23 Best Inventory Software For Small Business in 2026
The Top Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Let’s look at the faves first, then move to the details. Here are the best IMS picks for small businesses with their ideal use cases.
Inventory management software should do more than just replace your Excel sheet. It should give you control, speed, and the kind of accuracy that keeps your margins healthy.
If you’re tired of low stock surprises or chasing down missing inventory, you’re not alone. I’ve spent over a decade in logistics—warehouse manager, international shipping manager, inventory controller—for wholesale and retail brands.
I know which features matter when you’re under pressure, and which ones just look good in a demo.
This guide is straight to the point. I’ll walk you through the inventory systems that actually work: real-time tracking, clean integrations, honest pricing, and tools that don’t fall apart when things get busy.
Whether you run a storefront, an online shop, or both, you’ll find what you need to keep your inventory in check and your business moving forward.
Table of Contents
- Best Software Shortlist
- Why Trust Us
- Compare Specs
- The Best Small Business Inventory Management Software, Reviewed
- Other Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
- Selection Criteria
- What Is Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses?
- How to Choose
- Trends
- Features
- Benefits
- Costs & Pricing
- FAQs
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Comparing the Best Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses, Side-by-Side
Here’s a side-by-side look at the top inventory management software for small businesses. This table cuts through the noise so you can compare pricing and what each inventory management system does best—without wading through sales pitches.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for tracking component usage | Free demo + 30-day free trial available | From $49/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for multichannel stock visibility | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for accounting features | Free 30-day trial | From $25/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for multichannel sales | Free 14-day trial + free plan + free demo available | From $29 per organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for inventory planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for small retail businesses | Free 14-day trial | From $129/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for centralized orders and inventory across channels | Free plan available | From $0/mo | Website | |
| 8 | Best for retail POS integration | 14-day free trial available | From $69/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for asset tracking | 14-day free trial | From $1,500/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for detailed inventory reporting | 15-day free trial | From $135/month | Website | |
| 11 | Best for accurate demand forecasting | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 12 | Best for precise demand planning | 14-day free trial | From $376/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 13 | Best for visual inventory management | Free 14-day trial + free plan available | From $24/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 14 | Best for manufacturing teams | Free 14-day trial + free plan + free demo available | From $359/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 15 | Best for real-time inventory tracking | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $349/month | Website | |
| 16 | Best for multi-location inventory tracking | 30-day free trial | From $64.95/month | Website | |
| 17 | Best for bar inventory management | Free plan available | From $79/location/month | Website | |
| 18 | Best for handmade product sellers | 14-day free trial | From $24/month | Website | |
| 19 | Best for QuickBooks integration | Free demo available | From $199/2-users/month | Website | |
| 20 | Best for small business accounting | 30-day free trial + free demo available | From $38/month | Website |
The Best Inventory Management Software for Small Business, Reviewed
Below, I break down what actually matters for each inventory management software on this list. You’ll see where each option stands out, where it falls short, and what kind of business and workflows it’s built for. No marketing fluff—just practical insights from someone who’s done the job.
MRPeasy helps small manufacturers and distributors keep a tight grip on stock while jobs are flying through the shop.
It’s best for teams that need inventory, production, and purchasing tied together so you’re not guessing what’s available when you schedule the next run.
Why I Picked MRPeasy
I picked MRPeasy for small manufacturers that want your inventory plan to actually match what’s happening on the floor.
You get real-time visibility into on-hand, booked, and incoming stock by location, so your team can schedule production based on what’s truly available instead of gut feel.
I also like its lot and serial tracking, which links every batch back to purchase orders and work orders, giving you cleaner audits and faster recalls when something goes wrong.
For growing shops, barcode-based stock movements and mobile access mean operators can update inventory as they work, so you’re not trying to fix yesterday’s mess at the end of every shift.
MRPeasy Key Features
Here are a few inventory-focused capabilities your team will actually use day to day.
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Calculates what materials you need and when, based on confirmed and forecasted production, so you can avoid last-minute supplier scrambles.
- Reorder Point Automation: Triggers purchase suggestions when items hit minimum levels, helping you prevent stockouts without parking too much cash in raw materials.
- Integrated Purchase Management: Converts material requirements into purchase orders and tracks supplier lead times, giving you more realistic promise dates for customers.
- Sales and Inventory Connection: Reserves stock against customer orders and updates availability automatically, so your sales team isn’t selling inventory that production already claimed.
MRPeasy Integrations
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online, Xero, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce, ShipStation, and Microsoft Power BI.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Native accounting and ecommerce integrations reduce manual rekeying between systems.
- Lot and serial tracking help with traceability and regulated product compliance.
- Real-time stock visibility across locations supports confident scheduling and quoting.
Cons:
- Deeper workflow customization often requires workarounds or technical implementation help.
- Feature depth can be overkill for very simple inventory-only use cases.
New Product Updates from MRPeasy
MRPeasy Adds Unattended Operations for Passive Processing
MRPeasy adds support for unattended operations, allowing passive processing for steps like drying, cooling, or quarantine that don’t require active supervision. This helps manufacturers reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency. For more information, visit MRPeasy's official site.
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Fulfil is built for small ecommerce and wholesale teams that are done babysitting spreadsheets and juggling separate inventory and accounting tools.
It’s a good fit if you’re running multi-channel sales and need to see exactly what you have, where it is, and what margin you’re actually making.
Why I Picked Fulfil
I picked Fulfil because it ties real-time inventory directly to your financials, so every shipment updates COGS and margin by SKU without month-end detective work.
You get multi-warehouse and 3PL visibility in one place, so your team can see stock across locations instead of guessing which warehouse can ship.
