Side-by-side comparison
Linnworks vs ShipBob
Compare Linnworks and ShipBob across pricing, features, and fit for your e-commerce stack.
Linnworks
Centralised inventory and order management for multi-channel sellers
PaidShipBob
Outsourced fulfilment for DTC Shopify brands with global warehouses
PaidQuick Comparison
About
Linnworks
Linnworks is built for merchants that sell across multiple channels simultaneously and need inventory levels to stay accurate everywhere in real time. When a unit sells on Amazon, Shopify stock updates immediately. When a return arrives on eBay, inventory is restocked across all channels simultaneously. The order management layer consolidates fulfilment across channels with warehouse routing, picking workflows, and multi-location stock control. For brands that exclusively sell on Shopify, Linnworks is likely over-specified and more expensive than the problem justifies. Its value scales with channel complexity: the more channels you sell on and the more warehouse locations you manage, the more the centralised control pays off. It sits above ShipStation in operational complexity and is typically used by brands past the $2M ARR mark managing real multi-channel inventory risk.
ShipBob
ShipBob is the leading third-party logistics provider built specifically for DTC e-commerce. Rather than managing your own warehouse, you ship inventory to ShipBob's network and it handles pick, pack, and ship for every Shopify order automatically. The Shopify integration is native: orders flow directly, tracking numbers sync back, and inventory levels update in real time across all warehouse locations. ShipBob's distributed network model means you can split inventory across multiple fulfilment centres to reduce shipping zones and therefore shipping costs for a geographically dispersed customer base. The platform works well for brands shipping between 400 and 10,000 orders per month. Below that threshold the per-order fees often exceed what a local 3PL or self-fulfilment would cost. Above it, enterprise-scale operations typically negotiate custom contracts.
Key Features
Linnworks
Multi-Channel Stock Sync
Inventory levels update across Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and all connected channels in real time with every sale, return, or manual adjustment. Prevents overselling across channels.
Centralised Order Management
All orders from all channels flow into one fulfilment queue. Assign to warehouse locations, apply shipping rules, and generate labels without switching between channel portals.
Warehouse Management
Supports multiple warehouse locations with bin-level stock tracking, pick and pack workflows, and goods-in receiving. Manages physical inventory movement without a separate WMS.
Cross-Channel Reporting
Revenue, margin, and inventory turnover reports consolidated across all sales channels. Compares channel performance and identifies where stock should be prioritised.
ShipBob
Multi-Location Fulfilment
Distribute inventory across US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian fulfilment centres. Automated order routing sends each order to the centre that minimises shipping distance and cost.
Native Shopify Integration
Orders flow to ShipBob automatically on placement. Tracking numbers sync back to Shopify and trigger customer notification emails without manual intervention.
Inventory and Demand Forecasting
Dashboard shows inventory levels, days of supply, and reorder recommendations per SKU per fulfilment centre. Reduces stockouts without over-investing in warehouse holding.
Returns Processing
Handles return label generation, receipt, inspection, and restocking. Returns portal integrates with ShipBob's fulfilment workflow without requiring a separate returns platform.
Screenshots
Linnworks
ShipBob
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