Important Notice: Sendle has ceased operations since 11 Jan 2026. Merchants are advised to move to stable shipping carriers such as Australia Post.
Solutions like PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label App and the PluginHive Australia Post Ship can help automate shipping, replace Sendle, and reduce future delivery risks.
Choosing the right shipping carrier is a crucial decision for any Shopify store, especially if you’re managing orders in Australia or planning to offer international shipping. The right partner can make a huge difference to your shipping costs, delivery speed, and overall customer satisfaction
Two of the most popular options for shipping in Australia are Australia Post and Sendle. But they cater to different business needs and budgets. In this guide, you’ll see how they compare on pricing, delivery speed, tracking quality, volume discounts, hidden fees, sustainability efforts, and overall pros and cons so you can pick the right carrier for your store’s size, order volume, and customer expectations.
In This Article
- Pricing Comparison
- Delivery Speed & Reliability
- Sustainability
- Pros and Cons Summary
- Which Is Better for Your Shopify Store?
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to shipping in Australia, cost is one of the biggest factors for Shopify sellers.
Domestic Shipping Rates & International Shipping Rates:
- Australia Post offers competitive rates for Parcel Post and Express Post, with clear pricing based on weight and zones.
- Sendle is often cheaper for small parcels, especially in metro areas, with no hidden surcharges.
- Australia Post provides International Standard and International Express options with reliable delivery times, but sometimes at higher rates.
- Sendle keeps pricing simple for international parcels under 20kg and can be more affordable for lightweight items.
- Using the PH Multicarrier Shipping Label app, you can compare Australia Post and Sendle rates for the same address and pick the best option automatically.
Volume Discounts: eParcel vs Sendle Pro
- High-volume stores can benefit from Australia Post eParcel discounts or sign up for Sendle Pro for bigger savings.
- With Sendle Pro, you get access to Sendle’s pre-negotiated discounted rates, no separate contract needed. In contrast, Australia Post eParcel allows high-volume stores to negotiate custom rates, potentially giving you deeper discounts based on your unique shipping profile.
Hidden Costs:
- Watch for extra fees like rural delivery surcharges, signature on delivery, or branded packaging costs. Sendle promotes flat-rate pricing with no surprises.
- Australia Post can have extra handling fees in remote areas, but the area coverage for Australia Post is much wider compared to Sendle.
Delivery Speed & Reliability
Fast, reliable delivery keeps customers happy and builds trust in your store. Here’s how Australia Post and Sendle compare on speed, tracking, and service quality:
1. Domestic Delivery Speed
- Australia Post: Offers Parcel Post for standard delivery and Express Post for next-day service in most metro areas.
- Sendle: Good domestic shipping times; can be slightly slower for rural addresses.
2. International Delivery Speed
- Australia Post International Express: Fast, tracked international shipping with signature on delivery and other additional services available.
- Sendle: Budget-friendly for lightweight international parcels, but slower than Australia Post’s express services.
3. Order Tracking Quality
- Australia Post: Tracking for MyPost Business, eParcel services
- Sendle: Simple, door-to-door tracking with automatic updates.
- Both Australia Post and Sendle can be seamlessly tracked when integrated with the PH Multicarrier Shipping Label app.
- As soon as the order is fulfilled in the PH Multicarrier shipping label app, it also gets updated in the tracking tab of the app, which also contains the status of tracking along with a tracking number.
Reliability & Customer Feedback
- Australia Post: Known for consistent delivery and a wide-reaching network with great customer support.
- Sendle: Praised for carbon-neutral shipping and convenience, though minor delays can happen in remote areas, which sometimes cause concern.
Sustainability
More shoppers are choosing brands that care about the environment.
Here’s how Australia Post and Sendle support sustainable shipping for your Shopify store:
Australia Post’s Sustainability Efforts:
- Committed to reducing carbon emissions across its network.
- Uses electric vehicles and energy-efficient delivery facilities.
- Offers recycling programs and sustainable packaging options.
Sendle’s 100% Carbon-Neutral Shipping:
- Australia’s first fully carbon-neutral shipping service.
- Offsets carbon emissions for every parcel at no extra cost.
- Popular among eco-conscious Shopify brands looking to boost their green brand image.
Why It is Important:
Sustainable shipping helps your business stand out. Many customers prefer to buy from brands with clear eco-friendly practices. Choosing a greener carrier can strengthen trust and customer loyalty.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Australia Post | Sendle | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Wide national network and reliable domestic shipping. | Simple, flat-rate pricing with no hidden surcharges. |
| Fast delivery options like Express Post and International Express. | Cheaper for metro and lightweight parcels. | |
| Detailed tracking with MyPost Business and eParcel. | Free pickups and easy integration. | |
| Sustainability efforts and eco-friendly packaging. | 100% carbon-neutral shipping. | |
| Cons | Ideal for large businesses shipping a mix of local and remote orders with varied parcel sizes. | Ideal for small to medium businesses shipping mostly within metro areas. |
| Higher cost for small/light parcels. | Slower delivery in some remote areas. | |
| Possible rural surcharges. | Parcel size and weight limits exist. | |
| Pricing can be complex for new businesses. | Limited express and quick delivery options. |
Which Is Better for Your Shopify Store?
The right carrier for your Shopify store depends on your business size, shipping volume, delivery zones, and sustainability priorities.
Choose Australia Post if:
- Your store ships high volumes, including rural and international destinations.
- You need fast and reliable delivery through Express Post and International Express.
- You value tracking and business tools like MyPost Business or eParcel, which offer high customization.
- You want access to volume-based pricing as you scale.
Choose Sendle if:
- You operate a small to medium-sized business focused on metro or domestic shipping.
- You prefer flat-rate pricing with no rural surcharges to keep the price consistent.
- Free parcel pickups are important for your business.
- Sustainability is central to your brand image, and you want 100% carbon-neutral shipping.
Many merchants benefit by trialing both services to see which aligns best with their customer expectations and shipping profile. The most cost-effective and customer-friendly option will often vary based on specific order sizes, destinations, and delivery timelines.
Conclusion
Both Australia Post and Sendle can work well for Shopify stores, depending on your order volume, delivery areas, and budget. Australia Post gives you broad coverage and fast express options, while Sendle keeps things simple and eco-friendly with flat rates and free pickups.
The best way to decide? Try both and compare real results for your store. To facilitate this, try using the PH Multicarrier Shipping Label app to make your shipping seamless.
FAQs
- Which is cheaper for domestic shipping: Australia Post or Sendle?
Sendle is often cheaper for small parcels, especially within metro areas, thanks to its flat-rate pricing with no rural surcharges. Australia Post offers competitive rates, too, but is lucrative for high-volume orders.
- Is Sendle shipping good for small businesses?
Yes. Sendle shipping is popular with small and medium businesses that want simple flat-rate pricing, free pickups, and 100% carbon-neutral delivery. It’s especially cost-effective for metro orders and lightweight parcels.
- Can I manage Sendle shipping and Australia Post together on Shopify?
To handle Sendle shipping and Australia Post side by side, use the PH Multicarrier Shipping Label app. It shows live rates for both carriers at checkout, and lets you choose the best option for each order.
- How can I compare Sendle pricing with Australia Post rates on Shopify?
Sendle pricing is usually lower for small metro parcels, but rates can vary by weight and destination. To get the best deal every time, use the PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label app to compare live Sendle pricing and Australia Post rates for each order and pick the cheapest or fastest option automatically.
