Effective inventory management is crucial for e-commerce businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure value for money, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.
Zoho Inventory, founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas in Chennai, India, has been a popular choice for many. It offers features like multi-channel selling, inventory control, and integrations with various platforms. However, it may not meet every business's unique requirements due to specific feature needs, pricing, or integration capabilities.
This article explores 9 top alternatives to Zoho Inventory, highlighting their key features, pricing, suitability for different e-commerce businesses, and how they compare to Zoho Inventory.
What is Zoho Inventory?
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management system designed to help businesses manage orders and inventory across multiple channels efficiently. It offers integrations with popular marketplaces and shopping carts, making it easier to synchronize sales and inventory data.
Key Features of Zoho Inventory:
- Multi-Channel Selling: Integrates with platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Etsy, and more.
- Inventory Control: Tracks stock levels, manages warehouses, and sets reorder points.
- Order Management: Streamlines order fulfillment with automated workflows.
- Integrations: Connects with other Zoho apps and third-party services like QuickBooks, PayPal, and shipping carriers.
- Serial Number and Batch Tracking: Monitors items with unique identifiers for better traceability.
Pricing: Zoho Inventory offers a range of plans:
- Free Plan: Supports 50 orders per month and one warehouse.
- Basic Plan: $59 per month, includes 1,500 orders and two warehouses.
- Standard Plan: $99 per month, includes 10,000 orders and five warehouses.
- Professional Plan: $159 per month, includes 30,000 orders and unlimited warehouses.
All plans come with a 14-day free trial.
Feature Overview of Zoho Inventory Alternatives
Below is a summary of Zoho Inventory and its 9 alternatives, highlighting key features, pricing, and ideal users.
Top 9 Zoho Inventory Alternatives for E-commerce Businesses
These are the top Zoho Inventory altneratives that you should consider as an online shop.
1. TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce)
QuickBooks Commerce, formerly known as TradeGecko, is an inventory and order management platform designed for growing businesses. It offers centralized inventory management, syncing inventory across multiple sales channels in real-time. This feature aligns with Zoho Inventory's multi-channel capabilities but adds seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, providing combined accounting and inventory management—a functionality that Zoho Inventory achieves through third-party integrations.
Key Features:
- Centralized Inventory Management: Real-time syncing across multiple channels.
- Order Management: Streamlined order fulfillment and tracking.
- B2B E-commerce Platform: Private wholesale channel for B2B customers.
- Accounting Integration: Direct integration with QuickBooks Online.
- Mobile App: Manage inventory and orders on the go.
Pricing:
- Essentials: $50 per month.
- Plus: $80 per month.
- Advanced: $150 per month.
A free trial is available, and bundling with QuickBooks Online may offer additional savings.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized businesses already using or planning to use QuickBooks for accounting.
2. Cin7
Cin7, who offer both Cin7 Core for basic needs and Cin7 Omni, for omnichannel management is a cloud-based inventory management system that combines POS, warehouse management, and B2B e-commerce features. While Zoho Inventory offers robust inventory control, Cin7 provides advanced features like built-in POS and extensive integrations (over 550), potentially offering more flexibility for businesses requiring complex operations.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel Integration: Connects with marketplaces, 3PLs, and accounting software.
- Inventory Optimization: Automates stock orders with real-time visibility.
- Warehouse Management: Advanced fulfillment options for multiple warehouses.
- Built-in E-commerce: B2B e-commerce capabilities for wholesale customers.
- Reporting and Analytics: Detailed insights into sales and inventory performance.
Pricing:
- Customized pricing starting at approximately $299 per month.
- Contact Cin7 for a tailored quote.
Ideal For: Medium to large enterprises requiring advanced inventory features and extensive integrations.
3. Veeqo
Veeqo is an all-in-one inventory management and fulfillment platform designed to help e-commerce businesses grow. Like Zoho Inventory, it offers multi-channel integration and inventory synchronization. However, Veeqo places a stronger emphasis on shipping functionalities, including rate shopping and carrier management, which can be advantageous for businesses with high shipping volumes.
Key Features:
- Multi-Channel Integration: Connects with Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and more.
- Inventory Synchronization: Real-time stock updates across channels.
- Order Management: Centralized processing with automation features.
- Shipping Integration: Connects with shipping carriers for label printing and tracking.
- Reporting Tools: Analytics on sales performance and inventory metrics.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Up to 500 monthly shipments.
- Accelerate Plan: Custom pricing starting at around $156 per month.
- Premium Plan: Advanced features at custom pricing.
All plans include unlimited users and sales channels.
Ideal For: E-commerce businesses looking for an integrated inventory and shipping solution.
4. Ordoro
Ordoro is a comprehensive solution for inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping. While Zoho Inventory focuses on inventory control and order management, Ordoro adds significant value for money with its strong shipping capabilities and discounted carrier rates, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to optimize shipping costs.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Synchronizes inventory across sales channels.
- Order Management: Centralizes orders with automation rules.
- Shipping Discounts: Offers discounted rates with major carriers.
- Kitting and Bundling: Efficiently manages product bundles and kits.
- Dropshipping Support: Automates dropshipping workflows.
