Why do I need a shipping solution?

We might be biased, but we are also honest—companies who invest in a shipping solution save money and time. Shipping solutions are necessary for small and large e-commerce retailers and distributors. An excellent shipping system will help your business with order management, batch management, rate shopping, marketplace integration, batch printing, and item tracking. Doing all of these things by hand or individually will waste time, money, and resources.

What is a Shipping API?

DesktopShipper defines a Shipping API by a fully presented communication method that allows various programs to interact and share data. A Shipping API helps e-commerce companies improve order management, including fulfilling, shipping, and tracking orders by integrating shipping functionalities from multiple marketplaces into a singular business system.

What size company does DesktopShipper support?

DesktopShipper is designed for any business model, from mom and pop shops to enterprise businesses to fulfillment companies.

How much money can I save?

DesktopShipper uses certified and commercial shipping rates. DesktopShipper is partnered with and works closely with multiple carriers for both national and international shipping. Depending on your companies’ preferred carriers and shipping preferences, our API will real-time rate shop ensuring the best pricing. We are the only shipping API with a real-time rate shop, so you never miss the best rate.

Are there limitations to what can be shipped through DesktopShipper?

Desktopshipper does not limit what items can and cannot be shipped. If you are sending items classified as Dangerous Goods, you will need to be cautious of carrier restrictions.

Do I need to be a developer to use DesktopShipper?

Absolutely not!

DesktopShipper is a fully stacked shipping API for a mom-and-pop shop to huge enterprise businesses. Though you don’t have to be a developer, developers love DesktopShipper because there is flexibility when utilizing our API.

Does DesktopShipper have an on-premise application available?

DesktopShipper has both an on-premise and cloud-based application. Our on-premise UI, DSX, is an excellent option for companies looking for easy-to-use, powerful shipping applications to fit their business needs.

Is there a contract term?

Desktopshipper does not have a contract term though we do have a service agreement. The service agreement is month to month, specific to each customer, and lays out the terms of using our services. We do not require a yearly contract at the time of sign-up.

Does DesktopShipper work on MAC/ PCs/ Tablets?

DesktopShipper is a cloud-based shipping solution and works with Macs, PCs, and Tablets.

What are the minimum system specs to use DesktopShipper?

DesktopShipper’s cloud-based system is exceptionally accessible, allowing users to access our UI anytime, anywhere, from any device with an internet connection.

Are you looking for light-weight, downloadable software to live on your desktop? Download our DSX version, available exclusively on Windows __ and up, to access a versatile, simplified, and optimized app for more extensive 1:1 shipping needs.

Does DesktopShipper provide a scale?

DesktopShipper does not provide free scales for its customers but does have suggestions on the best tools for shipping available for purchase from ShippingGear.com. Learn more here. ​

Do you sell boxes and packages?

DesktopShipper does not sell boxes, packaging, or other shipping items. We do highly recommend our partner page, ShippingGear, and it's products. Learn more here.

Can I verify items within an order through DesktopShipper?

Scan Verification is a feature-specific term and feature for DesktopShipper. Scan Verification is available to every service level and helps ensure that the correct items are in the right package and going to the correct address. Scan verification can help save companies money and keep their customers satisfied.

How do Customs Forms work in DesktopShiper?

Customs forms within DesktopShipper are automatically mapped based on the customer data collected via the integration channels. This information is filled in the appropriate customs fields based on the country it’s going to and may also be manually entered as needed. If information is not provided correctly, customs defaults can be set.

What does a "Profile" do inside of DesktopShipper?

A prominent DesktopShipper feature is Profiles, which allows you to define your unique shipping requirements for each integration. Learn more about Custom Profiles here.

Does DesktopShipper provide around-the-clock support?

At DesktopShipper, we are here to help e-commerce businesses meet the challenges ahead of them and prepare in the best way possible. We have support hours from 6 AM to 5 PM PST and are available via phone or live chat, or email. You will always connect with a real person ready to help you troubleshoot any issues you might be having.