The system also handles channel-specific inventory rules, helping you prevent overselling while still pushing available stock to the right marketplaces.
I also like that its automation can route orders based on inventory, cost, and customer location, which means fewer manual decisions and faster fulfillment for busy teams.
Fulfil Key Features
Beyond the inventory-and-accounting connection, Fulfil adds a few operational upgrades that matter once your volume grows.
- Safety Stock And Allocation Rules: Configure per-channel safety stock and cutbacks so you can protect availability for priority channels without touching spreadsheets.
- Landed Cost And Margin Analytics: Capture duties, freight, and fees on each purchase, then see true SKU-level profitability across channels.
- Mobile Warehouse Management: Use handheld workflows for picking, packing, cycle counts, and putaway so warehouse staff update inventory in real time.
- Manufacturing And Kitting Support: Build BOMs and kits so finished goods and components move in lockstep when you assemble or bundle products.
Fulfil Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, eBay, TikTok Shop, Faire, Wayfair, FedEx, and UPS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automation handles order routing and fulfillment rules for complex operations.
- Strong fit for Shopify Plus brands scaling across warehouses and 3PLs.
- Real-time COGS and margin tracking linked directly to inventory movements.
Cons:
- Pricing and implementation are better suited to growing, not micro, merchants.
- Configuration requires clear internal processes; ad-hoc, chaotic teams may struggle.
Xero suits small retailers that want basic stock control tied directly to their accounting, without adding another separate inventory platform.
It’s best if you’re running a simple catalog and care more about accurate margins and clean books than barcodes and complex warehouse logic.
Why I Picked Xero
I picked Xero because it lets you manage inventory and accounting in one place, so your team sees stock, sales, and cash flow from the same dashboard.
You can track up to 4,000 finished items, using real-time on-hand quantities and item reports to see what’s selling and when you actually need to reorder.
Your purchase orders can be raised inside Xero and turned into bills and COGS entries, which helps you protect margins without exporting everything to spreadsheets.
For small, single-location or straightforward multichannel retailers, I like that you can start with native stock tracking and only bolt on extra inventory apps when your volume and complexity justify it.
Xero Key Features
Beyond the accounting focus, Xero has a handful of inventory tools that matter for everyday retail operations.
- Tracked Inventory Items: Enable tracked items so every purchase and sale automatically updates quantities and costs.
- Inventory Performance Reports: Run item and margin reports to identify bestsellers, slow movers, and products hurting cash flow.
- Item Libraries And Price Lists: Store SKUs, descriptions, and default buy/sell prices to speed up quoting, invoicing, and purchasing.
- Inventory Plus Multichannel Sync: Use Inventory Plus to sync Shopify and Amazon FBA stock and orders into a single Xero-connected view.
Xero Integrations
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, WooCommerce, Square, Vend (Lightspeed Retail), HubSpot, Mailchimp, Gusto, and Expensify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Purchase orders convert to bills, tightening COGS and margin visibility.
- Tracked item catalog handles up to 4,000 SKUs for growing shops.
- Integrated accounting and inventory keeps stock, sales, and cash flow aligned.
Cons:
- Advanced retail inventory needs third-party apps like Unleashed or Cin7.
- No native serial, batch, or multi-warehouse tracking for complex ops.
New Product Updates from Xero
Xero Unveils New Analytics Features
Xero introduces new analytics dashboards and reporting features. These updates help small businesses better understand performance, trends, and financial health at a glance. For more information, visit Xero's official site.
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Zoho Inventory helps small ecommerce and retail businesses keep multichannel stock under control, so you’re not guessing what’s available on Shopify, Amazon, or your own store.
It’s best if you’re selling physical products across several channels and want real-time stock updates tied directly to orders and shipping.
Why I Picked Zoho Inventory
I picked Zoho Inventory because it gives you a single view of orders and stock across Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, and offline channels, so you can avoid overselling while orders sync into one dashboard.
You also get real-time stock adjustments whenever an order comes in, because Zoho updates inventory across connected channels automatically instead of relying on manual exports.
For fast-growing shops, I like that you can add warehouses and map orders to specific locations, which helps you keep online availability accurate while you move inventory between sites.
Zoho’s shipping tools are useful too—you can compare carrier rates, generate labels, and push shipment details back to your sales channels, so customers see tracking updates without your team rekeying data.
Zoho Inventory Key Features
Beyond multichannel syncing, Zoho Inventory includes a few inventory controls that matter when you’re scaling a small product business.
- Batch And Expiry Tracking: Track lot numbers and expiry dates so you can sell the right batches first and reduce write-offs.
- Composite Items And Kitting: Build product bundles and assemblies from existing SKUs while automatically adjusting component stock as orders ship.
- Multi-Warehouse Management: Monitor inventory across multiple locations, transfer stock between sites, and allocate orders from the most appropriate warehouse.
- Serial Number Tracking: Track individual high-value items by serial number for better warranty handling and audit trails.
Zoho Inventory Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Stripe, PayPal, and UPS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Batch, serial, and multi-warehouse tracking support more complex operations.
- Real-time stock updates across connected channels reduce overselling risk.
- Strong multichannel sync for Shopify, marketplaces, and offline orders together.
Cons:
- Free and lower-tier plans cap orders and advanced tracking features.
- Initial setup and channel configuration can take time and technical patience.
Brightpearl is built for growing retailers that are drowning in multichannel stock chaos and messy back-office workflows.
It’s best for small to midsize merchants with serious order volume who need accurate inventory planning, not another spreadsheet ritual.
Why I Picked Brightpearl
I picked Brightpearl because its Inventory Planner helps you predict demand using real sales data across channels, then turns that into concrete purchase recommendations so you don’t guess at reorder quantities.
