Setup and Get Started With QuickBooks Online Shipping Manager

QuickBooks Online Shipping Manager is powered by and integrated with ShipEngine, so you need to set up and get started with ShipEngine to use all shipping services in QBO.

ShipEngine provides the backend technology for features like discounted USPS rates, address validation, label printing, and tracking directly within QBO. You activate it in QBO, and it uses ShipEngine’s engine to manage shipping tasks, letting you handle accounting and shipping in one place. Learn more about the Shipping Manager/ShipEngine in QBO with this detailed guide.

About Shipping Manager (ShipEngine) in QuickBooks Online

ShipEngine or Shipping Manager for QuickBooks Online lets you buy, create, and print shipping labels for your customers’ orders. Manage your shipment and keep track of it within QuickBooks.

Unlike before, QuickBooks ShipEngine isn’t supported in all QuickBooks Online products, which are: 

• QuickBooks Online Simple Start 
• QuickBooks Online Essentials 
• QuickBooks Solopreneur 

If you use any of these subscriptions, we recommend that you do one of the following:  

• Buy the inventory add-on.
• Upgrade to QuickBooks online Plus or Advanced.

However, if you use QuickBooks Solopreneur, the inventory add-on won’t be available for purchase. Just upgrade it to QuickBooks Online Simple Start or QuickBooks Online Essentials to use the integrated feature.

If you’re a QuickBooks Online Simple Start or QuickBooks Online Essentials user and you created a ShipEngine account and previously bought labels, you’ll still be able to see and print earlier labels. Still, you cannot buy any new ones now thereafter.

Read More – QuickBooks Shipping Manager Not Working

How to Setup and Manage Shipping Manager (ShipEngine) in QuickBooks Online 

This section explains how to set up QuickBooks Online Shipping Manager using ShipEngine, create and manage shipping labels, track shipments, void labels, and disconnect ShipEngine when needed.

Set up ShipEngine

• Sign in to QuickBooks Online and navigate to All apps. 
• Choose Inventory, then Shipping labels. 
• Select Buy shipping label, and click on Connect.
• Enter all required details, then choose Get shipping rates.
• Now, choose your preferred mail service from the Pick a shipping service section.
• Click on Review and buy > Buy and print.
• Review the recommended printer settings and choose Buy and print.

Note: When you create a label for the first time, you can add carriers and enter your payment details with our partner, ShipEngine.

• Select Set up when the Set up payment info for shipping menu appears on your screen.
• Mark the checkbox labeled “I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy,” then click Continue.

a. Setup a carrier with ShipEngine

• Select Connect ShipEngine Accounts on the ShipEngine dashboard.
• Mark the checkbox to confirm I have read and agree to the following terms and conditions, then select Continue.
• Choose the payment method you will use, then click Connect accounts.
• Enter the amount and click Add funds.

Note: You can add more funds later if required.

• Choose Finish buying shipping label to move to QuickBooks, or click on Add more carriers to go to the ShipEngine dashboard.

b. Use your own carrier

• Select Connect my accounts on the ShipEngine dashboard.
• Now, find your card and then click Connect.
  Note: Now, you’re all set to create shipping labels from QuickBooks.

Create shipping labels

• Navigate to + New, then choose Shipping label.
• Choose an invoice from the Linked transaction dropdown.
• Review the From and To information and click Edit.

Tip: From is your company’s info, and To is your customer’s info.

• Enter the required package details 
  • Enter the package’s height, length, and width in inches.
  • Enter the package weight in pounds and ounces.
• Click on Get shipping rates.
• Choose a carrier.
• Select Review and buy.
• Review all the information and click Buy and print.

Note: The shipping label will open automatically in a new tab as a PDF. Both the label and packing slip are linked to the original invoice in the Shipping Manager. If you wish to print them later, look for the invoice and open it. Choose Print packing slipor Track shipment, and then click Print.

Learn More – QuickBooks Shipping Manager

View and manage your purchased labels

a. View your shipping labels

• Navigate to Sales and choose Invoices. 
• Look for the invoice you just created the label for and select it. 
• Select Track shipment on the invoice. 

Note: If you haven’t already, you can choose Print Label or select Void label if you no longer need it. If the label is void or its void period has expired, you won’t be able to see the Void label option. 

b. Print your shipping labels

• Navigate to Sales and choose Invoices.
• Look for the invoices you created the label for and select it.
• Choose Track shipment on the invoice.
• Now, click on Print label.

