Upgrading from Shipper 1 to Shipper 3

Please see the article, "Compare Shipper Features" to see a comparison of the features in Shipper 3 versus Shipper 1. This document describes the major differences.

Open Source Website Component

In Shipper 1, the website component was called Shipper Service and cost $99 per website. The source code was not available, so it was difficult to support websites with customized order or shipping logic. In the Shipper 3 solution, the website component is called Shipping Agent and it is free and open source. That means you can easily customize it to suit your needs. Shipping Agents and their source code are available at http://www.codeplex.com/shippingagent.

Built in Report Writer

In Shipper 1, report templates were written in the XSLT language and displayed in a browser window. While powerful in its own right, XSLT can be difficult to learn and there are few tools to make editing report templates easy. In the Shipper 3 solution, report templates are created and edited using a built in, drag-and-drop editor. If you want to display a new field, just drag and drop the field onto the template. If you want to add text or a logo, just click where you want the text or image to appear.

Carrier Support

In Shipper 1, labels were created by carrier software such as UPS WorldShip and FedEx Ship Manager. This required a manual "import" step to process each shipment. Shipper 3 does not use UPS WorldShip or FedEx Ship Manager or Endicia Galaxy Ship. Shipper 3 uses a single product called ShipRush by Z-Firm to create labels for UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Endicia for USPS postage. You no longer need to install and update multiple carrier software products.

Batch Printing

In Shipper 1, batch printing was only support by UPS WorldShip and very few people could use it because of the way shipment information was supplied by Shipper Service. Shipper 3 Platinum Edition supports batch printing for all carriers. And automation tasks can be used to update the package data before the labels are printed.

Packages versus Shipments

Shipper 1 downloaded every unshipped shipment from your store. Shipments were a combination of partial order and package information. Shipper 3 downloads complete order and package information for every order. So you can print complete and accurate order invoices and package packing slips. And since you have access to all your orders, you can use Shipper's built in report writer and data mining tools to create business management reports for your company.

Trial Period

Shipper 1 and Shipper Service both had a 45 day trial period. Shipper 3 has a 30 day trial period and Shipping Agent is free. ShipRush by Z-Firm which is required to create labels, has a 14 day trial period. Most people install Shipper 3 and Shipping Agent first to get a feel for the product and test downloads, reporting, and data analysis. Then they add ShipRush by Z-Firm to test the actual labels.

Licensing

Shipper 1 was a one time purchase. You purchased one Shipper license for each workstation and one Shipper Service license for each web site. Shipper 3 is an annual subscription with 2 editions: Gold and Platinum. Shipper 3 Gold edition is licensed per workstation. Shipper 3 Platinum edition is licensed per location (up to 5 workstations). Shipping Agent is free. See Shipper 3 Licensing for more details.

Upgrading

Shipper 1 and Shipper 3 are installed in separate directories and use separate configuration data, so you will need to re-enter the configuration. But there is a New Website Wizard in Shipper 3 that walks you through the simple configuration steps. Shipper 1 and Shipper 3 can be installed side-by-side if you want to test Shipper 3 while using Shipper 1 in production.

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