Why Australian online sellers should use shipping integration software to print labels

Printing labels might seem like a small part of running an online store, but it can take a surprising amount of time, especially once orders start to grow. Manual copying, pasting, or retyping details increases the risk of mistakes and slows down fulfilment.

Shipping integration software helps streamline this entire process. By connecting your online store directly to your carriers, platforms like ReadyToShip allow you to generate accurate, automated shipping labels with ease. This saves time, reduces errors, and ultimately supports a better customer experience.

Table of contents

1. What is a shipping integration?

2. Time-saving advantages

3. Improved accuracy in shipping

4. Better customer experience with timely updates

5. Business considerations

1. What is a shipping integration?

A shipping integration (also called a shipping app or API connection) links your ecommerce platform to your chosen carriers.

Instead of entering order details manually, the software pulls information - such as customer address, products purchased, weights, and order numbers - straight from your store.

A shipping integration usually allows you to:

• Create shipping labels automatically

• Compare carrier services and prices in one place

• Sync fulfilment and tracking details back to your store

• Keep orders organised during busy periods

For small and growing Australian ecommerce businesses, it’s one of the simplest ways to level up your fulfilment workflow.

2. Time-saving advantages: no copy and paste

Manual data entry is one of the biggest bottlenecks in shipping. Copying and pasting addresses or typing them into carrier portals takes time, especially when handling multiple orders.

Shipping integration software removes this repetitive work. With an integrated system, you can:

• Import all new orders automatically

• Generate shipping labels in bulk

• Avoid switching between multiple carrier dashboards

• Print labels with one click

Tools like ReadyToShip let you process dozens or hundreds of orders in minutes, not hours. For busy periods like Christmas or sale events, this can be a game-changer for small teams working out of a home, garage, or small warehouse.

3. Improved accuracy in shipping

Accuracy matters. A single mistyped digit in a postcode can delay delivery, cause returns, or create extra customer enquiries.

Shipping integrations improve accuracy because:

• Customer details are pulled directly from your store

• Customer postcodes can be checked

• Labels are generated using the correct formats for each carrier

• Weight, dimensions, and packaging rules can be standardised

• You reduce the risk of duplicated or missing orders

Better accuracy means fewer carrier surcharges, fewer lost parcels, and less frustration for both customers and business owners.

4. Better customer experience with timely updates

Customers expect clear communication once their order has shipped. Timely tracking improves trust and reduces “Where is my parcel?” messages.

Shipping integration software helps by automatically uploading tracking numbers to your store. You can then set up a trigger to send transactional emails in your store and incorporate the tracking number and link to carriers.

When customers receive tracking details soon after fulfilment, it builds confidence and sets realistic delivery expectations.

5. Business considerations

Before choosing a shipping integration or app, think about:

• Your order volume

If you’re still fulfilling a handful of orders manually, you may not yet notice the time savings, but as soon as orders grow, automated labels can save hours. It’s also important to look at how your order volume changes month to month. Many ecommerce businesses experience natural fluctuations. One month might be steady, the next could be filled with promotional events or busy holiday periods. Manual fulfilment becomes harder to manage when volume spikes suddenly.

• The cost to process your orders

Another consideration is the cost to process your orders. Some platforms, like ReadyToShip, only charge based on order volume for that month, which means you only pay for what you process. Others charge a flat fee year-round. If your order volume is inconsistent, you’ll want to choose a pricing model that doesn’t leave you paying a premium during slower periods. Look for no locked-in contracts with flexible payment options.

• Supported carriers

Choose software that integrates with carriers you actually use, Australia Post, Sendle, CouriersPlease, Aramex, DHL, or Team Global Express.

• Supported stores

Look for a shipping app that supports your stores and marketplaces. Choose a platform that allows you to link multiple stores, and/or marketplaces, without hidden costs.

• Ease of use

Look for a clear dashboard, simple label printing, and automation that reduces daily admin.

Final thoughts

Shipping integration software is one of the easiest upgrades an online store can make. It saves time, reduces manual errors, and improves customer communication—three things that matter to every ecommerce business.

Whether you’re fulfilling orders from home or running a small warehouse, automated shipping labels help you scale confidently while keeping customers happy.