For many eCommerce store owners, the answer lies in using Shopify stock alert apps. These tools are crucial for ensuring you never miss a sale due to low or out-of-stock products. They help automate your inventory management, sending timely notifications when stock levels hit a critical point.
But with so many apps available, how do you choose the right one for your store? This article will break down the top 8 Shopify stock alert apps you should consider for 2024. Whether you’re a small D2C brand or a large Shopify agency managing multiple stores, we’ve got options tailored to your needs. We’ll explore their key features, pricing, and what makes each app stand out, so you can make an informed decision and keep your business running smoothly.
Shopify merchants saw an 82% increase in online store visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 2.6 million new stores created. (source)
Why Shopify Stock Alerts Are Essential
Importance of Inventory Management for eCommerce Stores
Inventory management is the backbone of any successful eCommerce operation. For Shopify store owners, staying on top of inventory is crucial to prevent stockouts, overselling, and disappointing customers. When customers land on a product page only to find it’s out of stock, it not only results in a missed sale but can also damage your brand’s reputation. A well-organized inventory system ensures that your store operates smoothly and keeps customers happy.
How Stock Alerts Can Save Time, Money, and Customer Satisfaction
Stock alert apps automate the tedious task of monitoring your inventory levels. Instead of manually checking stock for each product, these apps notify you when an item is running low or is out of stock. This allows you to restock items before they become unavailable, ensuring that you don’t miss out on sales opportunities. Additionally, stock alerts help in optimizing your cash flow by preventing overstocking, which can tie up your funds in unsold inventory. By keeping your inventory in check, these apps contribute to better customer satisfaction, as products are more likely to be available when your customers want them.
Top 8 Shopify Stock Alerts Apps
1. Stock Sync
- Overview: Stock Sync is a versatile app that not only helps with stock alerts but also syncs your inventory across various platforms. It supports multiple formats, suppliers, and platforms, making it an all-in-one solution for inventory management.
- Key Features:
- Syncs with over 80 different suppliers and platforms.
- Real-time stock alerts via email and push notifications.
- Automated inventory updates from CSV, FTP, Google Sheets, and more.
- Customizable rules for syncing inventory based on specific criteria.
- Bulk product updates for price, stock, SKU, and other attributes.
- Multi-location sync capabilities.
- Pros:
- Highly customizable to fit various business needs.
- Supports multi-channel inventory management.
- Great customer support with a comprehensive knowledge base.
- Handles large inventories efficiently.
- Cons:
- Can be complex to set up, especially for beginners.
- Some features may require a learning curve.
- Pricing:
- Free plan available with limited features.
- Paid plans start at $5 per month and scale based on the number of SKUs and syncs needed.
- Best for: Businesses that manage inventory across multiple suppliers and platforms, including large stores with complex inventory needs.
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Stock Sync saved us countless hours by automating our inventory updates. It’s super flexible and integrates well with our existing systems.”
- Negative: “It’s powerful but took us some time to fully understand all the features. The setup wasn’t as intuitive as I hoped.”
2. Low Stock Alert
- Overview: Low Stock Alert is a straightforward, user-friendly app focused on providing simple yet effective low stock notifications.
- Key Features:
- Instant email notifications when stock levels fall below a set threshold.
- Daily or weekly summary reports on low stock items.
- Ability to set different alert thresholds for individual products.
- Easy setup with no coding required.
- Supports multiple languages.
- Pros:
- Extremely easy to use with a simple interface.
- Quick setup with minimal configuration.
- Affordable with a free plan for smaller stores.
- Reliable notifications with no delays.
- Cons:
- Limited to basic alert functions; lacks advanced features.
- No integrations with other apps or platforms.
- Pricing:
- Free plan available for up to 5 products.
- Paid plans start at $3.99 per month.
- Best for: Small businesses or those needing a basic, no-fuss alert system.
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Does exactly what it promises. We’ve never missed a restock since using this app.”
- Negative: “It’s very basic, which is fine, but if you need more advanced features, this isn’t the app for you.”
3. Stocky by Shopify
- Overview: Stocky, now part of Shopify, is an advanced inventory management tool offering stock alerts, demand forecasting, and in-depth reporting.
- Key Features:
- Real-time stock level monitoring and alerts.
- Demand forecasting based on historical sales data.
- Integration with Shopify POS for seamless inventory management across online and offline stores.
- Purchase order creation and management.
- Supplier management tools.
- Analytics on stock movements, dead stock, and inventory value.
- Pros:
- Deep integration with Shopify, especially beneficial for POS users.
- Powerful forecasting tools help optimize stock levels.
- Excellent for businesses with both online and physical stores.
- Provides detailed reports and analytics.
- Cons:
- Pricing is high, particularly for smaller businesses.