You also get an automation engine that actually matters for inventory planning—your team can set rules to allocate stock, route orders, and trigger purchasing based on thresholds, instead of babysitting every channel.
Brightpearl ties inventory and accounting together, so you can see true margins by SKU and channel while you’re making buying decisions, not weeks later.
If you’re managing multiple warehouses or stores, the real-time stock view across locations gives you the confidence to promise availability without quietly praying you didn’t oversell.
Brightpearl Key Features
Here are a few inventory-focused capabilities that help retail teams plan stock with fewer surprises.
- Multi-Warehouse Inventory Mapping: Assign specific warehouses to each channel so availability reflects real stock, not a single blended pool.
- Backorder and Preorder Handling: Support preorders and backorders with rules that reserve future stock and keep commitments realistic.
- Landed Cost Tracking: Capture freight, duties, and fees against SKUs so planning and pricing reflect true product costs.
- Inventory Analytics Dashboards: Monitor sell-through, aging inventory, and replenishment needs from a central view instead of stitching together reports.
Brightpearl Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, Magento, Amazon, eBay, Xero, QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, and ShipStation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automation engine reduces manual allocation and purchasing decisions at scale.
- Native Shopify and BigCommerce connectors support complex multistore setups.
- Inventory Planner converts demand forecasts into concrete purchase orders.
Cons:
- Pricing and feature depth skew toward higher-volume retail operations.
- Implementation and configuration are heavy for very small merchants.
inFlow Inventory is built for small retail businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets but don’t want full-blown ERP complexity.
You get one place to control stock, purchasing, and sales so you can keep shelves, stockrooms, and online channels in sync.
Why I Picked inFlow Inventory
I picked inFlow Inventory for small retailers who need clear, real-time stock visibility across the store, back room, and any basic online channels.
You manage purchasing, sales orders, and inventory in one system, so you can see what’s on hand, what’s incoming, and what’s already committed before you place your next order.
I also like how it supports multi-location tracking with bin and aisle details, giving you faster picking and fewer “we swear it’s here somewhere” moments through structured locations and transfers.
For omnichannel shops, you can plug in ecommerce and accounting tools so online orders, invoices, and inventory updates land in the same hub instead of living in separate apps.
inFlow Inventory Key Features
Beyond the core stock and order workflows, these features matter most for busy retail environments.
- Reorder Points And Alerts: Set per-location reorder points so the system flags low stock before you hit a stockout, instead of relying on manual checks.
- Barcode And Label Tools: Generate barcode or QR labels, then scan items during counts, receiving, and checkout to cut data entry and reduce mis-picks.
- Mobile Inventory Apps: Use the mobile app and Smart Scanner to receive goods, count stock, and fulfill orders on the floor instead of walking back to a computer.
- Shipping And Fulfillment Tools: Buy shipping labels from dozens of carriers inside inFlow, keeping picking, packing, and shipping tied directly to each sales order.
inFlow Inventory Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Squarespace, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zapier, and EasyPost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- B2B Showroom portal turns wholesale buyers into fast, self-service orders.
- Barcode and mobile apps let staff update counts directly from store.
- Retail-ready workflows link stock, purchasing, and sales in one place.
Cons:
- Some ecommerce channels still need Extensiv or Zapier-style connectors.
- Advanced reporting and analytics are lighter than some enterprise systems.
Veeqo is best for small and midsize retailers juggling orders across Amazon, marketplaces, and their own store who want inventory and shipping in one place without paying extra software fees.
Backed by Amazon and built for multichannel sellers, it gives you real-time stock control, low shipping rates, and warehouse tools on a free plan.
Why I Picked Veeqo
I picked Veeqo because it gives small retailers multichannel inventory control through real-time stock syncing across Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Walmart, and more, so you can avoid overselling while orders pour in.
You also get low, pre-negotiated UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL rates backed by Veeqo Credits, which helps you cut shipping costs while still printing labels in bulk from a single dashboard.
I like that your team can pick and pack with barcode scanners and mobile devices, because that’s what actually keeps warehouse mistakes and mis-picks down when order volume spikes.
And since Veeqo is owned by Amazon and tightly integrated with Amazon Shipping and Buy Shipping, it’s a safer bet if your account health depends on hitting tight fulfillment and delivery SLAs.
Veeqo Key Features
Here are a few inventory-focused tools that help keep multichannel stock under control.
- Inventory Rules Automation: Use inventory rules to control how much stock appears on each channel, helping you throttle riskier marketplaces while protecting core sales.
- Multi-Location Stock Tracking: Track, receive, transfer, and reconcile inventory across multiple warehouses and store locations from one system.
- Automated Price Sync: Update product prices once in Veeqo and push them out to Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and other connected channels.
- Purchase Order Management: Raise and manage purchase orders from inside Veeqo so low-stock alerts can turn directly into replenishment orders.
Veeqo Integrations
Integrations include Amazon, Shopify, Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, QuickBooks Online, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Discounted carrier rates plus Veeqo Credits meaningfully lower shipping expenses.
- Real-time stock syncing across major marketplaces helps reduce overselling risk.
- Free plan includes multichannel inventory, shipping tools, and unlimited users.
Cons:
- Support response and resolution times can be slow during peak seasons.
- Inventory sync delays or glitches are occasionally reported, especially with Shopify.
Lightspeed is built for retail teams that live and die by accurate stock counts across registers and channels, not just “good enough” estimates.
It’s best for small and midsize retailers that need POS and inventory to share one real-time view of products, locations, and sales.
Why I Picked Lightspeed
I picked Lightspeed because it gives you one retail POS and inventory system that updates stock levels the moment a sale happens, so your team isn’t reconciling spreadsheets after close.
