Is Pirate Ship Legit? Discounted Shipping Service Review
Updated: January 2026
Pirate Ship is 100% legit - it's a free USPS/UPS shipping platform giving you the same commercial discounts as eBay, but without selling fees.
Been around for years, shipped millions of packages. No monthly fees, no catch. Often cheaper than eBay because they offer USPS Cubic pricing. Bonus: pay with rewards credit card for extra 2% savings (can't do this with eBay). Perfect for small sellers shipping outside marketplaces.
Key Findings
What It Is
Free shipping platform (no monthly subscription)
Main Risk
None - it's legitimately free and works as advertised
Best Action
Use for all non-eBay/marketplace shipping
The Pattern
- →Free shipping platform (no monthly subscription)
- →Same USPS discounts as eBay/Amazon
- →USPS Cubic pricing available (often cheaper)
- →UPS discounts also available
- →Imports eBay orders automatically
- →Print labels from home
- →Pay with credit card (earn rewards)
- →1000s of successful shipments from users
Red Flags
- Warning: None - it's legitimately free and works as advertised
- Warning: Don't confuse with illegal 'fake label' sites
- Warning: Name sounds sketchy but service is legit
- Warning: No hidden fees or subscription tricks
What To Do
- 1Use for all non-eBay/marketplace shipping
- 2Link rewards credit card for 2% back on shipping
- 3Pay off card monthly to avoid interest
- 4Check USPS Cubic rates for small heavy items
- 5Import eBay orders to use Pirate Ship instead of eBay labels
- 6Compare rates - sometimes cheaper than eBay, sometimes same
- 7Use for private sales, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace
- 8Print labels at home, schedule USPS pickup
What NOT To Do
- ✕Don't confuse with illegal fake label sites
- ✕Don't expect it to always be cheaper than eBay (often same)
- ✕Don't carry credit card balance just for 2% rewards
- ✕Don't use if you're happy with eBay labels (convenience)
- ✕Don't expect customer service like major platforms
- ✕Don't ignore cubic rates for small dense packages
Copy-Paste Script
Label [tracking number]. Purchased [date]. Issue: [package lost/not scanned/damaged]. Request: Investigation and reprint/refund. Label cost: $[X]. Paid via [card].
FAQ
Is Pirate Ship legit or a scam?
100% legit. Pirate Ship is a free USPS/UPS shipping platform used by thousands of small businesses and flippers. They partner directly with USPS to provide commercial pricing. No scam, no catch, no monthly fees. The name sounds sketchy but the service is professional.
Why is Pirate Ship free?
They make tiny margins on shipping label purchases (fractions of a cent per label). Volume business model - they need no monthly fees to attract users, then profit from millions of labels. No subscription means more users. It's sustainable and they've been profitable for years.
Is Pirate Ship cheaper than eBay shipping?
Usually the same, sometimes cheaper. Pirate Ship offers USPS Cubic pricing which eBay doesn't always provide. For small, heavy items cubic is significantly cheaper. For most packages, rates match eBay exactly. The real benefit: pay with rewards credit card for extra 2% off.
What's the credit card rewards trick?
eBay shipping charges come from your seller balance (no rewards). Pirate Ship charges your credit card directly. Use a 2% cash back card, pay off monthly, earn 2% on all shipping costs. Free money if you're disciplined. Example: $10,000/year shipping = $200 back.
Should I use Pirate Ship or eBay labels?
Use Pirate Ship if: (1) You want credit card rewards, (2) Shipping outside eBay, (3) Small heavy items needing cubic rates. Use eBay if: (1) You value convenience, (2) Don't care about 2% rewards, (3) Don't want to manage separate platform. Both are equally legit and safe.
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