- Only available with Shopify POS Pro, limiting accessibility.
- Pricing:
- Included with Shopify POS Pro plan ($89/month).
- Best for: Medium to large businesses, particularly those using Shopify POS, needing advanced inventory management and forecasting.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Stocky is a game-changer for our multi-location business. The forecasting and reporting features have really streamlined our operations.”
- Negative: “It’s excellent but pricey. If you don’t need POS features, you might find it overkill.”
4. Back In Stock
- Overview: Back In Stock focuses on customer engagement by notifying customers when their desired products are restocked. It helps convert lost sales opportunities into actual sales.
- Key Features:
- Customer notifications via email, SMS, and push notifications.
- Automated restock alerts sent as soon as products are available.
- Customizable email templates to match your brand.
- Integration with popular email marketing tools like Mailchimp and Klaviyo.
- Analytics on product demand and customer interest.
- Pros:
- Boosts sales by notifying interested customers.
- Enhances customer experience with timely alerts.
- Simple to integrate and use with existing marketing tools.
- Increases conversion rates on previously out-of-stock products.
- Cons:
- No internal stock management features; purely customer-focused.
- Pricing can be steep for smaller stores.
- Pricing:
- Starts at $19 per month, with pricing based on the number of subscribers.
- Best for: Stores that want to improve customer retention and recover potentially lost sales.
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Back In Stock has helped us recover so many lost sales. Customers love being notified when their favorite items are back.”
- Negative: “It’s great for customer notifications, but I wish it offered more in terms of stock management.”
5. Inventory Planner
- Overview: Inventory Planner is a robust tool offering demand forecasting and stock alerts, designed to help businesses make smarter purchasing decisions and optimize inventory levels.
- Key Features:
- Sales forecasting and purchasing recommendations based on historical data.
- Customizable stock alerts for low, out of stock, and overstock items.
- Integration with multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
- Automatic purchase order creation based on stock levels and forecasts.
- Advanced analytics on sales performance, inventory turnover, and stockouts.
- Pros:
- Excellent forecasting tools that help prevent overstock and stockouts.
- Supports multi-channel inventory management.
- Great for planning seasonal inventory needs.
- Helps reduce carrying costs by optimizing stock levels.
- Cons:
- Higher price point, not ideal for very small businesses.
- Complex features may require some time to fully understand.
- Pricing:
- Starts at $99 per month, with pricing based on the number of SKUs and sales channels.
- Best for: Medium to large businesses that need advanced inventory planning and demand forecasting.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Inventory Planner has significantly improved our inventory management. The forecasting is spot on, and we’ve reduced our overstock by 30%.”
- Negative: “The features are powerful but can be overwhelming at first. Took us a while to get the hang of it.”
6. Merchbees Low Stock
- Overview: Merchbees Low Stock Alert is designed for ease of use, providing simple yet effective stock alerts. It’s particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses.
- Key Features:
- Instant low stock alerts via email and in-app notifications.
- Customizable alert thresholds for different products.
- Daily, weekly, or monthly stock summary reports.
- Integration with Slack for real-time team notifications.
- Multi-location support.
- Pros:
- Quick and easy to set up with an intuitive interface.
- Affordable pricing options.
- Great customer support with responsive service.
- Supports multiple languages.
- Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to other apps.
- Basic reporting features.
- Pricing:
- Free plan available for up to 30 products.
- Paid plans start at $4.99 per month.
- Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses needing straightforward stock alerts with minimal fuss.
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Merchbees is exactly what we needed—simple, effective, and affordable. We get our alerts on time, every time.”
- Negative: “It works well, but if you need in-depth reporting or complex integrations, you might find it lacking.”
7. Orderhive
- Overview: Orderhive is a comprehensive inventory management solution that includes stock alerts among many other features. It’s designed for businesses with complex inventory needs across multiple channels.
- Key Features:
- Multi-channel inventory management with real-time stock sync.
- Stock alerts via email and in-app notifications.
- Integration with shipping carriers, accounting software, and CRM systems.
- Automated order management and fulfillment.
- Advanced analytics on sales, stock levels, and order fulfillment.
- Pros:
- Full-featured inventory management system that goes beyond just stock alerts.
- Great for businesses with complex needs and multiple sales channels.
- Highly customizable with robust automation options.
- Excellent customer support with onboarding assistance.
- Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for small businesses or those with simpler needs.
- Higher pricing, more suited to larger operations.
- Pricing:
- Starts at $49.99 per month, with pricing based on the number of orders processed.
- Best for: Larger businesses needing an all-in-one solution for inventory, order management, and fulfillment.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- User Reviews:
- Positive: “Orderhive has transformed how we manage our inventory across multiple channels. It’s a powerful tool with excellent support.”