You also get detailed sales and inventory analytics that tie units sold, margins, and sell-through together, so you can see which SKUs earn their shelf space and which ones drag.
I like that you can build customizable reports off that data, letting your buyers adjust purchase orders based on real performance instead of gut feel.
On top of that, Lightspeed’s customer profiles connect purchase history to specific shoppers, so your team can make smarter recommendations and merchandising decisions right at the till.
Lightspeed Key Features
Here are a few inventory-specific features that make Lightspeed a solid fit for stock-heavy retailers.
- Multi-Outlet Stock Control: Track inventory across multiple stores and warehouses, with location-level on-hand, transfers, and low-stock alerts.
- Purchase Order Management: Create, send, and receive POs inside the system so incoming stock automatically updates quantities and average costs.
- Inventory Counts And Adjustments: Run full or partial stocktakes, log shrinkage and adjustments, and keep an audit trail of changes for each item.
- Omnichannel Inventory Sync: Keep online and in-store availability aligned so you aren’t selling the same unit twice across your connected channels.
Lightspeed Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Lightspeed eCom (E-Series), Xero, QuickBooks Online, Mailchimp, and Lightspeed Advanced Marketing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in purchase orders and stock receiving keep inventory data accurate.
- Strong multi-outlet stock controls support growing, multi-location retailers.
- Real-time POS and inventory updates reduce manual stock reconciliation.
Cons:
- Pricing tiers can be high for very small, low-volume shops.
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex for new teams.
Asset Panda helps small businesses that treat tools, devices, and fixtures as mission-critical inventory, not background clutter.
You get clear visibility into where each asset lives across locations, plus structured audits to keep records clean for finance, IT, and operations.
Why I Picked Asset Panda
I picked Asset Panda because it gives your team a single, centralized place to see every asset by location, status, and owner, using a cloud-based register built for multi-site operations.
Your staff can run audits and spot-checks from the mobile app, using built-in barcode and QR scanning so counts stay accurate without clipboards or separate scanners.
I also like how you can customize fields and workflows, so IT gear, store fixtures, and loaner equipment all live in the same system but follow different rules that actually match how you run the business.
Finally, detailed audit trails and depreciation tracking tie asset history back to tax, insurance, and compliance needs, so your inventory work pays off when you’re dealing with auditors and accountants.
Asset Panda Key Features
Beyond daily tracking, Asset Panda adds structure around how assets are used and maintained over time.
- Check-In/Check-Out Workflows: Track who currently has an asset, when it’s due back, and reduce “disappearing” equipment.
- Maintenance Scheduling: Log repairs, set recurring service tasks, and cut back on surprise downtime for critical gear.
- Document Attachments: Store invoices, warranties, inspection forms, and photos directly on each asset record.
- Role-Based Permissions: Control who can edit, view, or approve changes so store staff, IT, and finance see exactly what they need.
Asset Panda Integrations
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Freshservice, Slack, Jira, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized asset history supports audits, depreciation, and insurance documentation.
- Highly configurable fields and workflows adapt to different asset types.
- Mobile app with offline barcode scanning for store and field teams.
Cons:
- Initial setup and configuration can be heavy for tiny teams.
- Pricing structure may feel expensive for microbusinesses with few assets.
Megaventory centralizes your stock, orders, and light manufacturing so you’re not guessing which location has what or whether you can actually fulfill that new order.
It’s a strong fit for growing retail and DTC teams that need multi-location visibility, simple production tracking, and reliable numbers for purchasing and margin decisions.
Why I Picked Megaventory
I picked Megaventory for small and midsize retailers that need a clear, location-by-location picture of stock, availability, and backorders in one place.
You can tie purchasing to real demand using purchase orders driven by minimum stock levels and sales history, so reordering stops feeling like guesswork.
Manufacturing and kitting workflows let you track components consumed and finished goods produced, which helps your team see the true cost and margin of each SKU.
I also like that you get user permissions and audit trails showing who changed products, documents, and quantities, keeping fast-moving teams honest during busy seasons.
Megaventory Key Features
Beyond the core inventory and order flows, Megaventory adds a few practical tools that help small retailers run tighter operations.
- Mobile App: Count stock, scan barcodes, and update orders directly from the warehouse floor.
- Returns Management: Log returns and RMAs with trackable statuses so you can see what’s coming back and why across locations.
- Landed Cost Calculations: Allocate freight, duties, and other charges across receipts for accurate per-unit costs and cleaner margins.
- Reporting And Alerts: Build location-level reports and low-stock alerts focused on your top SKUs and key channels.
Megaventory Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Amazon Business, QuickBooks Online, ShipStation, Zapier, SPS Commerce, and Lokad.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed costing and documents give small teams visibility into margin by SKU and order.
- Multi-location inventory with light manufacturing support suits retailers that assemble products.
- Real-time stock sync helps reduce overselling across ecommerce stores and physical locations.
Cons:
- Interface can feel busy and dated until teams learn the workflows.
- Initial setup needs careful configuration of locations, products, and document flows.
Inventory Planner is built for merchants who are bleeding cash on overstock while still stocking out of key SKUs.
It’s best for multichannel ecommerce retailers that have moved beyond basic platform reports and need serious forecasting help without hiring a full-time planner.
Why I Picked Inventory Planner
I picked Inventory Planner because it turns your messy sales history into demand forecasts that factor in seasonality, promotions, and lead times, so you order what you’ll actually sell instead of guessing.
For a small team juggling thousands of SKUs, I like that it converts those forecasts into purchase-order recommendations by supplier, so you can send POs in batches instead of rebuilding them in spreadsheets every week.
You also get a clear view of stock across warehouses, stores, and FBA/3PL locations, so you can transfer inventory between locations before you reorder and protect cash flow.
