This panoramic review of ParcelLab has been compiled after a thorough review of-
- 100+ user reviews from various review platforms
- 10+ reviews from e-commerce Operations Manager
- Conversation with 5 D2C brands
- Interviews with 20+ logistic and operations experts
1) What Is ParcelLab?
ParcelLab is an Operations Experience Management software to create a branded experience for your customers. The software uses personalized communications to establish a smoother post-purchase experience.
The software uses various communication mediums and a branded tracking page to increase customer engagement.
The software simplifies setting up the returns on your platform and customized branding. The proactive notifications for the customer’s order increase the post-purchase engagement.
The data-driven insights and integrated dashboards of the software provide all the information requested on the website. This reduces the stress on the customer service, and the team can focus on complaints that require immediate attention.
However, the software features are prone to frequent bugs and glitches, especially while handling higher order volumes. The reviews of ParcelLab also show that the software cannot detect and resolve inconsistencies in the carrier shipping and fulfillment process.
2) Reviews of ParcelLab: A Panoramic Review of ParcelLab’s Features
User reviews allow you to measure how the software's features play out in the real world. Let’s check how the ParcelLab features pan out in real-world scenarios and how the software can add value to your fulfillment operations.
2.1) Shipping Operations
Shipping is the backbone of every e-commerce business. The shipping management features of the software allow you to optimize your shipping operations and improve your order delivery speed.
Pros:
Handling all types of goods [ Our Score: 4 out of 5]
ParcelLab reviews show that the software can take all delivery and interests, including freight shipping and two-person delivery.
Cons:
No Shipping Delay Management [ Our Score: 2 out of 5]
The ParcelLab software does not provide any services or features that can handle shipping delays or exceptions as and when they arise. You have to manually check and intervene to ensure that your shipment is on track.
Cannot Handle High Order Volume
Reviews of ParcelLab show that the software’s shipping services cannot support a scaling operation and can fail to serve your needs as your order volume increases.
2.2) Analytics
The data and operational insights provided by the shipping software can help you pinpoint the inconsistencies in your fulfillment process and optimize your entire fulfillment process. ParcelLab does use real-time data to show you insights in an analytical dashboard.
Pros:
Real-time Data [ Our Score: 4 out of 5]
ParcelLab software uses real-time data from your shipping and fulfillment operations to show you insights on the analytical dashboard.
Cons:
Does not detect inconsistencies [ Our Score: 1 out of 5]
ParcelLab reviews do not detect any discrepancies in your data. You may have to manually look through the data to find the discrepancies and fix these issues with your fulfillment process.
2.3) Multi-Carrier Integration
ParcelLab allows you to integrate with courier services and 3PL through a single portal so that you can choose the partner according to your needs and do not have to go through the hassle of integrating with every 3PL partner you may need separately.
Pros:
Carrier Library [ Our Score: 3.5 out of 5]
ParcelLab has integrated itself with 150+ carriers, including widely known carriers like DHL, FedEx, and even Amazon Shipping.
Cons:
No access to discounts [ Our Score: 1 out of 5]
Unlike other ParcelPerform alternatives, the software does not allow access to discounts on shipping services.
2.4) Post-Purchase Experience
Post-purchase experience allows you to create a loyal and returning customer base. At the same time, it enables you to enhance the customer experience on your platform. The branded experience helps in building brand communication and trust.
Pros:
Proactive Notifications [ Our Score: 4 out of 5]
Reviews of ParcelLab show that the software sends proactive notifications to your customers regarding updates of their orders to reduce the WISMO calls on your platform.
Cons:
Basic Branded Tracking Page [ Our Score: 2 out of 5]
ParcelLab reviews show that the software does allow you to create a basic branded tracking page. Still, there are other ParcelLab competitors like ClickPost will enable you to create an advanced tracking page with customized branding.
Product Recommendations [ Our Score: 1 out of 5]
ParcelLab software does not allow you to show product recommendations on your platform, thus, not exploring a considerable conversion opportunity.