- Negative: “It’s a bit too much for a small operation like ours. We didn’t need all the features, so it felt overpriced for what we actually used.”
Key Features to Look for in a Stock Alert App
Real-Time Notifications
The primary feature you need in a stock alert app is real-time notifications. These alerts should be instant, ensuring that you can take immediate action to replenish your stock. Look for apps that offer push notifications, email alerts, and even SMS notifications so that you’re informed no matter where you are.
Customizable Alerts
Not all products need the same level of attention. Some items may sell out faster, requiring more frequent checks. Customizable alerts allow you to set different thresholds for different products. For example, you might want to be alerted when a high-selling product has only 10 units left, while a slower-moving item might trigger an alert at 2 units.
Integration Capabilities
Your stock alert app should seamlessly integrate with your existing Shopify setup. This includes syncing with your inventory management system, order management tools, and even your accounting software. Some apps also integrate with multiple sales channels, so you can keep track of stock across various platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy.
Pricing and Scalability
Cost is always a factor, especially for small businesses. While some apps come with a one-time fee, others operate on a subscription model. Make sure to choose an app that fits within your budget but also consider future scalability. As your business grows, your inventory needs will expand, and you’ll want an app that can grow with you without breaking the bank.
How to Choose the Right Stock Alert App for Your Shopify Store
Consider Your Store Size and Inventory Needs
Smaller stores with a limited number of products may only need basic alert functions, whereas larger stores with thousands of SKUs might require a more robust solution with advanced features like demand forecasting and multi-channel integration.
Match Features with Business Needs
Identify which features are non-negotiable for your business. For example, if you run a D2C brand, you might prioritize customer-facing notifications like “Back in Stock” alerts, while a larger operation might need advanced analytics and cross-platform syncing.
Budget Considerations
Your budget will heavily influence your choice. While free or low-cost apps may suffice for small businesses, larger operations might find more value in investing in comprehensive tools that offer better scalability and more advanced features.
Case Studies or Testimonials from Other Users
Look for apps with positive reviews and testimonials from businesses similar to yours. Many apps also provide case studies that showcase how they’ve helped businesses improve their inventory management. These can give you a better sense of the app’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Setting Up a Stock Alert App: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Install the App from Shopify’s App Store
- Head to the Shopify App Store, search for the app you’ve chosen, and click “Add app.” Follow the prompts to integrate it with your Shopify store.
Step 2: Configure Your Alerts
- Once installed, go to the app’s settings. Set your alert thresholds based on product type and sales velocity. Customize how and when you want to receive notifications (e.g., via email, SMS, or push notifications).
Step 3: Sync Your Inventory
- If your app integrates with other platforms or suppliers, make sure everything is synced. This will allow the app to monitor stock levels across all channels and provide accurate alerts.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
- Before going live, run a test to ensure that alerts are being sent correctly. Adjust any settings as needed based on your test results.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
- As your business grows or your inventory needs change, revisit the app settings to adjust thresholds or add new products to your alert list.
Maximizing the Benefits of Stock Alerts
Best Practices for Inventory Management
Stock alerts are just one piece of the inventory management puzzle. Use them in conjunction with regular inventory audits to keep your stock levels optimized. Regularly review which products are triggering alerts most often and adjust your purchasing strategy accordingly.
How to Use Stock Alerts Data to Improve Forecasting
The data you collect from stock alerts can provide valuable insights into your inventory trends. Use this data to refine your demand forecasting, ensuring that you order the right amount of stock at the right time. This will help you reduce both stockouts and overstock situations.
Integrating Stock Alerts with Other Shopify Apps for Seamless Operations
Many stock alert apps integrate with other Shopify apps like order management tools, accounting software, and even marketing automation platforms. By connecting these tools, you can create a seamless operational flow that keeps your business running efficiently.
FAQs
What are the costs associated with stock alert apps on Shopify?
Costs vary widely, from free plans for basic apps to $1,000/month for enterprise solutions. Choose based on your budget and feature needs.
Do these apps offer any additional features beyond stock alerts?
Yes, some apps also provide features like demand forecasting, customer notifications, and comprehensive inventory management tools.
Can these apps integrate with other eCommerce platforms?
Yes, many of the apps on this list offer multi-channel integration, allowing you to manage stock across platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
How accurate are the stock alerts?
Accuracy depends on the app’s ability to sync in real-time with your inventory. Most top-tier apps offer high accuracy by updating frequently.
Conclusion
Stock alert apps are an essential tool for any Shopify store looking to optimize its inventory management. By automating stock alerts, you can prevent stockouts, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure that your business operates smoothly. Whether you’re a small D2C brand or a large eCommerce operation, there’s an app on this list that can meet your needs. Take the time to assess your requirements and choose the app that best aligns with your business goals.
