## Who We Help Small BusinessesStart small, think big. Elevate your small-business shipping today. [Start Shipping in Minutes](/content/fulfillment/shipping/index.html) Start shipping instantly with a simple setup. Buy and print labels in minutes with no training needed and no unnecessary steps. [Automate and Scale](/content/fulfillment/automation/index.html) Save time with rules that batch, route, and print labels automatically so your shipping keeps up as orders grow. [Save on Every Shipment](/content/fulfillment/shipping/print-labels/index.html) Access exclusive 80% – 90% discounts from every major carrier and cut costs on every label, no matter where you ship. [Connect and Customize](/content/partners/index.html) Plug into hundreds of stores, marketplaces, and carriers, or extend ShipStation with custom API integrations built for your business. [Manage Everything in One Place](/content/fulfillment/index.html) Manage shipping, inventory, warehouse, tracking, and returns for all your stores and marketplaces in one simple platform. [Simplify Returns](/content/fulfillment/returns/index.html) Manage returns in one platform with prepaid labels and self-serve features that keep the process fast and frustration-free. [Get Up and Running Quickly](/content/fulfillment/implementation/index.html) Our implementation team guides you through a step-by-step process to help you streamline workflows and keep costs minimized. [Explore All Solutions](/content/fulfillment/index.html) ### SUPPLIES STORE #### Your all-in-one shop for hardware, labels, and packaging. From pro-grade printers and scales to starter kits, polymailers, boxes, tape, and more, find everything you need to grow your business. [Explore the Store](https://supplies.shipstation.com/collections/shipping-boxes) Mid-size and GrowingShip smarter, grow faster. Scale your fulfillment with ease. [Save on Shipping as you Scale](/content/fulfillment/shipping/rate-shopper/index.html) Automate rate shopping across 200+ carriers, bring your own carrier accounts, and unlock deep volume discounts that grow with you. [Smarter Shipping Intelligence](/content/fulfillment/intelligence/index.html) Turn shipping into your competitive advantage with intelligence that improves with every order. [Centralize Omnichannel Fulfillment](/content/fulfillment/omnichannel/index.html) Manage orders, shipping, inventory, warehouse operations, tracking, returns, and analytics across online stores and marketplaces with one platform. [Automate Order Management](/content/fulfillment/order-management/index.html) Combine AI intelligence with rule-based workflows to speed up fulfillment, streamline operations, and eliminate bottlenecks [Scale With our APIs](/content/fulfillment/api/index.html) Extend your setup using our developer-friendly API for custom automated workflows and insights. [Start with Guided Onboarding](/content/contact-us/index.html) Our experts walk you through setup, training, and workflows so your team feels confident and ready to ship quickly. [Explore All Solutions](/content/fulfillment/index.html) ### EVENTS ON DEMAND #### Innovation Delivered 2026 See how today's top brands use AI and automation to transform delivery into a competitive edge. [Watch the Replay](/content/innovation-delivered/index.html) EnterpriseGlobal scale, local precision. Master shipping at every level. [Lower Shipping Costs at Global Scale](/content/fulfillment/shipping/rate-shopper/index.html) Reduce global shipping expenses with real-time rate shopping and discounted carrier rates, helping your enterprise control costs and ship efficiently at scale. [International Shipping Made Simple](/content/fulfillment/shipping/international/index.html) Easily manage customs forms, duties, taxes, and tracking while accessing global carrier options from one platform built for cross-border shipping. [Fulfillment APIs](/content/fulfillment/api/index.html) Customize workflows at scale with APIs for consolidating orders across channels, comparing shipping rates, validating addresses, tracking, analytics, and more. [Multi-Location Fulfillment](/content/fulfillment/index.html) Manage inventory, orders, and shipping across multiple warehouses and stores with one platform built for multi-location fulfillment. [Advanced Shipping Intelligence](/content/fulfillment/intelligence/index.html) Turn shipping into your competitive advantage with intelligence that improves with every order. [Dedicated Guidance and Support](/content/fulfillment/implementation/index.html) Count on 24x7 support