An explanation of the designations "RTSQ App Integration" and "RTSQ App Option" seen on the product tiles.
The Real Time Shipping Quotes (RTSQ) app for Shopify is a single app, within which many shipping provider integrations can be enabled. Some shipping provider integrations are available from Eniture Technology only in the RTSQ app. Some shipping providers available in the RTSQ also have their own dedicated Shopify app.
A list of the shipping providers supported in the RTSQ app can be found on the Providers tab of the RTSQ product information page. Also, the product tiles on the Products > Shopify page reflect each shipping provider's availability with respect to the RTSQ app. It can be seen in the bottom left-hand corner of the product tile.
RTSQ App Integration
Product tiles marked as "RTSQ App Integration" indicate that the integration for the shipping provider is only available in the Real Time Shipping Quotes app.
RTSQ App Option
Product tiles marked as "RTSQ App Option" indicate that the integration for the shipping provider is available in the Real Time Shipping Quotes app and has an app in the Shopify App Store that is specific to it.
No RTSQ Designation
If the product tile doesn't have an RTSQ designation, then it isn't available in the RTSQ app, but it has an app in the Shopify App Store that is specific to it.
Choosing Between RTSQ and Provider-Specific Apps
If the shipping provider you're interested in is only available in the RTSQ app, then you have one choice. But, if the shipping provider is available in the RTSQ app and has a provider-specific app, how do you choose?
The RTSQ app is newer compared to its provider-specific counterparts. The RTSQ user interface reflects Shopify's latest guidelines. There are also some technical API advantages to the RTSQ app that won't be noticeable to the merchant/user.
Where the RTSQ loses ground against the provider-specific apps is its list of features. The provider-specific apps have been in production for more years and are more mature. You may find that there are features in the product-specific app that are important to you, but aren't in the RTSQ app. This is constantly changing. Look over the Quote Settings section in the User Guides for both apps. Most of the differences can be observed there. The next place to focus your attention is in the Product Settings section of the Users Guide.
Ninety-five percent of merchants will find the features in the RTSQ app suitable for their needs.
If you're inclined to favor the product-specific app(s), don't be concerned about the efficiency of the data. The product-specific apps share the same back-end database. For example, if you enter a warehouse, drop ship location, or product data in one product-specific app, that data will be available and usable in every other product-specific app.
Cost Comparison: RTSQ vs. Provider-Specific Apps
The most common plan for provider-specific apps is the Standard Plan, which costs $25/month. If you use both an LTL Freight Quotes app and a Small Package Quotes app on this plan, your total monthly cost would be $50.
The RTSQ app on the Standard Plan costs a bit more—$55/month—but it includes support for three shipping providers. With provider-specific apps, adding a third provider would cost an extra $25/month, bringing the total to $75/month.
So, while RTSQ is slightly more expensive at first, it can become the more cost-effective option if you plan to use three or more shipping providers.
Ultimately, choosing between RTSQ and provider-specific apps depends on your business needs. The cost difference is small, so other factors—like convenience and how many providers you use—might be more important.
Compatibility: RTSQ vs. Product-Specific Apps
If you’re currently using provider-specific apps and want to switch to RTSQ, the RTSQ app includes a "Sync" feature that can import your existing settings. However, this works only one way—from the provider-specific apps to RTSQ—not the other way around.
Important: You must choose one system or the other. You cannot use a mix of RTSQ and provider-specific apps.
For example, don’t install the UPS Small Package provider-specific app while also using an LTL provider in RTSQ. They won’t work together.
Choose either:
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RTSQ for all your shipping providers, or
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Provider-specific apps for all your shipping providers.
Mixing the two will cause problems.