EquaShip Levels Playing Field in Low-Volume Small-Merchant Shipping

Small online merchants can save money with EquaShip's new shipping service launching in beta on October 18, 2011. It offers rates lower than UPS and FedEx while requiring no fees, contracts, or volume commitments - EquaShip can be used by any shipper, no matter how small, and has a single price tier for all customers.

By aggregating small- and medium-sized shippers, EquaShip says it can offer shipping carriers profitable incremental volume from customers they otherwise would have no way of reaching, with EquaShip handling all frontline customer service, payment processing and "first mile aggregation" of parcels. And by catering only to smaller shippers, it doesn't subsidize volume discounts for large shippers.

EquaShip versus eBay PowerSeller Discounts from UPS and FedEx
EquaShip prices are better than the top tier of UPS's eBay discount program all the way up to 35 pounds, which is about the best pricing UPS offer small to medium-sized shippers, according to EquaShip. FedEx Home Delivery's program for eBay PowerSellers is not as aggressive as UPS Ground's, so EquaShip beats it by an even wider margin.

Pickup and Drop-off, Insurance
Equaship has limited pick-up service and is working to expand its network of drop-off locations. Tracking on domestic packages is always included.

In addition to lower rates, EquaShip says it offers better insurance backed by Lloyd's of London, and reimburses the original shipping charge in full in the event a parcel is lost or damaged in transit. And it promises a streamlined claims process.

EquaShip International Priority Airmail
EquaShip announce this week its flagship international offering called EquaShip International Priority Airmail Service (IPA) that will be available beginning January 2, 2012. The service is designed specifically for letters, flats and packages weighing up to 4 pounds. EquaShip IPA delivers international packages door-to-door in 6 to 10 business days at savings starting at 70% compared to UPS, FedEx and DHL.

IPA has no surcharges for fuel, additional handling, customs clearance excess value, international out-of-delivery-area, oversize, Northern Canada, residential delivery, address correction, currency conversion, delivery reattempt, dimensional weight, Saturday delivery or any other international accessorials.

And Equaship says it will take care of all the customs paperwork for only $1 for merchandise with dutiable value of over $400.

Referral Program
To help spread the word, the company is offering a referral program that gives the referrer 7 cents credit in their account every time a business they referred ships a parcel for the next two years.

During the beta period, customers will be accepted on an individual basis. Visit EquaShip.com or call (888) 501-7595 for the Pricing Handbook and for details on how to sign up for the beta program.