What’s the best way to manage your Shopify store’s inventory without missing out on sales or ending up with too much unsold stock? Shopify has tons of great tools, but the inventory part can get tricky as your business grows. That’s where inventory optimization apps come in. These tools help you manage your stock, avoid costly errors, and keep your operations running smoothly.
In this post, we’re going to cover 11 of the best Shopify inventory optimization apps. Whether you’re a small shop just starting or a multi-channel business managing orders across different platforms, these apps can help you stay organized and save time.
On Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2019, Shopify processed over $2.9 billion in sales, with sales peaking at $1.5 million per minute. (source)
Why Inventory Optimization is Key for Shopify Stores
Managing inventory can make or break your eCommerce business. Poor inventory management leads to stockouts, overstocks, and eventually lost sales or extra costs that eat into your profit margins. For growing Shopify stores, staying on top of inventory manually becomes overwhelming, and that’s where these optimization apps come into play.
Inventory optimization apps help you:
- Avoid stockouts: By tracking real-time inventory levels, these apps ensure you never run out of your best-selling products.
- Reduce overstock: Excess inventory ties up capital. With accurate demand forecasting, you’ll only order what you need.
- Automate repetitive tasks: Updating stock across platforms manually takes time and can result in errors. These apps handle that automatically, so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
- Scale operations smoothly: Whether you’re selling on one Shopify store or managing multiple channels, inventory apps help you track everything in one place.
For eCommerce agencies managing multiple clients or growing brands expanding their product lines, these apps streamline operations. They prevent costly mistakes and give businesses real-time visibility into their stock across multiple sales channels.
Criteria for Choosing Inventory Optimization Apps
With so many options out there, choosing the right inventory optimization app for your Shopify store can be tricky. Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding which app is the best fit for your business:
Ease of Use
- As a busy eCommerce store owner or agency, you don’t want to spend hours learning new tools. The app should have an intuitive interface, simple setup, and minimal technical hassle.
Features
Look for features that solve your specific problems. Some key features to look out for include:
- Real-time syncing: Automatically updates stock across all your channels.
- Multi-channel support: If you sell on more than just Shopify (e.g., Amazon, eBay), this feature is a must.
- Demand forecasting: Predict which products you need to restock based on historical sales data.
- Reporting: Detailed insights into your stock levels, sales trends, and reorder points.
Pricing
- Every eCommerce store has a different budget. Some apps offer free plans, while others come with a monthly fee. Make sure the app you choose fits within your budget but also provides the features you need. Consider starting with a free trial to see if it’s worth the cost.
Integrations
- The app should integrate seamlessly with the tools you already use. This includes other Shopify apps, accounting software, and shipping solutions. A strong integration network ensures everything works smoothly without extra manual work.
By focusing on these criteria, you’ll be able to choose an inventory optimization app that best fits your business needs and goals.
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Top 11 Shopify Inventory Optimization Apps
Here’s a list of the 11 best inventory optimization apps for Shopify, each with its own unique features to help you streamline your stock management. Whether you’re a small store or managing multiple clients through an agency, these apps can make a big difference.
1. Stock Sync
- Overview: Stock Sync allows you to easily sync your Shopify store’s inventory with your suppliers, across multiple platforms, and with other apps.
- Key Features:
- Sync inventory across multiple platforms (e.g., eBay, Amazon).
- Automates stock updates using CSV, XML, or other file formats.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized stores looking for basic inventory syncing.
- Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $5 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, supports multiple file formats.
- Cons: Limited advanced features.
2. Inventory Planner
- Overview: Inventory Planner offers demand forecasting to help you make smarter restocking decisions. It also provides insights into which products are most profitable.
- Key Features:
- Demand forecasting based on sales trends.
- Product performance insights for better decision-making.
- Best For: Stores looking to optimize restocking based on smart forecasting.
- Pricing: Starts at $99 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Great for demand forecasting, detailed reporting.
- Cons: May be expensive for small stores.
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3. ShipHero
- Overview: ShipHero combines inventory management with warehouse management and shipping tools, making it ideal for stores that manage their own fulfillment operations.