If you’re growing fast, the detailed reporting on sell-through, stock aging, and margins makes it much easier to decide what to double down on, what to mark down, and what to kill.
Inventory Planner Key Features
Here are a few features that help small retailers treat inventory like an investment instead of a guess.
- Open-To-Buy Planning: Turn revenue and margin targets into category-level purchasing budgets so you don’t over-commit cash to slow movers.
- ABC Inventory Segmentation: Group SKUs by contribution and velocity so your team focuses reordering and marketing on the products that actually drive profit.
- Vendor Performance Analytics: Track supplier lead times, fill rates, and delays in one place so you can adjust safety stock and negotiate from real data.
- Multichannel Assortment Planning: Compare SKU performance by channel to decide which products to stock, drop, or expand on each marketplace or storefront.
Inventory Planner Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, Walmart, NetSuite, Brightpearl, QuickBooks, and ShipStation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seasonality-aware forecasts reduce stockouts and excess inventory across channels.
- Automated PO suggestions cut manual spreadsheet work for growing teams.
- Multi-location planning helps small retailers coordinate stores, warehouses, and 3PLs.
Cons:
- Feature depth creates a steeper learning curve for new users.
- Pricing and contracts can feel heavy for very small brands.
Unleashed helps growing product businesses move past spreadsheet chaos by giving you live visibility into stock, demand, and margins across every location.
It’s best for small to midsize retailers, wholesalers, and light manufacturers that need precise demand planning and tighter control over what they buy and produce.
Why I Picked Unleashed
I picked Unleashed for small product businesses that want demand planning you can actually act on, powered by forecasting that uses your sales history, seasonality, and lead times to suggest what to buy and when.
Your team also gets real-time stock and order visibility across purchasing, inventory, and sales, because every movement updates a central view of on-hand, allocated, and available-to-sell quantities.
If you make or assemble products, Unleashed helps you protect margins with production workflows and bills of materials that roll up component and labor costs into each finished SKU.
For multichannel sellers, it keeps online and in-store quantities aligned by syncing orders and stock movements across your key ecommerce and POS tools so you’re not overselling when channels are busy.
Unleashed Key Features
Beyond demand planning, there are a few operational features that make Unleashed a strong fit for growing retailers and wholesalers.
- Batch And Serial Tracking: Track items by batch or serial number from purchase through sale, so you can handle recalls, expiry, and quality issues with confidence.
- Multi-Warehouse Control: Manage stock across multiple warehouses and locations with transfers, location-level visibility, and accurate availability for each site.
- Landed Cost Management: Allocate freight, duties, and other charges to purchase orders so your inventory values and margins reflect true landed cost.
- Reorder Automation: Use reorder points, safety stock, and alerts tied to real usage and lead times so buyers know exactly when to raise new POs.
Unleashed Integrations
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks Online, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Magento, Lightspeed Retail, Salesforce, Shiptheory, and Mintsoft.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong BOM and production tools support light manufacturing and assemblies.
- Multi-warehouse and channel support suits omnichannel retailers and wholesalers.
- Demand forecasting helps you buy accurately using sales history and lead times.
Cons:
- Implementation and data migration require careful setup and structured onboarding.
- Pricing may feel steep for very small, inventory-light retailers.
Sortly gives small teams a visual, mobile-first way to track tools, parts, and products across locations without babysitting spreadsheets.
It’s a strong fit if you want barcode and QR-based inventory control that your field and shop-floor staff will actually use.
Why I Picked Sortly
I picked Sortly for small businesses that live in the real world—stock on shelves, trucks, and job sites—not just in a spreadsheet.
You can organize everything into photo-rich folders and item records, so your team can recognize “the blue drill in the red case,” not just a SKU.
Your staff can update counts right from their phones using built-in barcode and QR scanning, which cuts down on manual typing and fat-finger errors.
I also like that you can set low stock alerts and basic min/max levels, so you get a heads-up before materials for your next job quietly disappear.
Sortly Key Features
Here are a few extra Sortly features that matter for busy small operations.
- Stock Counts: Create and assign count projects so multiple team members can complete cycle counts and physical inventory with one connected workflow.
- Pick Lists: Build item pick lists from your catalog to make it easier for staff to pull the right products, tools, or parts for jobs or orders.
- Custom Fields And Tags: Add your own fields and tags for things like job codes, condition, or customer name, so the system reflects how your business actually talks about inventory.
- User Permissions: Control who can view, edit, or approve inventory changes, which helps when you’ve got a mix of managers, techs, and temporary staff touching stock.
Sortly Integrations
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Amazon Business.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low stock alerts help small teams avoid surprise stockouts on key items.
- Mobile barcode and QR scanning speeds up counts and item updates.
- Visual item photos and folders make it easier for staff to find stock.
Cons:
- Native integrations and API access require higher-tier paid plans.
- Better suited to small and midsize operations than complex enterprise warehouses.
Katana gives small manufacturers a live view of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, so you’re not guessing what you can actually make today.
It’s best if you sell across multiple channels and need your production schedule and inventory levels to stay in sync without babysitting spreadsheets.
Why I Picked Katana
I picked Katana because it gives your team a real-time production board that ties directly to material availability, so you can promise ship dates based on what you can actually build.
Your sales orders from ecommerce channels land in one place, and Katana automatically allocates raw materials to the right jobs, helping you avoid surprise stockouts while keeping important orders at the front of the line.
On the shop floor, your operators get clear task lists via the Shop Floor App, so work moves through each stage with less back-and-forth and fewer missed steps.
I also like that you get manufacturing-focused inventory features—like batch and lot tracking, average costing, and make-to-order support—without needing a full-blown ERP that overwhelms a small team.