Are you looking for extended support? Select After hour or weekend support options added as an additional monthly fee to your current subscription price. Contact your rep for further information.

Are there limitations to what can be shipped through DesktopShipper?

Desktopshipper does not limit what items can and cannot be shipped. If you are sending items classified as Dangerous Goods, you will need to be cautious of carrier restrictions.

Can I link DesktopShipper to my company’s accounting system?

Depends on the accounting system. WMS or selling on marketplaces.

Can I ship specialty items, such as perishable goods, with DesktopShipper?

Yes! Depending on the company's needs, we can set rules within the application to fulfill quick and overnight shipping. We even can ease the process of shipping perishable goods by including additional requirements like dry ice.

Does Desktopshipper provide live rates in the cart at the point of checkout?

DesktopShipper is one of the only shipping APIs on the market that offers real-time rate shopping. We will show you live rates based on preferred carriers, length of delivery, and present live rates, allowing you to pick their preferred rate and method.

Does DesktopShipper support Dropshipping?

Yes! DesktopShipper is used by dropshipping and distribution centers all around the United States.

Does DesktopShipper support markups on shipping rates?

Yes, we do. The markup, determined by your company, takes place in the writeback to your integration and will not be seen at the time of rating. This is to ensure that you are getting and seeing the best rate possible during processing.

Does DesktopShipper support default Customs information?

Absolutely!

Within DesktopShipper, you can set customs defaults for all international orders, which will override the customs information typically pulled in from your orders. You also can manually add data to orders with no customs information provided as the order is being pulled into DesktopShipper.

Does Desktopshipper support ODBC connections?

DesktopShipper does support ODBC integrations. Provide your statements to your sales rep, and they will coordinate with you on the process of getting started.

Can I create a return label in DesktopShipper?

Yes, Desktopshipper offers the ability to find, print labels, and track return orders.

Does DesktopShipper support remote printing of labels?

Yes! There is an easy-to-use download instruction doc via our printing app.

What label customizations does Desktopshipper offer?

DesktopShipper offers customized shipping labels. Learn why and how you should customize your shipping labels, learn more here.

Are there any per-label fees in addition to the monthly subscription cost?

Nope! There is no additional DesktopShipper per-label fee on top of the monthly subscription cost. The price you see when you are real-time rate shopping is the price you pay.

What packing slip customizations does DesktopShipper offer?

DesktopShipper offers customized packing slips. Learn why and how you should customize your shipping labels and slips, learn more here.

Can I build out my store's packing slip?

DesktopShipper allows for auto-generated generic packing slips with every order. We also offer services to provide branded packing slips also auto-generated with each order.

Can I test out DesktopShipper before I commit?

Currently, we do not offer free trials. We do provide free demos that are specifically catered to your company's carriers and marketplaces.

Can I set up my account myself?

Yes, you can go ahead and create your account. Click here to start! We highly recommend working with one of our implementation reps to ensure you are being set up for success when using the system.

What if I get stuck? Who is going to help me?

DesktopShipper offers world class customer service in the form of phone, chat, email, and remote assistance for every customer, regardless of service tier. We also offer an expansive knowledge base that offers how-to's and additional information regarding our software, integrations, and partners. The knowledge base can be found here.

Okay, I'm ready! How do I get started with DesktopShipper?

Register online here or sign up for our reccommended free demomenstration with our knowledgeable reps by clicking here!

Can I Import a CSV file into DesktopShipper to upload my orders?

Absolutely! CSV files are easily integrated into DesktopShipper’s UI. You can read more about how to do this here.

Can I run a CSV export of my shipment data?

Yes, users can select, filter, and export shipment data into a CSV file for easy sharing.

Can I close my manifests or print my scan forms?

Yes! You have the ability through our portal to close your packages at the end of your shipping day. This will not only inform the carrier, but it will also print off a scan form for you to hand directly to the driver.

