Fulfilment FAQ
Straightforward explanations about how our pick-and-pack operation works, without the jargon.
When an order comes through from your store, our warehouse team receives it digitally and picks the items from our inventory zones. Each product is barcode-scanned to confirm accuracy, then packed according to your packaging preferences. We run a final quality check before the parcel is labelled and handed to the courier. The whole flow is designed to minimise movement and errors, so your orders get out the door faster.
Our system connects with the major online store platforms used by South African retailers. Once integrated, stock levels sync automatically across all your sales channels, so you never oversell or lose track of inventory. If you use a less common platform, our team can usually build a custom connection to fit your setup.
We keep a dedicated packing station for delicate products. Our team uses custom packaging materials, including bubble wrap, foam inserts, and reinforced boxes, depending on what the item needs. Every fragile parcel gets an extra quality check before dispatch, and we track it carefully through the courier network so you know exactly where it is.
When a customer returns an item, our team receives it, inspects the condition, and runs a quality check. We then update your inventory in real time and either restock the item or flag it for disposal, depending on your instructions. This takes the administrative burden off your shoulders and keeps your stock records accurate.
Our system compares rates across the couriers we work with, taking into account the parcel size, destination zone, and delivery speed you want. It automatically selects the most cost-effective option for each shipment. Because we pool volume from all our clients, we can negotiate better rates than an individual store would get on its own.
Yes, we coordinate same-day dispatch for orders received before our daily cutoff time across major metropolitan areas in South Africa. Our warehouse team works to tight schedules to make sure parcels are handed over to couriers the same day, so your customers get their orders without unnecessary delays.
Client feedback
Store owners across South Africa rely on our pick-and-pack operation to keep orders moving. Here is what a few of them have noticed after switching to ShopShip.
"We used to pack everything ourselves in the back of the shop. Moving to ShopShip cut our dispatch time nearly in half. The pick-and-pack team is fast, and the quality checks mean we stopped getting complaints about missing items."
Naledi M.
Owner, homeware online store — Johannesburg
"The courier rate optimization alone paid for the service. We sell fragile ceramics, so the custom packaging and careful handling were a big deal for us. Breakage claims have dropped to almost zero since we switched."
Pieter v. d. M.
Founder, ceramics brand — Cape Town
"Inventory sync across our store and marketplace channels used to be a mess. Now stock levels update automatically, and we rarely oversell. The returns processing team handles the messy part, so we can focus on new products."
Thandiwe K.
Operations lead, fashion retailer — Durban
"Same-day dispatch coordination is real. Orders placed before the cutoff go out the same afternoon, and our customers notice. Delivery times are shorter, and our repeat purchase rate has climbed."
Sipho D.
Director, supplement store — Pretoria
"Consolidated shipping labels save us hours every week. Instead of logging into three different courier portals, we print everything from one place. The rate comparison is automatic, so we always pick the cheapest option."
Aisha B.
E-commerce manager, beauty brand — East London
"We sell high-value electronics, so security and accuracy matter. The dedicated team handles each unit carefully, and the inventory reports are always accurate. It feels like having our own warehouse team without the overhead."
Johan S.
Co-founder, electronics retailer — Bloemfontein
What we handle for you
Every service below is designed to remove a specific bottleneck in your daily operations, from the moment an order lands to the final handover to a courier.
Orders are picked from organized inventory zones, scanned for accuracy, and packed according to your product specifications. We structure the workflow around your sales volume so packing stations never become the bottleneck.
Stock levels sync across your online store platforms, so you avoid overselling or sitting on dead stock. We track what moves, what sits, and what needs reordering before it becomes a problem.
We pool parcel volume across all our clients to negotiate better rates with South African couriers. Our system compares zone-based pricing and automatically selects the most cost-effective carrier for each parcel.
Orders received before the cutoff are picked, packed, and handed to the courier the same day. We coordinate pickup windows across major metropolitan areas so your parcels don't sit overnight.
A dedicated team inspects returned items, decides whether they can be restocked, and updates your inventory in real time. Quality checks catch damaged goods before they reach your customers.
High-value or delicate products get protective packaging tailored to their shape and weight. We handle the extra care so you don't have to worry about breakage during transit.
Fulfillment Plans
Not every store ships the same way. These three setups cover the range from a growing boutique to a high-volume operation, with the option to switch as your sales change.
For stores doing up to 50 orders a week
Most popular
For stores shipping 50–300 orders a week
For stores shipping 300+ orders a week
All plans include integration with leading online store platforms and consolidated shipping labels. Not sure which fits? Start with Starter and move up as your volume grows.