay-as-you-go label pricing at discounted courier rates, suitable for a low-volume seller. Paid plans start around $10 to $25 a month for higher shipment volumes and additional features like automation rules. Actual per-label cost still depends on the courier and destination selected for each shipment.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free plan makes it accessible for a seller just starting to ship products regularly | Feature depth for very high-volume operations is lighter than platforms built specifically for large-scale fulfillment |
| Comparing multiple couriers in one place can meaningfully reduce shipping costs | Courier availability and discounted rates vary by the seller’s origin country |
| Order sync with e-commerce platforms reduces manual data entry at fulfillment time | Support for very niche or local carriers outside major markets may be limited |
Who it’s for
African entrepreneurs selling physical products who ship regularly and want to compare courier rates rather than relying on one carrier by default.
Who should skip it
Sellers shipping only occasionally at very low volume, where a courier’s own basic shipping tools may already be simple enough without adding another platform.
How to get started
Start on the free plan and compare the discounted rates shown against what you currently pay your courier directly before considering a paid tier.
FAQ
Does Shippo support couriers commonly used within Africa, not just international carriers?
Courier coverage varies by country of origin, so check the current list of supported carriers for your specific location before assuming full coverage.
Can Shippo calculate customs duties for international orders?
Shippo supports customs documentation for international shipments, but confirm the current level of duty and tax calculation support for your specific shipping lanes.
Disclosure: Africapreneurs may earn a commission if you sign up for Shippo through the links in this article. This does not change what you pay, and it does not influence which tools we choose to cover.