Katana Key Features
Here are a few inventory-focused features that matter for small manufacturing businesses.
- Reorder Point Automation: Set reorder points for materials and finished goods so Katana flags what to buy before stockouts hit.
- Batch And Lot Tracking: Track components and finished products by batch or lot to support recalls, quality checks, and regulated industries.
- Multi-Location Inventory: Manage stock across multiple warehouses, stores, and channels from a single view, including transfers.
- Average Costing And Margins: Use moving average cost calculations to see accurate product margins and make better pricing decisions.
Katana Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, QuickBooks Online, Xero, HubSpot, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time material and product visibility reduces stockouts across sales channels.
- Shop Floor App gives operators clear tasks and live production priorities.
- Multi-location support helps growing brands coordinate inventory across warehouses and stores.
Cons:
- Pricing can feel steep for very small or early-stage teams.
- Cloud-based tool with limited offline functionality during internet outages.
Cin7 helps small but growing retailers, wholesalers, and light manufacturers keep stock, orders, and purchasing in one place instead of across spreadsheets and disconnected apps.
It’s a good fit when you sell across multiple channels and need real-time visibility into what you have, where it lives, and what to buy next.
Why I Picked Cin7
I picked Cin7 because it gives you live stock visibility across locations and channels through a single inventory ledger, so you’re not reconciling marketplace, ecommerce, and in-store counts by hand.
For small teams, purchase ordering gets easier because you can build POs from demand and minimum stock levels, then receive against them in the same system.
I also like the built-in B2B portal, which lets wholesale customers place orders against accurate inventory using their own pricing and terms instead of emailing PDFs back and forth.
If you do light manufacturing or kitting, bills of materials and simple production workflows help you track components and finished goods without bolting on a separate MRP tool.
Cin7 Key Features
Here are a few extra Cin7 features that matter when you’re tightening up inventory control as a small business.
- Barcode And Mobile Scanning: Use barcode scanners and mobile apps for faster picking, receiving, and stock counts.
- Automated Reorder Rules: Set minimums and preferred suppliers so the system can suggest or generate purchase orders before you run out.
- Batch And Expiry Tracking: Track lots, batches, and expiry dates to keep perishable or regulated stock moving in the right order.
- Inventory Analytics Dashboards: Use built-in reports on stock turns, aging inventory, and sales trends to fine-tune purchasing.
Cin7 Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Walmart Marketplace, eBay, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and ShipStation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports light manufacturing with bills of materials and simple production workflows.
- Real-time, multi-location inventory ledger reduces manual reconciliations across channels.
- Built-in B2B portal gives wholesale buyers self-service ordering with correct pricing.
Cons:
- Feature depth and configuration options can feel heavy for very simple catalogs.
- Pricing and onboarding may be high for micro-businesses with basic inventory needs.
For small product-based businesses that have outgrown native QuickBooks inventory but still live in it every day, SOS Inventory adds tighter control over items, orders, and light manufacturing.
It’s especially useful if you sell across online channels and need inventory, purchasing, and accounting to stay aligned without hiring a full-time systems admin.
Why I Picked SOS Inventory
I picked SOS Inventory because it lets you manage inventory across multiple locations using central quantity tracking, location-specific receiving, and flexible fulfillment rules.
For QuickBooks Online users, it keeps your accounting and stock aligned by syncing items, invoices, and purchase data instead of forcing you into a separate ledger.
This helps your team avoid duplicate entry because sales orders, purchase orders, and adjustments live in SOS while the financial impact flows back into QuickBooks.
It’s a good fit for growing small manufacturers and wholesalers since you can build assemblies, run work orders, and see how raw materials roll up into finished goods for better costing and planning.
SOS Inventory Key Features
Here are a few other features that help small retailers and manufacturers keep inventory accurate without going back to spreadsheets.
- Lot And Serial Tracking: Track batches and individual serial numbers so you can handle recalls, warranties, and regulated products with confidence.
- Reorder Alerts: Set low-stock thresholds and reorder points so you get alerted to restock before key SKUs run out.
- Mobile App And Barcode Scanning: Let warehouse staff receive, count, and ship using mobile devices and barcode support instead of handwritten lists.
- Inventory Reporting: Build item, location, and margin reports to see what’s moving, which products are tying up cash, and where shrink is creeping in.
SOS Inventory Integrations
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Shopify, BigCommerce, ShipStation, PayPal, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lot and serial tracking support traceability for regulated or high-value items.
- Multi-location support helps you manage stock across warehouses and stores.
- Tight QuickBooks Online sync keeps inventory and accounting data aligned.
Cons:
- Initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming for complex catalogs.
- Interface feels dated compared to newer inventory platforms and ERPs.
Backbar helps small bars, taprooms, and restaurant groups turn chaotic bottle counts into usable numbers you can actually run the business on.
It’s best if your revenue depends on tight control of liquor, wine, and beer costs, and you want an inventory tool built specifically for beverage programs—not generic retail stock.
Why I Picked Backbar
I picked Backbar because it’s built specifically for beverage inventory, so your team tracks bottles, kegs, and wine by location instead of wrestling generic stock lists.
The mobile app speeds up counts with barcode scanning and last-count views, so staff can rip through inventory before service instead of staying late after close.
You also connect it to your POS to see actual vs theoretical usage, which helps you spot overpouring, comps, or shrink before they crush margins.
On top of that, invoice capture and recipe costing tools keep your menu pricing grounded in real, item-level costs instead of guesswork.
Backbar Key Features
In addition to the core inventory, costing, and POS connections, Backbar includes a few extras bar teams actually use in day-to-day operations.
- Suggested Par Levels: Uses real product usage data to recommend reorder quantities so you avoid both overstocking and last-minute stockouts.