plus dedicated onboarding guidance so your enterprise shipping runs reliably from day one and beyond. [Explore All Solutions](/content/fulfillment/index.html) ### EVENTS ON DEMAND #### Innovation Delivered 2026 See how today's top brands use AI and automation to transform delivery into a competitive edge. [Watch the Replay](/content/innovation-delivered/index.html) ## Products ShipStationThe scalable shipping software with carriers, automations, discounts, and more in one login. [Rate Comparison](/content/fulfillment/shipping/rate-shopper/index.html) Automatically get the cheapest, fastest, or best-value shipping option based on your criteria. [Buy and Print Labels](/content/fulfillment/shipping/print-labels/index.html) Get exclusive discounts from UPS, USPS, FedEx, and more. Cut costs everywhere you ship. [Fulfillment Automation](/content/fulfillment/automation/index.html) Batch, route, and print labels automatically for fast, seamless order fulfillment. [Order Management](/content/fulfillment/order-management/index.html) Combine orders across channels and prioritize based on filters, tags, stores, and more. [Inventory Management](/content/fulfillment/inventory-management/index.html) Optimize picking, packing, and shipping so orders move faster with fewer errors. [Warehouse Management](/content/fulfillment/warehouse-management/index.html) Create pick lists that align with your warehouse layouts and workflows to reduce time and errors. [Returns and Exchanges](/content/fulfillment/returns/index.html) Turn returns into opportunities with a smooth, branded return process that fosters trust. [Intelligence](/content/fulfillment/intelligence/index.html) Turn shipping into your competitive advantage with intelligence that improves with every order. [Tracking](/content/fulfillment/shipping/tracking/index.html) Keep customers informed with order updates at every step, reducing support calls. [International Shipping](/content/fulfillment/shipping/international/index.html) Confidently ship globally with prepaid duties and taxes, customs forms, and more. [See All Capabilities](/content/fulfillment/index.html) ### SUPPLIES STORE #### Your all-in-one shop for hardware, labels, and packaging. From pro-grade printers and scales to starter kits, polymailers, boxes, tape, and more, find everything you need to grow your business. [Explore the Store](https://supplies.shipstation.com/collections/shipping-boxes) ShipStation APIAn API with powerful shipping speed, scalability, 200+ carriers, and quality support. [Order Consolidation](/content/fulfillment/api/order-consolidation/index.html) Centralize data from marketplaces, shopping carts, and custom platforms. [Shipping](/content/fulfillment/api/shipping/index.html) Ingest order sources, print labels, schedule pickups and simplify shipping globally. [Shipping Rate Comparison](/content/fulfillment/api/shipping-rate-comparison/index.html) Access discounted rates with 250+ carriers, use your own carrier accounts — or both. [International Shipping](/content/fulfillment/api/shipping/international/index.html) Get real-time shipping rates, labels, and customs compliance in a single integration. [Address Validation](/content/fulfillment/api/address-validation/index.html) Prevent label-printing errors and failed deliveries with automated address checks. [Checkout](/content/fulfillment/api/checkout/index.html) Offer convenient delivery options, show accurate costs, validate addresses, and more. [Tracking](/content/fulfillment/api/tracking/index.html) Reduce and resolve customer queries with enhanced tracking from warehouse to delivery. [Analytics](/content/fulfillment/api/analytics/index.html) Identify carrier, shipping and delivery trends while improving efficiency and reducing risk. [Explore All APIs](/content/fulfillment/api/index.html) #### Talk to an Expert We're ready to answer any questions you may have about ShipStation API. [Talk to an Expert](/content/contact-us/index.html) ## Integrations and APIs CarriersGet discounted rates from the top carriers around the world. USPS](/content/partners/usps/index.html) UPS](/content/partners/ups/index.html) FedEx](/content/partners/fedex/index.html) GlobalPost](/content/partners/globalpost/index.html) DHL](/content/partners/dhl-express/index.html) Canada Post](/content/partners/canada-post/index.html) Royal Mail](/content/partners/royal-mail/index.html) Australia Post](/content/partners/australia-post/index.html) Amazon](/content/partners/amazon/index.html) DPD](/content/partners/dpd-uk/index.html) [See