Pricing:
- Express: $59 per month (shipping-focused features).
- Pro: $499 per month (includes inventory management).
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
A 15-day free trial is available.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one solution with strong shipping capabilities.
5. Extensiv
Extensiv is an operations platform that unifies e-commerce tools, automating order fulfillment and inventory management. Compared to Zoho Inventory, Extensiv offers advanced automation and analytics, which can be particularly useful for businesses seeking deeper insights into profitability and more complex operational automation.
Key Features:
- Unified Dashboard: Manages orders, inventory, and fulfillment.
- Automation: Automates tasks and order routing.
- Multi-Channel Support: Integrates with marketplaces and shopping carts.
- Advanced Analytics: Insights into profitability and sales trends.
- Vendor Management: Streamlines purchase orders and supplier relationships.
Pricing:
- Customized pricing starting at around $499 per month.
- Contact Extensiv for a personalized quote.
Ideal For: Medium to large e-commerce businesses seeking advanced automation and analytics.
6. Brightpearl
Brightpearl is a retail operations platform that automates and integrates orders, inventory, financials, and customer data. While Zoho Inventory provides integrations with accounting software, Brightpearl includes built-in accounting features, offering a more holistic solution for businesses needing integrated financial management.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel Retailing: Manages sales across online and offline channels.
- Inventory Management: Real-time stock updates and forecasting.
- Order Management: Automates processing and fulfillment.
- Integrated Accounting: Built-in financial management tools.
- Reporting and Insights: Detailed analytics on performance.
Pricing:
- Customized pricing starting at around $500 per month.
- Contact Brightpearl for a detailed quote.
Ideal For: Established retailers and wholesalers needing an integrated operations platform.
7. DEAR Systems
DEAR Systems is an inventory management and ERP software providing end-to-end solutions. While Zoho Inventory focuses on inventory and order management, DEAR Systems extends functionality with manufacturing modules and comprehensive ERP capabilities, suitable for businesses requiring more complex operational management.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking and multi-warehouse support.
- Order Management: Manages sales orders and invoicing.
- Manufacturing Module: Supports light manufacturing processes.
- Accounting Integration: Integrates with Xero and QuickBooks Online.
- E-commerce Integrations: Connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and more.
Pricing:
- Standard: $325 per month (includes core features).
- Retail: $445 per month (adds POS functionality).
- Manufacturing: $445 per month (includes manufacturing features).
A 14-day free trial is available.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized businesses needing comprehensive inventory and ERP capabilities.
8. Odoo Inventory
Odoo Inventory is part of the Odoo suite of business applications, offering an open-source platform with customizable modules. Unlike Zoho Inventory's predefined structure, Odoo provides flexibility through its modular approach, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
Key Features:
- Modular System: Choose from various apps like Inventory, Sales, Purchase, and more.
- Double Entry Inventory: Accurate tracking without stock input, output, or transformation loss.
- Barcode Support: Streamlines operations with barcode scanning.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Odoo apps for CRM, accounting, etc.
- Reporting: Provides detailed reports and dashboards.
Pricing:
- Free: For a single app (e.g., Inventory).
- Standard Plan: $20 per user per month (includes multiple apps).
Ideal For: Businesses seeking a customizable and integrated open-source solution.
9. Fishbowl Inventory
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management solution that offers manufacturing and warehouse management features. While Zoho Inventory caters to small to medium-sized businesses, Fishbowl is suitable for companies needing advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Manufacturing Management: Supports work orders, bill of materials, and production stages.
- Inventory Control: Real-time tracking with multi-location support.
- Order Management: Manages sales and purchase orders efficiently.
- Accounting Integration: Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero.
- Mobile Access: Use mobile devices for inventory tasks.
Pricing:
- One-time license fee starting at $4,395 (includes first year of support).
- Annual renewal fees apply for ongoing support and updates.
Ideal For: Manufacturers and warehouses requiring advanced inventory and production management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Zoho Inventory and its alternatives:
Why consider alternatives to Zoho Inventory?
While Zoho Inventory offers robust features for many businesses, alternatives may provide better alignment with specific needs such as advanced manufacturing capabilities, built-in accounting, stronger shipping integrations, or more affordable pricing structures that offer better value for money.
How do I choose the right inventory management software?
Consider factors like the size of your business, specific feature requirements, scalability, integrations with existing systems, user interface preferences, and budget. Assessing your current challenges and future growth plans can help in making an informed decision.
Can these alternatives integrate with my current e-commerce platforms?
Most of these solutions offer integrations with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, and more. It's important to verify each provider's integration capabilities to ensure compatibility with your sales channels.
Do these alternatives support multi-channel selling?
Yes, many of these platforms are designed to manage inventory and orders across multiple sales channels, similar to Zoho Inventory, helping to streamline operations and prevent stock discrepancies.
Are there free trials available?
Several providers offer free trials, allowing you to test the software before committing. For example, DEAR Systems offers a 14-day trial, and Orderhive provides a 15-day trial.
Is customer support available to assist with setup and issues?
Most providers offer customer support through channels like email, phone, and live chat to assist with onboarding and troubleshooting. Some may offer dedicated account managers or additional support services.
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