- Vendor Purchasing Workflows: Centralizes distributor orders with one-click reordering and status tracking, so you see what’s on order and what’s arrived in one place.
- Excess Inventory Reporting: Flags slow-moving SKUs so you can design promos or features around them instead of letting cash sit on the shelf.
- Multi-Location Management: Supports separate inventories and vendor lists per venue while rolling results into group-level reporting for owners and beverage directors.
Backbar Integrations
Integrations include Square, Toast, Clover, and Skytab by Shift4.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suggested par levels and excess inventory reports reduce over-ordering and waste.
- Mobile app speeds inventory counts with barcode scanning and offline mode.
- Helps bars cut pour costs with detailed usage and variance reporting.
Cons:
- Optimized for bar and restaurant programs, less suited to non-hospitality stock.
- Free plan limited to one location and more basic reporting.
Craftybase is built for small-batch makers who need to track raw materials, finished goods, and true product costs without living inside spreadsheets.
It’s best for handmade brands selling across Etsy, Shopify, and other channels that need ingredient-level costing, basic production tracking, and inventory that actually matches what you can make today.
Why I Picked Craftybase
I picked Craftybase because it tracks both your raw materials and finished goods in one place, so you always know what you can actually produce and ship.
You get recipe-based bills of materials and ingredient-level costing, which means your prices and margins are driven by real inputs instead of rough estimates.
For multichannel sellers, automatic order imports and optional stock sync help keep Etsy, Shopify, and other storefronts aligned with your true on-hand inventory.
I also like the lot and batch tracking, which gives you the traceability you need if you sell products like cosmetics or food that come with compliance and recall expectations.
Craftybase Key Features
Beyond the inventory and costing basics, Craftybase adds a few controls that help a growing handmade operation stay organized.
- Low Stock Alerts: Notify you when materials or finished products fall below set thresholds so you can reorder before you stock out.
- Production Scheduling: Log and plan manufactures so you can see what needs to be made to cover open orders and upcoming launches.
- Pricing Guidance: Suggests target prices based on material, labor, and overhead costs, helping you protect margins while staying competitive.
- Inventory Reports: Surfaces best sellers, material usage, and profit trends so you can make smarter purchasing and production decisions.
Craftybase Integrations
Integrations include Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, PayPal, Square, Amazon, Wix, Faire, Squarespace, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multichannel order imports reduce overselling risk across Etsy, Shopify, and others.
- Recipe-based costing gives accurate COGS and pricing guidance per product.
- Tracks raw materials and finished goods in a single, maker-focused system.
Cons:
- Subscription tiers tied to sales volume can feel pricey as you scale.
- Feature depth and workflows can be overkill for very simple product catalogs.
Fishbowl is built for small and midsize product businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets and QuickBooks’ basic item list.
It helps you keep multi-location stock, purchasing, and light manufacturing in sync with your accounting stack, so you’re not guessing what’s actually on the shelf.
Why I Picked Fishbowl
I picked Fishbowl because it lets your team keep QuickBooks (or Xero) as the financial source of truth while moving all the item, order, and warehouse details into a tool designed for inventory.
That means you get cleaner books because invoices, bills, and inventory adjustments sync from Fishbowl into your ledger instead of being double-entered.
For small manufacturers and wholesalers, you can tie assemblies and work orders directly to stock, so every build consumes components and updates finished goods in real time.
I also like that you can use barcode scanning on the warehouse floor, which cuts mis-picks and speeds up receiving because staff are working from mobile devices instead of paper.
Fishbowl Key Features
Here are a few inventory-specific features that help small businesses run tighter operations.
- Reorder Points And Alerts: Set min/max levels and get alerts when items hit their reorder point, so you can trigger purchase orders before stockouts happen.
- Multi-Location Inventory: Track quantities across warehouses, stores, and bins, giving you accurate on-hand numbers for every location when you’re promising stock to customers.
- Work Orders And BOM Management: Build multi-level bills of materials and work orders, so component usage and finished goods quantities always reflect what’s actually been produced.
- Cycle Counting Tools: Run cycle counts instead of full physical inventories, helping your team correct variances in smaller, more manageable batches.
Fishbowl Integrations
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Deep QuickBooks and Xero integrations keep accounting and inventory aligned.
- Supports multi-location stock plus light manufacturing in a single system.
- Barcode and mobile tools improve picking, receiving, and on-floor accuracy.
Cons:
- Implementation and setup usually require training or partner assistance.
- More complex than basic inventory apps for very simple product catalogs.
QuickBooks Online gives small teams basic inventory tracking right where you already manage your books, so you’re not bouncing between spreadsheets and accounting software all day.
It’s best for small businesses that want simple stock control—quantities on hand, low-stock alerts, and purchase orders—without leaving their accounting system.
Why I Picked QuickBooks Online
I picked QuickBooks Online because it lets you track inventory inside the same system you use for invoices, bills, and banking, so stock levels, costs, and sales all stay in sync.
Your team can see quantities on hand, what’s on order, and what’s committed to customers, backed by item-level tracking and automatic cost of goods sold calculations.
For small shops selling online, I like that you can connect major sales channels so orders, payouts, and related inventory movements flow back into your books instead of being re-entered by hand.
If you’re already using QuickBooks for accounting and you’ve outgrown spreadsheet stock lists, this is a logical next step before you graduate to a full-blown inventory system.
QuickBooks Online Key Features
Here are a few inventory-focused tools that matter for small retailers and wholesalers using QuickBooks for accounting.
- On-Hand Quantity Tracking: Monitor item counts across sales and purchases so you always know what’s available to sell.
- Real-Time Stock Valuation: Automatically update inventory value and cost of goods sold as you buy and sell.