All Carriers](/content/partners/?country=all&integrations=carriers/index.html) #### Scale Your Business With Our Integrations We integrate with how you do business. Move fulfillment onto a single platform that scales with your shipping needs. [Explore All Integrations](/content/partners/?country=all/index.html) MarketplacesConnect with the most popular marketplaces across the globe. TikTok Shop](/content/partners/tiktok-shop/index.html) Etsy](/content/partners/etsy/index.html) Walmart](/content/partners/walmart/index.html) Amazon](/content/partners/amazon/index.html) Ebay](/content/partners/ebay/index.html) Shein](/content/partners/shein/index.html) Temu](/content/partners/temu/index.html) Alibaba](/content/partners/alibaba/index.html) [See All Marketplaces](/content/partners/?country=all&category=marketplaces/index.html) #### Scale Your Business With Our Integrations We integrate with how you do business. Move fulfillment onto a single platform that scales with your shipping needs. [Explore All Integrations](/content/partners/?country=all/index.html) Online StoresConnect with the most popular online stores across the globe. Shopify](/content/partners/shopify/index.html) WooCommerce](/content/partners/woocommerce/index.html) BigCommerce](/content/partners/bigcommerce/index.html) Squarespace](/content/partners/squarespace/index.html) Wix](/content/partners/wix/index.html) Big Cartel](/content/partners/big-cartel/index.html) Adobe Commerce](/content/partners/adobe-commerce/index.html) PayPal](/content/partners/paypal/index.html) [See All Online Stores](/content/partners/?country=all&category=carts/index.html) #### Scale Your Business With Our Integrations We integrate with how you do business. Move fulfillment onto a single platform that scales with your shipping needs. [Explore All Integrations](/content/partners/?country=all/index.html) APIsCustomize your fulfillment workflows with flexible, fast APIs \\ Order Consolidation APICentralize data from marketplaces, shopping carts, and custom platforms.](/content/fulfillment/api/order-consolidation/index.html) \\ Shipping APIPrint shipping labels, schedule pickups, and simplify shipping with 200+ carriers.](/content/fulfillment/api/shipping/index.html) \\ Shipping Rate Comparison APIGet exclusive discounts from top carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, GlobalPost, and more.](/content/fulfillment/api/shipping-rate-comparison/index.html) \\ Address Validation APIPrevent label-printing errors and failed deliveries with automated address checks.](/content/fulfillment/api/address-validation/index.html) \\ Checkout APIOffer convenient delivery options, show accurate costs, validate addresses, and more.](/content/fulfillment/api/checkout/index.html) \\ Tracking APIReduce and resolve customer queries with enhanced tracking from warehouse to delivery.](/content/fulfillment/api/tracking/index.html) \\ Analytics APIIdentify carrier, shipping and delivery trends while improving efficiency and reducing risk.](/content/fulfillment/api/analytics/index.html) [See All APIs](/content/fulfillment/api/index.html) #### Scale Your Business With Our Integrations We integrate with how you do business. Move fulfillment onto a single platform that scales with your shipping needs. [Explore All Integrations](/content/partners/?country=all/index.html) All IntegrationsConnect your entire stack, from ERPs to e-commerce solutions Shopify](/content/partners/shopify/index.html) WooCommerce](/content/partners/woocommerce/index.html) Paypal](/content/partners/paypal/index.html) USPS](/content/partners/usps/index.html) UPS](/content/partners/ups/index.html) Amazon](/content/partners/amazon/index.html) Big Cartel](/content/partners/big-cartel/index.html) Yodel](/content/partners/yodel/index.html) FedEx](/content/partners/fedex/index.html) TikTok Shop](/content/partners/tiktok-shop/index.html) #### Scale Your Business With Our Integrations We integrate with how you do business. Move fulfillment onto a single platform that scales with your shipping needs. [Explore All Integrations](/content/partners/?country=all/index.html) ## Resources Customer StoriesLearn how customers across the globe are shipping their products more efficiently with ShipStation \\ Green GridironAuthentic NFL game-used footballs transformed into premium collectible display pieces.](/content/stories/green-gridiron/index.html) \\ SelkirkHigh-performance pickleball brand crafting premium paddles and gear for players at every level.](/content/stories/selkirk/index.html) \\ People’s Choice Beef JerkyFamily-owned jerky company crafting premium, handcrafted, small-batch beef snacks.](/content/stories/peoples-choice-beef-jerky/index.html) \\ Rush Order TeesCustom apparel company delivering fast, high-quality printed shirts nationwide.](/content/stories/rush-order-tees/index.html) \\ Coggins Promotional AdvertisingPromotional products company helping businesses strengthen brands through custom merchandise.](/content/stories/coggins-promotional-advertising-inc/index.html) \\ SpiceologyInnovative spice brand creating bold seasonings for chefs and homecooks.](/content/stories/spiceology/index.html) [View All Customer Stories](/content/customer-stories/index.html) ### FEATURED CUSTOMER STORY #### How Guardian Sports Used Automated Returns to Scale After Going Viral with the NFL After the NFL adopted their concussion-reducing Guardian Cap, this Atlanta-based sports safety company saw orders explode to 400 per day—and the team’s manual processes couldn’t keep up. [Read the Customer Story](/content/stories/guardian-sports/index.html) BlogGet the latest on carriers, shipping rates, Ecommerce trends, and emerging fulfillment technologies [Shopify and ShipStation Tracking Notifications That Keep Customers Informed](/content/blog/shopify-and-shipstation-tracking-notifications-that-keep-customers-informed/index.html) Shopify ShipStation tracking notifications improve post-purchase updates, real-time shipping visibility, and customer tr... [From Every Parcel to Every Pallet: Something Big is Coming to ShipStation](/content/blog/from-every-parcel-to-every-pallet-something-big-is-coming-to-shipstation/index.html) See what's coming and why it changes everything for growing ecommerce businesses and how they ship. [Amazon MCF with ShipStation, Simplified](/content/blog/amazon-mcf-with-shipstation-simplified/index.html) Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment with ShipStation helps you connect orders, tracking, and fulfillment across sales chann... [Shopify Shipping and Fulfillment Guide](/content/blog/shopify-shipping-and-fulfillment-guide/index.html) Learn how ShipStation for Shopify shipping and fulfillment helps automate orders, print labels, compare rates, and simpl... [ShipStation for Amazon FBA and FBM Orders](/content/blog/shipstation-for-amazon-fba-and-fbm-orders/index.html) ShipStation for Amazon FBA and FBM orders helps you manage fulfillment, products, and customer updates in one place. Lea... [Connect NetSuite Directly to ShipStation: A Simpler Way to Manage Ecommerce Fulfillment](/content/blog/connect-netsuite-directly-to-shipstation-a-simpler-way-to-manage-ecommerce-fulfillment/index.html) ShipStation's new native integration with Oracle NetSuit provides NetSuite users with a direct connection to ShipStation... [Visit Our Blog](/content/blog/index.html) ### FEATURED BLOG #### ShipStation Ecommerce Benchmark Report 2026 The conclusion is clear: AI is already influencing demand, competition, and delivery performance—and retailers that fail to adapt risk being excluded from AI-led shopping journeys altogether. [Get the Report](/content/blog/shipstation-ecommerce-benchmark-report-2026-ai-is-reshaping-the-shopper-journey/index.html) Resource HubYour stop for everything from best practices to holiday trends to product tips and more. Shipping Rates Calculator](/content/fulfillment/shipping/shipping-rates-calculator/index.html) Speak With Sales](/content/contact-us/index.html) Speak With Support](https://help.shipstation.com/hc/en-us/) Guides](/content/guides/index.html) Videos](/content/videos/index.html) Knowledge Base](https://help.shipstation.com/hc/en-us/) Events and Webinars](/content/webinars/index.html) Community Forum](https://community.shipstation.com/) Newsroom](/content/press/index.html) About Us](/content/about-us/index.html) ShipStation Supplies](https://supplies.shipstation.com/) [View All Resources](/content/resource-hub/index.html) ### SUPPLIES STORE #### Your all-in-one shop for hardware, labels, and packaging. From pro-grade printers and scales to starter kits, polymailers, boxes, tape, and more, find everything you need to grow your business. [Explore the Store](https://supplies.shipstation.com/collections/shipping-boxes) Developers HubGet developer guides, API documentation, libraries, and SDKs. Getting Started](https://docs.shipstation.com/apis/shipengine/docs/getting-started/get-started) API Documentation](https://docs.shipstation.com/api-overview) Developer Guides](https://docs.shipstation.com/apis/shipengine/docs/guides/auth) Connect