Note:

• Shipping labels appear in a separate browser tab as a PDF. You may adjust the PDF’s size in your browser or in your printer options. The procedure can differ based on which browser you’re using.
• Most thermal printers produce labels at 4″ x 6″, whereas standard desktop printers create labels at 8.5″ x 11″.

c. Void your shipping labels

• Navigate to Sales and choose Invoices. 
• Look for the invoices you created the label for and select it.
• Select Track Shipment on the invoice. 
• Click the Void label.

Note: You can only void a label if it comes within the following timelines:

• USPS: 28 days
• UPS: 30 days
• FedEx: 12 hours before the ship-by date
• Other carriers: QuickBooks submits a request to void with the carrier. You can also ask your carrier service directly to confirm whether you qualify for any refund.

Additional info for voided labels

• If you attempt to use a voided label before the carrier issues reimbursement, you might forfeit a refund.
• After a voided label refund is completed, you’ll receive an email from ShipEngine with information. The refund returns to your original card.

Note: If it’s been over four weeks and you still haven’t received your refund, follow the steps below:

• Contact ShipEngine support. Select Manage payment method to locate the ShipEngine dashboard and click Chat.
• Email ShipEngine support.
• Keep the following information handy: 
  • Payment
  • Email ID
  • Contact reason
  • Best callback number

Also Read – QuickBooks Desktop Shipping Manager

Common shipping label status and terms

• Label created: The system automatically generates the shipping label; you can print it from Track Shipment. 
• Label voided: The system will void your label. If that happens, you will get a refund to the original payment method within 2-3 weeks.
• Picked up by carrier: It means your carrier has picked up the shipment, and it is in transit to the carrier hub. 
• In transit: The carrier is transporting the shipment and will reach your customer. 
• Delivered: The carrier has delivered successfully to your customer.
• Delivered to service point: The carrier delivers the shipment at a collection point. 
• Exception: Your shipment had an issue during transit. 
• Delivery attempted: The carrier failed to deliver your shipment. The carrier will make further attempts. You might need to update your customers about this as well. 
• Unknown: The system doesn’t have any updates on your shipment. 
• Error: The shipment encountered a transit issue.

Note: To get more information on the package status, contact ShipEngine or the carrier’s support.

Disconnect ShipEngine

• In your file, select the payment method, as the Shipping Manager will refund the used wallet funds to that method only.
• If you have unused labels, void those that you no longer need, as you won’t be able to use them once you disconnect. 
• Navigate to Commerce and choose Shipping.
• Choose Disconnect from ShipEngine from the Add funds dropdown. 
• Click Disconnect.

Note:

• Refund processing may take up to four weeks. For assistance, contact ShipEngine support. Keep your payment email, contact reason, and preferred callback number ready and nearby.
• If you disconnect, none of your information will be lost. You’re still able to view and print any labels you previously purchased.
• To reconnect in the future, you must create a new ShipEngine account or choose Connect again to proceed.

Conclusion 

QuickBooks Online Shipping Manager simplifies shipping by allowing you to create, print, track, and manage shipping labels directly within QuickBooks. With ShipEngine integration, businesses can compare rates, streamline fulfillment, and reduce manual work.

This guide walks you through setup, label creation, management, and troubleshooting—making shipping faster and more efficient inside QuickBooks Online.

For additional help, contact QuickBooks professionals at QuickBookSupportNet to speak with an expert.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the role of a Shipping Manager?

A Shipping Manager is an in-built feature in QuickBooks that allows businesses to ship their products, create, print, and manage shipping labels. Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online support this feature, which offers free services to all users. You only need to pay the shipping charges. 

Does QuickBooks Online have a Shipping Manager?

Yes, QuickBooks Online (QBO) has a built-in Shipping Manager, which works with integrations like ShipEngine. This allows you to manage shipments, compare rates, print labels (UPS, FedEx, USPS), and track them directly within QBO. Orders are automatically linked to shipments for a smoother workflow.

Why is Shipping Manager not opening in QuickBooks Desktop?

QuickBooks Desktop’s Shipping Manager may not open due to an outdated version (requiring an upgrade to the New Shipping Manager), user permission issues (requiring admin rights), firewall/antivirus conflicts, a corrupted Shipping Manager folder/database, or general QB program glitches that require a reboot or repair.