- Key Features:
- Warehouse management and automation.
- Order management and shipping integration.
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations.
- Best For: Stores with in-house fulfillment teams.
- Pricing: Starts at $1,850 per month (includes warehouse management).
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Comprehensive warehouse and inventory solution.
- Cons: High price tag, designed for businesses with large warehouses.
4. Katana
- Overview: Katana is designed for businesses that need to manage manufacturing along with inventory. It integrates Shopify inventory with production planning tools.
- Key Features:
- Real-time tracking of raw materials and finished goods.
- Integrates production planning and Shopify inventory.
- Best For: Manufacturing businesses.
- Pricing: Starts at $99 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Great for businesses that manufacture their own products, real-time tracking.
- Cons: Not suited for businesses that don’t need manufacturing management.
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5. Orderhive
- Overview: Orderhive is a multi-channel inventory and order management system with automation features, making it ideal for scaling businesses.
- Key Features:
- Multi-channel support (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc.).
- Automates order and inventory management.
- Best For: Stores scaling their operations with multiple sales channels.
- Pricing: Starts at $49.99 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Affordable for small and growing businesses, multi-channel support.
- Cons: Lacks some advanced features for large enterprises.
6. Veeqo
- Overview: Veeqo acts as a central hub for inventory, orders, and shipping across multiple platforms, making it easier for stores selling on Shopify and other channels.
- Key Features:
- Centralized inventory management across platforms.
- Built-in shipping solutions and tracking.
- Best For: Multi-channel retailers.
- Pricing: Starts at $195 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Central hub for inventory and shipping, multi-channel support.
- Cons: Price may be steep for smaller stores.
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7. Sellbrite
- Overview: Sellbrite helps you list products and sync inventory across Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and more. Ideal for multi-channel sellers.
- Key Features:
- Centralized inventory syncing across multiple sales platforms.
- Bulk listing and product management tools.
- Best For: Stores selling on multiple marketplaces.
- Pricing: Starts at $29 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Easy syncing across multiple channels, affordable pricing.
- Cons: Limited advanced features for larger businesses.
8. Stocky
- Overview: Stocky is Shopify’s in-built inventory management app, designed for small to mid-sized stores to manage stock, restocking, and purchase orders.
- Key Features:
- Generates purchase orders based on sales forecasts.
- Stocktake and stock adjustments.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized stores.
- Pricing: Included with Shopify POS Pro plan ($89/month).
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Built into Shopify, easy to use for small businesses.
- Cons: Limited features compared to external apps.
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9. Cin7
- Overview: Cin7 offers a robust inventory and order management system with deep customization options and advanced reporting.
- Key Features:
- Customizable workflows and inventory reports.
- Integrates with over 550 business tools.
- Best For: Larger eCommerce businesses with complex inventory needs.
- Pricing: Starts at $299 per month.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Highly customizable, extensive integrations.
- Cons: Expensive for smaller stores.
How to Choose the Right App for Your Business
With so many great inventory optimization apps available, picking the right one can be a challenge. The best app for your Shopify store will depend on a few key factors. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Size of Your Business
- Small Businesses: If you’re running a small eCommerce store with fewer products and minimal sales channels, you’ll want a simple, affordable app like Stocky or Stock Sync. These apps are easy to use and won’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features.
- Large Businesses: For stores handling large inventories and multi-channel sales, consider more robust apps like Skubana or Cin7. They provide deeper analytics, automation, and customization to handle more complex operations.
2. Number of SKUs
- Stores with a wide range of products, or those managing variants, should look for apps with strong multi-channel support and real-time syncing, like Sellbrite or Veeqo. These apps help ensure that your stock levels stay consistent across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.
3. Sales Channels
- If you’re selling across multiple platforms, not just Shopify, it’s important to choose an app with strong multi-channel integration. Sellbrite and Orderhive are great for this, as they can easily sync inventory across all your platforms.
