QuickBooks Online offers a robust shipping integration that streamlines order fulfillment for businesses.
A big deal for any business that uses shipping
This feature allows you to easily take care of some of the most time-consuming tasks involved with shipping:
Compare carrier rates
Print labels
Track shipments
You can get this done without leaving your QuickBooks dashboard. If you haven't explored this tool yet, here's everything you need to know to use it for your business.
What the shipping integration offers
With QuickBooks Online's shipping integration, powered by ShipEngine, you can:
Compare real-time rates from multiple carriers (including UPS, FedEx, DSL, and USPS)
Print shipping labels directly from your QuickBooks interface
Automatically update your books with shipping costs and tracking information
This seamless integration saves you time, reduces errors, and potentially cuts shipping costs.
Setting up the shipping feature
Getting started is straightforward:
Log in to your QuickBooks Online account
Navigate to the "Shipping" section in your dashboard
Link your existing carrier accounts or set up new ones
Adjust your shipping preferences (e.g., default carrier, package sizes)
How to use the shipping integration
Once set up, here's how you can use the feature:
Compare Rates: When creating an invoice or sales receipt, select the shipping option to view and compare rates from various carriers.
Choose and Print: Confirm the shipment details and print the shipping label directly within QBO after selecting your preferred carrier.
Track Shipments: Monitor the status of your shipments without switching to another platform.
Real-world application
Consider Sarah, owner of an online plant shop. Before using QBO's shipping integration, she spent hours each week comparing rates on different websites and manually entering shipping information. With the new feature, Sarah creates invoices, selects shipping options, and prints labels all in one place. She reports saving time on shipping tasks and reducing costs by easily comparing carrier rates.
Benefits for your business
Integrating shipping into QBO offers several advantages:
Time Efficiency: Manage orders and shipping from a single platform
Cost Optimization: Easily compare rates to choose the most affordable option
Reduced Errors: Automate the shipping process to minimize manual entry mistakes
Improved Record-Keeping: Shipping data integrates seamlessly with your financial records
Pro tips for maximizing the shipping feature
Stay Updated: Regularly check your carrier accounts for any rate changes or new services
Batch Processing: For multiple orders, use batch printing to save time
Analyze Data: Use QBO's reporting features to track shipping expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities
Customize Preferences: Set up default package sizes and preferred carriers for even faster processing
It benefits any business that ships
The QBO shipping integration is particularly beneficial for:
Small to medium-sized businesses handling regular shipments
E-commerce businesses looking to streamline operations
Companies aiming to reduce shipping costs and improve efficiency
If you're new to QuickBooks Online, this feature might be a compelling reason to consider the platform for your business needs.
Enhance your shipping strategy with Share A Refund
While QuickBooks Online's shipping integration helps you optimize your shipping process, another tool can take your shipping cost management to the next level: Share A Refund.
What is Share A Refund?
Share A Refund is a shipping audit solution that integrates with QuickBooks Online to further maximize your shipping savings. This tool automatically reviews your shipments for potential refunds due to the following:
Late deliveries
Billing errors
Other discrepancies in carrier performance
How Share A Refund Complements QuickBooks Online Shipping
While QuickBooks Online helps you choose the best rates upfront, Share A Refund works behind the scenes to recover funds from carrier mistakes after shipments have been made. This two-pronged approach ensures you optimize your shipping costs before and after parcels leave your facility.
Benefits of Using Share A Refund
Automatic Audits: No need to manually review shipping records - Share A Refund does it for you
Recover Lost Funds: Identify and claim refunds you might have otherwise missed.
Time Savings: Reduce the time spent on shipping administration and auditing.
Improved Carrier Accountability: Ensure your carriers maintain their service commitments.
Getting Started with Share-A-Refund IS SUPER SIMPLE
As your QuickBooks Solution Provider, Peak Advisers offers Share A Refund as part of our suite of tools to help businesses like yours save money and time on shipping activities.
All you need to do is sign up for Share A Refund using this link and complete some basic information. The tool will take it from there to automatically start auditing your shipments and claiming refunds when you are entitled to them.
Bottom line
QuickBooks Online's shipping integration and tools like Share A Refund offer a powerful one-two punch for optimizing your shipping operations. You're streamlining your workflow by comparing rates and printing labels directly in QBO. Add in Share A Refund's automatic audits, and you're not just saving time—you're potentially recovering money you didn't know you were leaving on the table.
Ready to take your shipping strategy to the next level? Here's what you can do today:
Explore the shipping integration in your QuickBooks Online account
Set up your carrier preferences and start comparing rates
Contact Peak Advisers to learn how Share A Refund can further boost your shipping efficiency
Remember, in the world of e-commerce, efficient shipping isn't just about cutting costs—it's about gaining a competitive edge. By leveraging these tools, you're positioning your business for growth and success in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Need help getting started or want to optimize your existing setup? Peak Advisers is here to guide you through every step of the process. Let's work together to turn your shipping operations into a streamlined, cost-effective powerhouse.