Can I set multiple user preferences in DS?

Yes! You can set in-house preferences for the admins, managers, and shippers. You can also set a customer service preference known as a viewer to help customer service representatives assist customers without sending out shipments.

Can DS process an order but not mark it as shipped until I am ready?

Yes, we can! This feature is only available for batch processing. If you want to utilize this feature, simply group orders into a batch to manage. Talk to your sales rep to see if this feature is for you.

Does DesktopShipper support voiding?

Absolutely! This voiding process is easy within our UI and will be appropriately handled based on the carrier from which you are voiding the order.

What is batch shipping?

Batch shipping refers to the term to organize and ship all your orders in one swift process. Batch shipping can be categorized based on set filters and can be utilized to fit your business needs. Additionally, you can update order details in bulk, assign a printing sequence and rate your batch in seconds.

Is there a limit to the size of a batch?

No limits with DesktopShipper’s UI. Rate-shop any size batch in a matter of seconds! We recommend being cautious of your batch printing quantity. Every printer is different, so be aware of your printer's capacity.

How do your batch shipping capabilities compare to other shipping solutions on the market?

We have the ability to rate-shop each order within the batch, giving you the best price per package each time. Other shipping solutions on the market make you rate-shop the batch under one carrier service. We also have zero batch size limits within our system, and we can process a batch in a matter of seconds.

Can I tag orders in DesktopShipper?

Yes! You can create, apply and tag orders with the necessary tags for your business.

Can I create a manual order?

You can create a manual shipment or one-time order by entering the information into the system manually.

Can I send shipment email notifications to customers?

DesktopShipper can send out email notifications to consumers once their orders have been shipped. We can integrate with specific companies that specialize in email notifications or build out the email for you. Talk with your sales or implementation rep for specifics.

*Ensure that your marketplace or integration is currently not sending email notifications to avoid duplicate emails.

Can I print a pick ticket with the item location?

Yes, DesktopShipper allows you to print a pick ticket with item location.

Can I set up ship method preferences?

DesktopShipper allows companies to set up specific shipping rules such as carrier mapping, service groups, and special services to support unique shipping needs. Learn more about our features here.

Can I run reports on my shipment data?

Yes! You can run shipment data reports exported to a CSV file. View insights on carriers, weights, costs, and order volume. Personal information is wiped after 30 days, and shipment information is not stored longer than 90 days, so we suggest pulling data every quarter.

Can I specify shipping instructions through DesktopShipper?

Through DesktopShipper, you can specify special services. You can set service preferences based on carrier or orders. Create rules and subscribe filters to help ship even special orders.

Do you integrate with multiple marketplaces for one company?

DesktopShipper allows for multiple marketplaces and websites to be integrated into one shipping platform. Along with our order management software, we encourage various integrations to keep everything consistent and shipping easy!

Does DesktopShipper provide shipping insurance?

No, we do not. Your carriers provide shipping insurance. Based on your settings in DesktopShipper, it will auto-apply insurance based on your pricing preference.

Want to learn more information on shipping insurance? Check this out!

What carriers does DesktopShipper support?

DesktopShipper supports all major US carriers, plus a large variety of small and international carriers. For full list of all supported, click here.

A carrier I want to use is not listed; how can I still integrate with them?

Though we may not have every integration listed, we can integrate to any carrier, ERP, marketplace, etc. You can work with our team to ensure you are connected to your favorite integrations

Can I ship internationally with DesktopShipper?

You bet! Desktopshipper allows for customs forms to be auto-filled and helps you ship internationally by price shopping those carriers.

What services require dimensions to ship?

All carriers require specific dimension requirements based on chosen services. No matter the set carrier requirements, DS will rate shop and recommend the best shipping option based on multiple factors, including item weight, order size, shipping service, and carrier choice.

Can I schedule carrier pickups through DesktopShipper?

No, you cannot. Carrier pickups are specific to each carrier and can be scheduled through your carrier rep.