Business Cases for the Shippo API

These are integration models that Shippo supports for different types of businesses. Please keep in mind that these are not the only business types that are supported but common uses.

Platforms

E-commerce platforms commonly use Shippo to provide a native shipping solution that allows their merchants to purchase labels and track labels. Often a platform integration will include functionality to track packages for carriers Shippo supports but were not purchased on Shippo. A platform will often choose either a Gray or White label integration based on their business needs.

Third Party Logistics

Third Party Logistics (3PL) companies leverage Shippo to manage and reconcile shipping for clients of various sizes and carrier relationship. By integrating with Shippo 3PL's gain the ability to use their own carrier relationships, shippers own accounts, and Shippo's. They will typically build a white label solution leveraging the tennant account structure for the ability to separate out invoicing and carrier management.

Single Merchant Implementation

Often larger merchants want to build shipping into an in house solution for managing, sales, inventory, or other aspects of their business. This will usually involve a single Shippo account using a white label account type. If there are multiple locations such as warehouses or stores it is likely the adding the tennant account structure will also make sense.

Returns

Returns can be managed through Shippo by including a scan based outbound return label that is tied to an outbound label or generating a fresh label that returns merchandise to a seller. Scan based labels are used often for exchanges, trade-ins, or try before you buy use cases.

Shippo is also used to power returns portals allowing merchants to take advantage of carrier relationships from the portal, their own, or Shippo's accounts. This is typically a new label sent out for merchandise to be returned to the merchant, a distribution center, or reseller.