2.5) Returns
Returns have always been an integral part of the shopping experience. The return experience becomes important for e-commerce platforms as it brings the experience very close to physical shopping, especially in niche markets like Fashion.
Branded Returns Experience [ Our Score: 4 out of 5]
Along with a branded tracking page, the ParcelLab software allows you to create a branded returns portal that you can embed within your platform.
Cons:
No Returns Management [ Our Score: 1 out of 5]
While the software allows you to create a branded returns portal, ParcelLab reviews show that the software does not have any features that will enable you to manage and track your returns effectively.
No Customer Feedback [ Our Score: 1 out of 5]
While a hassle-free return process is necessary, feedback from customers about why they decide to return the order can allow you to cater your products and services to suit their needs better. ParcelLab software does not have a feature that will enable you to create a customer feedback form within the returns portal like most of its competitors.
3) Conclusion
ParcelLab is an operations experience management experience software that allows you to provide a branded post-purchase experience to your customers.
With the help of personalized communication after purchase, the software aims at increasing the customer engagement of the already acquired customers.
While the software focuses on the platform's front end for a smoother user experience, the returns and shipping features of the software ensure that you can provide the promised service to your customers.
However, the ParcelLab reviews show that the software’s features are not meant for higher volumes, and the data intelligence technology of the software does not detect inconsistencies.
The unanalyzed data can result in you being oblivious to your company’s problems. Therefore, other alternatives can be a complete fulfillment solution for your business.
4) The Alternatives
If you feel that ParcelLab’s set of features may not be compatible with your organization's goals, you can always look at better alternatives. Here are the top 5 ParcelLab options available on the market.
ClickPost is a leading fulfillment management software that provides shipping and order management features. The software is known for its seamless returns management features, including automatic customer feedback and NDR generation.
The tracking and branded page provided by the software is better than most ClickPost alternatives on the market. ClickPost reviews show that the software is not meant to handle lower volumes.
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5
Shippo is a shipping software that allows you to ship with its extensive network of integrated courier partners at discounted rates. Shippo is known for its exclusive discounts on widely known carriers like USPS, DHL, and FedEx services.
The software also provides a basic branded tracking page and uses a pay-per-use billing model for creating and printing shipping labels.
But, Shippo reviews show that the software has a buggy tracking API and has no fulfillment management services that allow you to automate and streamline your delivery and post-purchase services.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5
ShipStation is a delivery management software that provides multi-carrier integration services with over 70 carriers and sales channels. One of the reasons customers start using ShipStation is because they offer a straightforward approach to adopting the omnichannel fulfillment approach.
The software also sends tracking updates and notifications to the customers about their orders. However, after a careful review of ShipStation reviews, we found that the software's multi-carrier options are pretty limited compared to other ShipStation alternatives.
At the same time, the software is also prone to frequent bugs and glitches and does not have adequate tech support to resolve these issues.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5
The ParcelPerform software allows you to provide a seamless delivery experience with its features and a carrier library of over 800+ carriers. The software also comes with a free version, but ParcelPerform reviews suggest that the amount of ads on the software is insufferable.
There are no fulfillment management features, making it difficult for you to scale. ParcelPerform is a prominent competitor of ParcelLab, as it also uses data intelligence technologies to enhance the post-purchase experience on your website.
Overall Score: 3 out of 5
Narvar is another popular competitor of ParcelPerform as the software focuses on driving customer engagement through a branded post-purchase experience. The software has integrated 300+ carriers and 50+ sales channels into its order management system.
The software has created a supply chain that customers can use to provide a multi-modal delivery model on the platform. But, the software does not have any management services, and the tracking API of the software sends delayed updates.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5
5) FAQs
5.1) How can I track my orders with ParcelLab?
If you have integrated with the ParcelLab API, you can track all your orders with the AWB number on their integrated tracking dashboard.
5.2) Can I ship with multiple carriers without a separate integration?
The ParcelLab API has already been integrated with over 150+ carriers. You can use the shipping services of all these carriers through a single integration with ParcelLab.