ParcelLab vs. AfterShip: Which Shipment Tracking Solution is Right for You?
Unsure which shipment tracking platform to choose for your business?
AfterShip and parcelLab are both great platforms, but they have different features that might make one better for your needs than the other. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each platform so you can make an informed decision.
No matter which platform you choose, shipment tracking is a crucial part of any business. With either AfterShip or parcelLab, you’ll be able to keep track of your packages every step of the way and ensure that they arrive safely and on time.
Keep reading to learn more and decide if either solution is the right platform for you!
Key features: AfterShip vs. parcelLab
Carrier support
Depending on the size and scale of your business, the carriers you work with may need to change to adapt to the needs of your customers.
Both AfterShip and parcelLab have partnerships with major carriers including UPS, DHL, and FedEx among others. parcelLab, in fact, currently offers support for just under 200 shipping carriers worldwide.
At the time of writing, however, AfterShip boasts compatibility with over 950 shipping carriers. This gives AfterShip a significant edge in terms of flexibility and shipping options.
If you have specific shipping needs that can be met by its supported carriers, parcelLab may be a good option for you. If, however, you are looking for a platform that will work with a wide range of shipping carriers across the world, then AfterShip is the better choice.
Ease of use
Many users may find that AfterShip's shipping tracking platform is much easier to use than parcelLab's. AfterShip does not require any coding or technical skills to use the platform. You can simply sign up for an account and start tracking your packages almost immediately.
parcelLab, on the other hand, has a little more of a learning curve to it. If you are not familiar with shipping terminology or procedures, then parcelLab may be difficult to navigate. parcelLab also requires some knowledge of programming to take full advantage of its custom features, which may be an obstacle for some businesses.
If you are looking for a shipping tracking platform that is easy to use and does not require any coding knowledge, then AfterShip is the better choice.
Branded content
Both AfterShip and parcelLab offer branded content for their clients through shipping tracking integration. This allows businesses to display customized shipping information on their website or app.
This is a crucial feature for companies since it offers a smooth transition from the moment a customer goes to an online business until they receive their product, and in some cases, even beyond that. It also has the added benefit of creating trust and building brand loyalty with a business' customer base.
AfterShip also offers an order tracking widget that customers can simply copy and paste into their website making it that much easier for customers to track the status of their orders without ever leaving your website.
Order lookup widget
The order lookup widget feature that AfterShip has is a great way for customers to track the status of their orders without ever leaving your website. This widget can be simply copied and pasted into your website, making it easy for customers to use. Tracking numbers also have the option of being prepopulated, allowing customers to track the status of their orders with just one click.
parcelLab does not have an order lookup widget (or similar feature) available.
This is a great feature for businesses since it offers customers a smooth and easy way to track their orders without having to leave your website. It also helps build trust and loyalty with your customers, as they will appreciate the convenience.
Shipment visibility: AfterShip vs. parcelLab
On average, a customer will visit a tracking page 2 to 3 times per order. So, your business must share with your customers where your order is at all times. Both AfterShip and parcelLab have methods for monitoring the status of an order after it has been placed by your customer.
Package tracking
Both shipping platforms offer package tracking capabilities that allow businesses to see where their packages are at all times.
However, AfterShip takes it one step further by allowing businesses to set up automatic tracking for their customers. This feature can be turned on with just a few clicks and will automatically track any orders placed on your website or app and send the customer updates on the status of their delivery.
AfterShip also offers 7 key statuses and 33 sub-statuses to describe where in the process an order is, leaving less room for ambiguity and anxiety This is a valuable feature for businesses since it offers customers peace of mind and increases customer satisfaction.
Customer support: AfterShip vs. parcelLab
Both AfterShip and parcelLab offer great customer support options for online shoppers. However, there are a few key differences.
First, AfterShip is available as a free app, while parcelLab requires a subscription. Second, AfterShip offers chat and email support, while parcelLab only offers email support. Finally, AfterShip has a robust help center with articles and video tutorials, while parcelLab does not have any such resources.
Overall, both AfterShip and parcelLab provide great customer support options for online shoppers. However, AfterShip's free app and chat and email support make it the better option for those looking for superior customer service.
Returns management
Another important feature offered by both shipping platforms is returns management. According to some sources, as many as one out of every four customers will return an online purchase. This could be for many reasons, including purchasing multiple versions of identical items to decide about in the future. This allows businesses to process returns quickly and efficiently.
Both AfterShip and parcelLab offer similar features in this area, however, AfterShip’s solution is much more user-friendly. This means that businesses who are looking for a an easy-to-use returns management system may want to consider AfterShip.
Pricing: AfterShip vs. parcelLab
AfterShip and parcelLab both offer a variety of pricing plans for businesses of all sizes. Here we will compare the pricing plans for each platform to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.
AfterShip offers four pricing plans: Lite, Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. As mentioned previously, Lite is AfterShip's free tier and it offers support for up to 500 shipments per month, Standard costs $29/month with unlimited shipments, Pro costs $99/month with unlimited shipments, and Enterprise starts at $499/month with custom pricing based on your needs. On top of the variety of monthly memberships available, AfterShip offers discounts on annual plans.
parcelLab has three pricing plans: Start, Grow, and Scale. Start is free for up to 100 parcels per month, Grow costs €49/month for up to 1,000 parcels per month and Scale costs €199/month for an unlimited number of parcels.
Both platforms have a wide range of features available in their different pricing plans. AfterShip offers more features in their higher-priced plans while parcelLab's lower-priced plan still has the most features needed by small businesses. Ultimately the decision comes down to how many parcels your business ships each month and what features are important to you.
Final thoughts: AfterShip offers the best solution
Both AfterShip and parcelLab offer great shipping and returns management features for online businesses. However, there are a few key differences between the two platforms that give AfterShip the clear edge.
Both platforms have a wide range of features available in their different pricing plans. But AfterShip offers more features, especially in their higher-priced plans. Ultimately the decision comes down to how many parcels your business ships each month and what features are important to you.
In general, AfterShip is the better option for businesses that are looking for a more user-friendly platform with great customer support. And AfterShip's free tier and chat and email support make it the better option for those looking for superior customer service.
In the end, the decision comes down to what features are most important to your business and how much you're willing to spend. But AfterShip gives you all the tools you need to improve your post-purchase experience, regardless of the size of your business.