Does your business use FedEx to ship ecommerce orders? Probably. But is it using FedEx in the most cost-effective way possible? Not if you don't know the difference between a FedEx business account vs personal account.
Understanding the nuances between these account types can unlock significant savings and operational efficiencies for your business. Let's dive into everything there is to know about differences, benefits, and service options before making the switch.
What Is a FedEx Business Account?
FedEx Business Accounts are designed for companies and organizations that move high volumes of shipments regularly. These accounts offer a range of benefits not available to personal accounts, including discounted shipping rates, detailed billing options, and enhanced tracking capabilities.
Businesses gain access to shipment and pickup management tools as well as the opportunity to leverage special offers from FedEx partners. Every feature is thoughtfully designed to make meeting the high-frequency shipping demands of a business easier and more cost-effective.
What Is a FedEx Personal Account?
While FedEx Business Accounts cater to companies, FedEx Personal Accounts are tailored for individual users. Personal accounts provide access to standard shipping services, user-friendly online tools, and convenient payment options for hassle-free transactions.
The primary difference between personal and business accounts lies in the features designed for scale. Business accounts are optimized for bulk shipments, detailed order management, and corporate operations, while personal accounts focus on simple, everyday shipping needs.
What You Get with Both Types of FedEx Accounts
FedEx is a top player in shipping for good reason – and that’s because customers get value irrespective of their status as a FedEx business account vs. personal account holder. We’ve summarized the main benefits of working with the carrier below.
Access to a Wide Range of Services
When it comes to FedEx shipping options, both individuals and businesses have a lot of services to choose from. These core offerings are the same for every account type.
All of the core FedEx shipping services – Ground, Home Delivery, Same Day, Express Saver, 2Day, and Overnight – are offered to both FedEx business accounts and personal accounts. There are more shipping perks, however, that come with having a business account, which we discuss in more detail later on.
Money-Back Guarantee
FedEx promises all its customers fast and reliable service – within a set of terms and conditions, of course. A money-back guarantee applies to select shipments paid for by account holders in the United States throughout the year. Businesses and individuals alike can trust their packages will arrive within a pre-arranged timeframe because FedEx has something to lose otherwise. This includes during the holiday season, albeit with slightly longer guaranteed delivery windows.
The Benefits of a FedEx Business Account vs Personal Account
You stand to reap significant advantages by choosing a FedEx Business Account vs personal service. Let's take a look at a few of the perks that come with signing up:
Discounted Shipping Services
FedEx provides business account holders with discounts on FedEx Express® U.S., domestic, international, and return shipping. Cost savings may vary depending on the services and shipping volume at hand but generally range between 15% and 45%.
Larger businesses that ship more frequently tend to unlock higher savings tiers, while small-to-medium enterprises still benefit from notable discounts even at lower volumes.
It's worth noting that a FedEx business account isn't the only way to pay less for shipping. Ecommerce businesses can unlock even greater discounts from this major carrier and others by partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) company.
As large-scale entities, 3PLs already process high volumes of shipments, allowing them to negotiate better rates with carriers like FedEx. You benefit from rates that only the biggest FedEx business account holders can access, plus expertise in warehousing, inventory management, and fulfillment services.
Enrollment In FedEx Rewards
New sign-ups are automatically enrolled in FedEx Rewards – a program for those who ship and print frequently. Points from every purchase earn incentives like name-brand gift cards, additional discounts, and the ability to request a refund or credit on eligible late shipments.
Savings On (and Sometimes Free) Shipping Supplies
FedEx Office locations across North America sell a range of packaging materials to both consumers and businesses. Account holders of the latter type pay lower rates for things like shipping boxes, bubble wrap, and tape and can even get supplies for free when using FedEx expedited, FedEx Express Saver®, and select FedEx Standard International services. FedEx also occasionally sends its business clients limited-time offers on printing and office supplies.
Special Offers from Other Service Providers
FedEx has arrangements with a long list of companies and service providers. For example, American Express clients get rebates and statement credits when they pay with some business cards. USAA Insurance Agency and 3dcart have special sign-up offers for businesses in the FedEx Rewards portal. Signing up for a business account with one of these partners also comes with benefits; Hertz Business Rewards members are entitled to savings of up to 16% on select FedEx® services.
Multi-User Sign-In
FedEx business profiles are designed to cater to entire organizations rather than individuals, so they can be used by multiple people at the same time. All account administrators need to do is send out invitations through the online portal. New users are asked to set up personal credentials connected to their name and email, which can then be monitored and managed by the business owner.
Special Solutions and Support from an Account Representative
Sales representatives help businesses make the most of their relationship with FedEx by connecting them with relevant services. Business solutions exist for both general and special needs.
For example, the FedEx Packaging Lab can test everything from thermal resilience to tensile strength. Account holders get basic analysis services for free and have the option to pay for additional consulting, input from engineers, and site evaluations.
Business-Oriented Billing and Reporting
Higher stakes and more frequent shipments call for more than basic payment portals and tracking numbers. FedEx realizes this, which is why it offers advanced billing, tracking, and reporting features.
Businesses can generate one-time or even recurring reports that provide insights into shipping patterns and costs, allowing for better decision-making and budget management. Expanded billing options ensure that invoices go through without causing unnecessary delays to shipment progress.
Do You Need a FedEx Business Account?
You don’t need a FedEx business account – or any type of account – to ship with FedEx. But as we’ve established, there are certainly benefits to signing up for one. That’s especially true for ecommerce businesses that rely on this and other major carriers for essential services like last-mile delivery. Savings in total landed costs and rewards points add up quickly with time and scale.
The decision between a FedEx business account vs. personal account is easy. There are no sign-up fees for either type, and both organizations and sole proprietors can hold a FedEx business account. In almost all cases, you benefit from more features and cost savings with a business account.
Why Choose Between a FedEx Business Account vs. Personal Account When You Can Use Shipfusion?
Now that you know the differences between a FedEx business account vs. personal account, why those differences matter, and what to consider before making the jump, you’re several steps closer to a less stressful shipping experience.
But why stop there when Shipfusion can make everything stress-free?
Our third-party logistics services are designed for ecommerce businesses looking to take their growth to the next level. Take advantage of turnkey solutions for everything from inventory management to return processing with ongoing support from our on-site Account Managers who can have eyes on your inventory in minutes. Shipfusion can even unlock exclusive shipping rates for your business through its close relationship with FedEx.
Get started today by contacting us for a quote.
