Streamline Inventory Across Shopify & Etsy: Top 4 App Recommendations

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Inventory Management
3. Challenges of Managing Inventory on Multiple Platforms
4. Affordable Inventory Management Software Solutions
   1. Sinker
   2. Trunk
   3. Crafty Base
   4. Cell Bright
5. Other Expensive Inventory Management Software Options
   1. E-comm - Vico
   2. Ve Que O Finale Inventory Tradegecko
   3. Multiorders
   4. OrDoro
6. Finding the Right Inventory Management Solution for Your Business
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Running a handmade business that sells products online can be a rewarding venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most crucial aspects of managing such a business is inventory management. Ensuring that your inventory is properly tracked, synced, and updated across multiple platforms is essential to avoid overselling and fulfill customer orders efficiently. In this article, we will explore the top inventory management software solutions available for handmade businesses and discuss their features, pros, and cons. Whether you're just starting or looking for an upgrade, finding the right inventory management solution can greatly streamline your operations and contribute to your business's success.

The Importance of Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is vital for any business, but it holds even greater significance for handmade businesses that sell on multiple platforms. Overselling can lead to disappointed customers, shipping delays, and negative reviews. Managing inventory manually using spreadsheets or separate systems can quickly become inefficient and prone to human errors, especially as sales increase. Implementing robust inventory management software eliminates these risks and provides a centralized solution to keep track of your stock levels accurately.

Challenges of Managing Inventory on Multiple Platforms

Selling on multiple platforms, such as Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, and craft shows, offers great opportunities for reaching a wider audience and increasing sales. However, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to inventory management. Ensuring that your inventory levels are in sync across all platforms can be time-consuming and complicated, especially when each platform has its inventory management system. Additionally, if your products are time-consuming to make or are one-of-a-kind, managing inventory can be even more challenging. Therefore, finding a solution that can effectively handle inventory management across multiple platforms is crucial for smooth operations.

Affordable Inventory Management Software Solutions

Managing your inventory manually or through spreadsheets can become overwhelming and impractical as your business grows. Investing in a reliable inventory management software solution can save you time, prevent overselling, and provide accurate data to make informed business decisions. Here are four affordable inventory management software options tailored for handmade businesses:

1. Sinker

Pros:

• Affordable starting at $9 per month.
• Integrates seamlessly with Etsy and Shopify.
• Automatically syncs stock level changes between the two platforms.
• Uses SKU matching to link identical listings across different shops.
• User-friendly interface and intuitive features.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to other software options.
• Does not support bundling and kitting of goods.

2. Trunk

Pros:

• Syncs inventory between Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and more.
• Offers bundling and kitting features for managing complex inventory items.
• User-friendly interface and straightforward setup process.
• Affordable pricing starting at $29 per month.
• Allows for synchronization with multiple sales channels.

Cons:

• Does not offer as many features as more advanced software options.
• May not be suitable for businesses selling solely on Etsy and Shopify.

3. Crafty Base

Pros:

• Integrates with Etsy and Shopify, specifically designed for handmade sellers.
• Manages both completed inventory items and raw materials.
• Allows tracking of individual components for products with multiple pieces.
• Offers accounting features, including calculating the cost of goods sold.
• Provides a comprehensive solution for inventory management and bookkeeping.

Cons:

• Might have more features than necessary for simpler inventory management needs.
• Pricing starts at $9 per month, which may be higher compared to basic software options.

4. Cell Bright

Pros:

• Integrates with Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Woocommerce, and more.
• Includes built-in shipping features, allowing for seamless order fulfillment.
• Offers a free plan that supports up to 30 orders per month.
• Affordable pricing starting at $19 per month for higher order volumes.
• Provides a consolidated solution for inventory management and shipping.

Cons:

• Does not offer bundling and kitting features, which might be essential for some businesses.
• May lack advanced features compared to more specialized software options.

These affordable inventory management software solutions provide handmade businesses with the essential tools to efficiently manage their inventory across multiple sales channels. Each option has its unique features, pricing, and limitations, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your business requirements.

Other Expensive Inventory Management Software Options

While the previously mentioned software options offer affordable solutions for inventory management, some businesses might require more robust features and scalability. Here are a few other inventory management software solutions that come highly recommended but are relatively more expensive:

1. E-comm - Vico

Pros:

• Offers advanced inventory management features for businesses with complex needs.
• Integrates with multiple platforms, including Etsy, Shopify, and more.
• Provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools.
• Streamlines inventory sourcing, order management, and fulfillment.

Cons:

• Relatively expensive pricing compared to basic software options.
• May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

2. Ve Que O Finale Inventory Tradegecko

Pros:

• Powerful inventory management solution for businesses with large inventories.
• Integrates with various sales channels and platforms.
• Provides advanced features such as demand forecasting and order optimization.
• Offers in-depth reporting and analytics capabilities.

Cons:

• High pricing that might not be suitable for smaller businesses or startups.
• Complex setup and learning curve for beginners.

3. Multiorders

Pros:

• Comprehensive inventory management and order fulfillment software.
• Integrates with popular sales channels like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, and more.
• Provides advanced shipping features, including label printing and automation.
• Supports bundling and kitting of goods for streamlined inventory management.

Cons:

• Relatively higher pricing, especially for businesses with multiple warehouses.
• Complex features may be unnecessary for smaller businesses.

4. OrDoro

Pros:

• All-in-one inventory management and shipping solution.
• Offers bundling and kitting features for complex inventory items.
• Streamlines order fulfillment with automated tracking and label printing.
• Integrates with multiple platforms and sales channels.

Cons:

• Expensive pricing, especially for businesses with high order volumes.
• Might offer more features and complexity than needed for smaller businesses.

These more expensive software options provide advanced features and scalability for growing businesses with complex inventory management needs. However, they come at a higher price point, which may not be feasible for smaller businesses or those operating on tighter budgets.

Finding the Right Inventory Management Solution for Your Business

Choosing the most suitable inventory management solution for your handmade business depends on various factors, including your sales channels, complexity of your inventory, budget, and growth plans. Consider the following aspects when evaluating different software options:

• Integration: Ensure that the software integrates seamlessly with your existing sales platforms, such as Etsy and Shopify.
• Inventory Syncing: Look for software that offers automatic syncing of inventory across platforms to avoid overselling.
• Features: Assess the features provided by each software, such as bundling, kitting, shipping, and accounting capabilities, to determine if they align with your business needs.
• Pricing: Consider the cost of the software and how it fits within your budget, keeping in mind that more advanced features often come at a higher price.
• Scalability: If you anticipate significant growth in your business, choose a software solution that can accommodate your future needs without major disruptions or costly migrations.

By carefully considering these factors and testing out different software options, you can find the right inventory management solution that optimizes your operations and supports your business's growth.

Conclusion

Effectively managing inventory is crucial for the success of any handmade business selling products online. With the right inventory management software, you can streamline your operations, prevent overselling, and fulfill customer orders promptly. We have explored a range of affordable software solutions, such as Sinker, Trunk, Crafty Base, and Cell Bright, that provide essential inventory management features for handmade businesses of all sizes. Additionally, we have mentioned other expensive software options like E-comm - Vico, Ve Que O Finale Inventory Tradegecko, Multiorders, and OrDoro that cater to businesses with more complex inventory management needs. By selecting the most suitable inventory management solution for your business, you can ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth for your handmade business.