to MCP](https://docs.shipstation.com/connect-mcp) Libraries and SDKs](https://docs.shipstation.com/apis/shipengine/docs/getting-started/tools) Postman collections](https://docs.shipstation.com/apis/shipengine/docs/reference/postman) Release Notes](https://docs.shipstation.com/apis/release-notes) API Status](https://status.shipengine.com/) ### FEATURED BLOG #### ShipStation Ecommerce Benchmark Report 2026 [Get the Report](/content/blog/shipstation-ecommerce-benchmark-report-2026-ai-is-reshaping-the-shopper-journey/index.html) Product PricingExplore pricing options for ShipStation and ShipStation API products. ShipStation](/content/pricing/index.html) ShipStation API](/content/shipping-api/pricing/index.html) ### FEATURED BLOG #### ShipStation Ecommerce Benchmark Report 2026 [Get the Report](/content/blog/shipstation-ecommerce-benchmark-report-2026-ai-is-reshaping-the-shopper-journey/index.html) In this Article - Ship & Sip Holiday Hustle & Bustle Roundtable Recap - Holiday Tips and Tricks - When to start planning for peak season - Advice from our Panelists - Make sure you have enough space and help - Automation is key and even worth the cost of implementing solutions - Make sure you are talking to your carriers about discounts and assistance - Shipping estimates during peak seasons are not always guaranteed - How Erin Sees it - Communication is key - Learn from failures instead of fearing them - Don’t be afraid to seek out help or information Ship & Sip Holiday Hustle & Bustle Roundtable Recap - - - - Copy # Ship & Sip Holiday Hustle & Bustle Roundtable Recap Have you ever wanted to get insights on how entrepreneurs took an idea and turned it into a successful business while utilizing ShipStation? Twice a quarter event series, Ship and Sip allows you to do just that. By [Maria Fagerland](/content/blog/author/maria_fagerland/index.html) Last Updated Oct 12, 2022 – 6 min read [Shipping Basics](/content/blog/topics/shipping-basics/index.html) [Event](/content/blog/tag/event/index.html) - - - - Copy Hi! My name is Erin and in addition to being the Manager of the [ShipStation Community](https://community.shipstation.com/), I also have the honor of hosting Ship & Sip. We had our first Holiday focused Ship & Sip for the year on September 15th and I’m here to break down all the holiday planning insights from our guests. We were joined by Kim Wren, the Senior Director of Business Development at [SkuVault](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwj-mZivy6b6AhVtFdQBHYHKC-sYABABGgJvYQ&sig=AOD64_2QyEHYybP9ehodz0dp0uUiseTg2A&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwijqpCvy6b6AhX1kGoFHV_xB0QQ0Qx6BAgHEAE), Amber Friedeck, the cofounder of [Republic Promos](https://www.republicpromos.com/), and Missy Haese, National Sales Account Manager at Republic Promos. ## Holiday Tips and Tricks Before our amazing panel discussion, we provided a quick presentation covering tips and tricks to be better prepared for peak season. Here are some of the key points we discussed. - Take the time to plan and reorganize your warehouse to ensure optimum efficiency. Remember that it has to make sense for your workers first and foremost. - Have all of your equipment ready and accessible, including packing material but also items to make sure your staff are taken care of during this busy season. - Start early and get all of your prep work out of the way ahead of time so your staff has everything they need to help you win during this peak season. - Be cognizant of all of the steps in the shipping process up to the point of handing things off to the carrier and even beyond. - Know your shipping deadlines. ## When to start planning for peak season When asked about when you should start your holiday season, the group almost unanimously agreed that July is a good time to start planning but ideally your peak season should be top of mind year-round. > “We start prepping in July or sooner and I know that sounds crazy. Everybody says Christmas in July, that is not a joke, like you need to be way ahead of the game and sometimes it’s kind of hard to get people to be prepared that early.” > > Amy Friedeck Panelist Kim Wren, added “ I would take this a step further and say that if you are a newer business, if you have only been in this a couple of years, you should have started planning after peak season last year.” She also went on to say that if you are just starting your preparations now you are a little behind the curve and now is the time to kick it into high gear. Make