4. Budget
- Your budget will also play a key role. Free or low-cost apps like Stock Sync or Sellbrite are great for smaller businesses, while larger operations may need to invest in more advanced options like Skubana or Cin7. Keep in mind, more expensive apps often come with additional features that will save you time and reduce errors, so they could be worth the investment in the long run.
5. Automation Needs
- If you want to automate as much of the inventory process as possible, apps like Inventory Planner and Orderhive offer advanced automation features like demand forecasting and automated purchase orders. This saves time and reduces the risk of human error, making them ideal for stores with more complex operations.
6. Integration with Existing Tools
- Make sure the app you choose integrates well with the tools you already use, like accounting software, shipping solutions, and other eCommerce platforms. Apps like TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce) are perfect for businesses already using QuickBooks, as it provides seamless integration with your financial data.
7. Scalability
- As your store grows, you may need more advanced features to handle a higher volume of sales and larger inventories. Choose an app that can scale with your business. Apps like Skubana and Veeqo offer enterprise-level features that can support your business as it expands.
By evaluating these factors, you can pick an app that not only fits your business now but will also help you grow in the future.
Implementation Tips
Once you’ve chosen the right inventory optimization app for your Shopify store, the next step is setting it up and getting the most out of it. Here are some tips to help you smoothly implement your new app into your workflow:
1. Setting Up the App
- Integration with Shopify: Start by ensuring the app is properly integrated with your Shopify store. Follow the installation instructions carefully, and make sure your products and inventory data sync correctly.
- Connect Other Sales Channels: If you sell on multiple platforms (e.g., Amazon, eBay), take the time to link these channels to the app to ensure your inventory is synced across all of them.
- Import Existing Data: Many apps allow you to import existing inventory data via CSV files or through direct integration. Make sure all your current stock is up-to-date before starting to use the app.
2. Customize Settings to Fit Your Business
- Set Restock Alerts: Most apps allow you to set minimum stock levels for automatic alerts when you need to reorder products. This helps you avoid stockouts without having to manually track everything.
- Enable Automation Features: Use the automation features the app offers, like auto-replenishment, demand forecasting, or syncing across multiple sales channels. These features save time and reduce the risk of human error.
- Reporting and Analytics: Customize the reporting features to focus on the metrics that matter most to you—whether it’s sales velocity, profit margins, or reorder points.
3. Train Your Team
- Onboarding Your Staff: Make sure your team knows how to use the app effectively. Whether it’s your sales, fulfillment, or warehouse team, everyone should understand how to track stock levels, check order statuses, and generate reports.
- Role-Based Access: Some apps allow you to assign different roles to team members, limiting access to certain features. This can help streamline workflows by ensuring team members only see the tools they need.
4. Monitor Performance and Adjust as Needed
- Regular Audits: Once the app is running, it’s important to regularly audit your inventory to make sure the app is functioning as expected. Check for any discrepancies between what the app reports and what’s physically available.
- Tweak Settings as You Grow: As your business grows, your inventory needs may change. Review your app settings every few months to make sure your restock alerts, sales forecasting, and other features are still aligned with your store’s needs.
5. Stay Updated on New Features
- App Updates: Inventory apps are constantly improving, with new features being added regularly. Keep an eye on updates and new tools that may enhance your workflow even further. Sometimes new features can save you time or add useful functionalities that were previously missing.
By following these implementation tips, you’ll get the most out of your inventory optimization app, ensuring your Shopify store runs smoothly and efficiently.
Common Inventory Management Mistakes and How These Apps Can Help
Even with the best intentions, managing inventory can be challenging. Here are some common inventory management mistakes that eCommerce store owners make and how using an optimization app can help you avoid them:
1. Underestimating Demand
- The Problem: Not having enough stock to meet customer demand can lead to stockouts, resulting in lost sales and dissatisfied customers.
- How Apps Help: Apps like Inventory Planner and Skubana use demand forecasting based on your past sales data. This helps you predict when certain products are likely to sell out and ensures you reorder before it’s too late.
2. Overstocking
- The Problem: Ordering too much inventory can tie up your capital in products that take months (or longer) to sell, leading to wasted resources and potential markdowns.
