Swap vs.  Zonos

Comprehensive platform vs. Checkout-centric tool

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Introduction

When comparing Swap and Zonos, the differences come down to a fully integrated platform versus a checkout-specific solution.  

Zonos focuses on calculating and guaranteeing total landed costs at checkout, simplifying international compliance but stopping short of addressing operational and post-purchase needs. Swap goes further, delivering a consolidated platform that combines cross-border solutions, returns management, shipping, tracking, and package protection, empowering brands to scale globally while reducing complexity and optimising customer experiences.

Checkout Transparency

Swap takes checkout transparency a step further by offering dynamic pricing zones powered by its extensive global carrier network. This allows all cross-border fees—including duties and taxes—to be bundled directly into the final price before checkout, giving customers clarity while improving cart conversion rates. Swap leverages your existing checkout to ensure every transaction is predictable and optimised for your needs, providing unmatched transparency and flexibility.

Zonos, while effective at calculating and guaranteeing total landed costs, focuses solely on duties and taxes at checkout. It doesn’t offer dynamic bundling options or operational flexibility, limiting its impact on conversion rates and broader customer satisfaction. For European customers, who face a €0 threshold for tax and may be unfamiliar with duty payments, consolidating these costs into the product price or shipping line at checkout would significantly enhance the customer experience and boost sales.

Comprehensive Returns Management

Returns can be a costly and complex issue for global brands, but Swap simplifies this process with its unified global returns portal. This platform integrates domestic and international returns into a single solution, eliminating the need for multiple providers. Customers can process returns seamlessly through a user-friendly interface, while brands benefit from discounted return shipping rates and real-time claims tracking.

Zonos offers minimal returns management capabilities, including handling customs invoices and providing options for goods return or abandonment. However, their focus remains on customs and compliance, lacking the comprehensive, user-friendly portal and cost-saving benefits.

Duty Drawback and Tax Reclamation

What is duty drawback? It’s the refund of duties, taxes, and fees collected on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed. With Swap, this complex process is streamlined into an automated solution. Swap actively reclaims duties and taxes for all international returns where applicable, helping merchants recover thousands of dollars annually. Swap also handles global tax filing, managing country-specific VAT and tax requirements to simplify compliance and increase profitability.

Zonos does not support duty drawbacks or tax reclamation, creating a gap in operational efficiency and leaving merchants to absorb these costs.

Integrated Shipping Solutions

With Swap, brands enjoy unparalleled flexibility in shipping. Swap partners with global carriers to secure market-leading rates for outbound and return logistics, saving merchants an average of 20% on costs. Whether you want to use your preferred carrier or access discounted rates, Swap meets you where you are and scales as your business grows.

Zonos offers basic shipping solutions, including label creation and support for major carriers. However, their primary focus remains on checkout compliance and landed cost calculations, lacking a comprehensive logistics network and cost-saving benefits.

Post-Purchase Experience Tools

Swap enhances customer retention and lifetime value (CLV) by streamlining post-purchase experiences through tools like Swap Track and seamless integration with platforms like Gorgias. With real-time updates via SMS and email, branded tracking pages, and proactive communication, Swap keeps customers informed, reducing uncertainty and fostering trust. Branded tracking pages not only align with your brand identity but also drive repeat purchases and engagement, directly improving CLV. By minimising “Where Is My Order?” (WISMO) inquiries, Swap empowers customer service teams to focus on high-priority issues, enhancing efficiency, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.

Zonos has limited tools for post-purchase engagement. Lack of integration platforms means that Zonos users may face higher volumes of routine inquiries, potentially straining customer service resources and impacting customer satisfaction.

Transparent Pricing and No Contracts

Swap’s transparent pricing model begins at just 4% of cart value, often half the cost of alternatives. Unlike Zonos, Swap doesn’t charge implementation fees or lock merchants into rigid contracts. This flexibility allows brands to adopt Swap’s solutions quickly and cost-effectively.

Zonos, by contrast, operates on a fixed fee model and requires cemented contracts, adding complexity and upfront implementation costs for merchants looking to scale globally.

Summary

Swap is the clear choice for brands seeking a comprehensive cross-border solution. With dynamic pricing zones, duty drawback, seamless returns, and integrated logistics, Swap empowers merchants to scale globally without complexity. While Zonos excels in duties and taxes compliance at checkout, its limited scope and lack of post-purchase support make it less effective for long-term operational optimisation.

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Swap vs.  Zonos

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