Hardware Needs
Getting started with Shipster Pro requires some hardware and software capabilities. We are always working to expand the versatility of our system. Please check this guide for device compatibility.
Total hardware cost: $2400-3500 per station*
*Price will vary based on what hardware you already have (printer, scale, etc). Check the list below for full details.
Need information about software / application needs? See our Software guide
Desktop PC
You will need a fairly “bare bones” desktop PC running Windows 11. You will have multiple USB devices connected to the PC so just make sure you have enough ports or have an extension dock.
Approx. Price: $399
We like these little Lenovo PCs. Dependable and a good number of USB ports
Camera
The camera is the heart of the Shipster Pro system. Getting good, high quality photos of your shipments is critical to showing your customer what they are getting and documenting what you have shipped out.
Price: $237.99
- We use this generic document camera from Amazon, VZ-R
Scale
The Shipster Pro system takes the actual weight from your scale, as the photo is being taken, and calculates your shipping cost.
Price: $945
- We use the Mettler Toledo BC60
Let us know if you need a higher capacity scale or have any questions.
Printer
To maximize efficiency we use a thermal label printer that automatically removes the backer. If you are automatically including a return label or are printing other documents on the thermal printer you may want to use a different (and less expensive model). Any printer that can print 4×6″ shipping labels should work.
Price: $2105
- Zebra ZT411 (any Zebra printer with a 4×6” label capacity should work — we just like the auto rewind/auto-peel-off feature of the ZT411)
- Zebra ZD621D – or other 4″ wide thermal printers (MSRP: $700)
Scanner
Shipster Pro uses the ShipStation packing slip as the master reference for each order. Print the packing slip with the default [barcode] variable and then scan that to verify your orders and scan again to ship.
Price: $34.99
- TEEMI Handsfree 2D QR Desktop Barcode Scanner – we prefer these ‘always on’ models so that we simply scan and go.
- NetumScan Auto Omni – another great scanner choice
The Button
It all comes together with the press of a single button. Our custom button triggers the collection of the scale weight, the purchasing of the shipping label, printing the shipping label, taking the photo of your scale/order, and sending the confirmation email to your customer.
Provided by us for our Beta users