- How Apps Help: Apps like TradeGecko and Orderhive help you maintain optimal stock levels by setting alerts for when you reach a minimum or maximum threshold. These apps also provide reports that show you which products are moving and which are sitting on the shelves.
3. Inaccurate Inventory Counts
- The Problem: Manually updating stock levels can lead to errors, especially when products sell across multiple platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, eBay). These discrepancies can lead to overselling or underselling.
- How Apps Help: Most inventory apps offer real-time syncing across platforms. Sellbrite and Veeqo, for example, automatically update your inventory across all channels as soon as a sale is made, ensuring that stock levels remain accurate.
4. Lack of Automation
- The Problem: Manually updating inventory, generating reports, and reordering products wastes valuable time that could be spent on other parts of your business.
- How Apps Help: Apps like Orderhive and Katana offer automation tools that handle inventory updates, restock orders, and even order processing. These automated workflows save time and reduce the risk of human error.
5. No Multi-Channel Inventory Syncing
- The Problem: Selling on multiple platforms without synced inventory can lead to overselling on one platform while leaving stock sitting on another. It’s a recipe for unhappy customers and unnecessary complexity.
- How Apps Help: Apps like Veeqo and Skubana are designed to help multi-channel sellers by syncing stock in real time across all your platforms. This way, no matter where a sale occurs, your inventory is always up to date.
6. No Reporting or Analytics
- The Problem: Without detailed insights into your inventory performance, it’s hard to make informed decisions about reordering, discontinuing, or promoting certain products.
- How Apps Help: Cin7 and TradeGecko offer advanced reporting features that provide in-depth analysis of your inventory. You can see which products are selling well, which have a high turnover rate, and which items are dead stock, helping you make data-driven decisions.
By avoiding these common inventory mistakes and using the right apps, you can streamline your inventory management process, reduce costs, and ensure you never miss out on a sale.
FAQs
What’s the most affordable inventory optimization app for Shopify?
If you’re looking for an affordable option, Stock Sync is a great choice. It offers a free plan and starts at just $5 per month for paid options. It’s simple and gets the job done for small businesses with basic inventory needs.
How do inventory optimization apps integrate with other Shopify tools?
Most inventory apps integrate seamlessly with Shopify and other tools. For example, apps like TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce) and Cin7 sync inventory data with accounting software like QuickBooks, while others like Sellbrite and Veeqo handle multi-channel syncing across platforms like Amazon and eBay.
Can these apps manage inventory for brick-and-mortar stores as well as online?
Yes, many of these apps support both online and offline inventory management. Veeqo and Cin7 are great examples of tools that allow you to sync inventory across both your physical and online stores, ensuring consistent stock levels across all your sales channels.
How do inventory apps help with multi-channel sales?
Multi-channel sales can get complicated if you don’t have a system to keep track of inventory across platforms. Apps like Sellbrite and Skubana are specifically designed to sync inventory in real time across all your sales channels (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, eBay), so you don’t oversell on one channel while leaving stock sitting idle on another.
How do I know when it’s time to upgrade to a more advanced inventory app?
If you’re running into frequent stockouts, over-ordering, or spending too much time manually updating stock levels, it may be time to upgrade. Growing businesses that are expanding to multiple sales channels or managing larger product catalogs should consider more advanced apps like Skubana or Cin7 for better automation, analytics, and scalability.
Conclusion
Managing inventory efficiently is critical to the success of any eCommerce store, whether you’re just starting or running a large-scale operation. Shopify’s built-in tools are a great starting point, but as your business grows, so does the complexity of managing stock levels across multiple channels.
That’s where inventory optimization apps come in. By automating stock updates, syncing across platforms, and forecasting demand, these apps save you time and reduce costly errors. Whether you need something simple like Stock Sync or a comprehensive solution like Skubana, there’s an app out there for every business size and need.
The key to successful inventory management is choosing the right tool for your store and making sure it fits into your existing workflow. Start with a free trial or demo, and see how these apps can streamline your operations, save money, and boost your store’s profitability.