sure that you are giving yourself and yourself enough time to prep and potentially hire staff, set up automation workflows, your warehouse setup, and be able to test your setup. ## Advice from our Panelists ### Make sure you have enough space and help When discussing learnings from past years, Missy brought up a time when Republic Promos had limited warehouse space and this led to them hiring less help because of the small space. She found that this led to projects going out slower and getting delays on getting shipments out. ### Automation is key and even worth the cost of implementing solutions All of our panelists agreed that automation is crucial for success not only just during peak seasons but year round. Kim took this a step further by affirming that paying for automated systems might seem steep but they are worth the investment. ### Make sure you are talking to your carriers about discounts and assistance Did you know that many carriers provide account managers and offer discounts for high-volume shippers? If you don’t have a point of contact for your carrier, now is the time to reach out and see if that is something that is available to you especially if you have been shipping high volume either during peak or year-round. If you are a smaller business or have a lower volume, ShipStation actually offers a wallet with multiple carriers that offer discounted [shipping rates](/content/shipping-rates-calculator/index.html) called [ShipStation Carrier Services.](/content/carrier-services/index.html) ### Shipping estimates during peak seasons are not always guaranteed Service estimates on shipping methods are just that, they are estimates unless you have guaranteed service for the shipment. During peak shipping seasons, this is even more true because of the higher volume and potential delays. For example, Amber mentioned that their carrier rep advised them to use expedited shipping instead of ground during the holiday season since transit times cannot be guaranteed, and this method offers better support especially if you do not currently have the benefit of a carrier account representative. ## How Erin Sees it ### Communication is key During this season there are a lot of things we cannot control, but as a business there is always one thing you have the ability to do: wow your customers with a great experience. This doesn’t mean that everything works perfectly and that there aren’t any errors, but it does mean upping your transparency and communication with your customers. Communicate often and early especially when there are unexpected complications. ### Learn from failures instead of fearing them Mistakes may happen and that is okay, it is all about how we recover from them. Being afraid to fail and not taking chances is more dangerous than taking a chance and it not working out. Failures are an important part of growing and finding what will work for you and your business. Treat each mistake as a learning experience and don’t beat yourself up if it happens. ### Don’t be afraid to seek out help or information There are plenty of resources out there for you to take advantage of and there are plenty of people who want to share their experiences. Take the time to seek out these resources and absorb the information. We mentioned that the ShipStation Blog has amazing resources but most of your other solutions should too, take the time to see what advice they are sharing whether it is in blog, event, or webinar form, it is worth your time. Thanks again to our amazing panelists and this month’s sponsors [SkuVault](https://www.skuvault.com/) and [BrightPearl](https://www.brightpearl.com/?utm_term=brightpearl&utm_campaign=US_EN_Brand_Exact&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_tgt=kwd-311069287328&hsa_ad=210556387897&hsa_acc=1962771756&hsa_grp=42392832462&hsa_mt=e&hsa_cam=732238284&hsa_kw=brightpearl&hsa_ver=3&hsa_src=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj7CZBhDHARIsAPPWv3cNN8ixzctXfVHxz4fW6Vadd8mwnwh8bAfED31OYaRj3frwFkWUwR4aAoNOEALw_wcB). If you want to check out the full recording you can check that out on the ShipStation community by using the link below! We can’t wait to see everyone again on Nov 3, 2022 for our next Ship and Sip event. ##### Maria Fagerland Maria is a multifaceted writer and editor who is passionate about creating content that helps businesses succeed. When she's not writing, Maria can often be found in her garden tending to her plants. - [More articles by Maria Fagerland](/content/blog/author/maria_fagerland/index.html)