- Inventory Reports And Insights: Use item profitability and sales reports to spot fast-movers, dead stock, and reorder candidates.
- Purchase Order Management: Create POs from within QuickBooks, receive items against them, and tie everything back to vendor bills.
QuickBooks Online Integrations
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Square, Stripe, Amazon, eBay, Salesforce, Mailchimp, HubSpot, and QuickBooks Time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time stock tracking tied directly to your sales and purchases.
- Built-in purchase orders link vendors, incoming stock, and bills automatically.
- Native ecommerce connectors sync inventory and payouts from major marketplaces.
Cons:
- Full inventory features limited to Plus and Advanced subscription tiers.
- No native barcode scanning; growing catalogs may need add-on apps.
Other Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Here are some additional inventory management software for small businesses options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
Our Selection Criteria For Inventory Management Software
Here’s exactly what I look for when I size up inventory management software for small businesses. I’m not interested in fluff features or empty promises—I want to see real inventory control, practical automation, and tools that actually solve your stock headaches.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
This is the backbone of any inventory management system. If a tool can’t deliver here, it’s off my list.
- Track stock levels in real time.
- Handle purchase orders, sales orders, and order fulfillment without extra workarounds.
- Support barcode and QR code scanning.
- Generate reliable inventory and sales reports.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
Extra functionality that moves the needle for small business owners and operators.
- Demand forecasting and low stock alerts.
- Multichannel and ecommerce integration.
- Support for mobile apps and cloud-based access.
- Automation that streamlines recurring workflows.
Usability (10% of total score)
If your team can’t use it without a call to IT, it’s not making the cut.
- User-friendly, clear interface.
- Easy setup and intuitive navigation.
- Customizable dashboards that show what matters.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
A good system should get you up and running without days of training.
- Solid training resources and onboarding guides.
- In-app help and live support during rollout.
- Responsive onboarding team that actually answers questions.
Customer support (10% of total score)
Inventory fires don’t wait for business hours, so support needs to be on point.
- Multiple support channels (chat, email, phone).
- Quick, knowledgeable responses.
- Comprehensive help docs and troubleshooting guides.
Value for money (10% of total score)
Pricing has to make sense for small businesses—no hidden fees or forced upgrades.
- Transparent pricing for core features.
- Useful functionality even at lower tiers.
- ROI that actually shows up in your bottom line.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Real feedback from people running businesses, not just vendor testimonials.
- Consistent satisfaction with inventory tracking and support.
- Positive reviews on usability and integration.
- No major red flags around reliability or billing.
What is Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses?
Inventory management software for small businesses is a digital system that automates tracking, controls stock levels, and manages sales and purchase orders across all your channels.
Business owners, inventory managers, and warehouse teams use these tools to replace manual spreadsheets, avoid stockouts, streamline order fulfillment, and keep real-time tabs on every inventory item.
The best inventory management software supports barcode scanning, low stock alerts, POS and accounting software integrations, and mobile access—helping you optimize inventory control, reduce costs, and free up time to actually grow your business. Many of the top open source options offer these essential features while giving you complete control over customization and data.
How to Choose Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Choosing inventory management software shouldn’t take longer than your next inventory count. Here’s a no-nonsense checklist to help you quickly narrow your options, avoid the common traps, and pick a system that actually fits your business.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Define your must-haves | List your inventory pain points—barcode scanning, low stock alerts, mobile app, etc. |
| Map your integrations | Identify the accounting software, ecommerce platforms, or POS you need to connect. |
| Set a real budget | Nail down what you can actually spend each month—watch for hidden user or integration fees. |
| Test the usability | Always demo the interface yourself. If it feels clunky, your staff will hate it too. |
| Check for automation | Make sure the system can automate purchase orders, low stock notifications, and reporting. |
| Review support & setup | Look for responsive customer support, onboarding help, and a knowledge base that isn’t useless. |
| Read real reviews | Filter for recent feedback from businesses like yours—not just glowing testimonials. |
Trends In Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Inventory management isn’t standing still, and neither should your tech stack. Here’s what I’m seeing on the front lines—trends that actually help small businesses run tighter operations and get ahead:
- AI-powered demand forecasting. More platforms are finally delivering real demand forecasting that’s accurate enough to cut overstocking and stockouts—not just guessing based on last month’s sales.
- Automated reorder and supplier workflows. Top systems can trigger purchase orders automatically when inventory hits reorder points, so you’re not stuck babysitting stock levels or scrambling to source inventory.
- Unified dashboard for multichannel sales. Small businesses need inventory visibility across all sales channels—retail, ecommerce, wholesale—in one place. The best inventory management software now pulls everything into a single, real-time dashboard.
- Seamless integrations with cloud-based accounting and POS. The days of exporting spreadsheets for your accountant are over. Look for direct, two-way integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and other business-critical tools.
- Mobile-first inventory management. Warehouse managers and staff expect to do inventory counts, receive shipments, and scan barcodes right from a phone or tablet—no more being tied to a back office computer.
- Proactive low stock and exception alerts. The best systems are getting smarter about flagging anomalies—missed shipments, sudden drops in inventory, or potential supply chain disruptions—so you can react before they cost you money.
- Built-in support for compliance and traceability. If you’re in regulated industries or dealing with recalls, advanced tracking and audit trails are now table stakes—not optional extras.
Features of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
When you’re evaluating inventory management software, skip the laundry list of generic features. Focus on what’s actually going to move the needle for your business:
- Real-time inventory tracking. See what’s in stock across every location and channel—no more guesswork or outdated numbers.
- Automated purchase orders and reordering. Set smart reorder points so the system creates purchase orders for you and flags low stock before it’s a problem.
- Barcode and QR code scanning. Speed up inventory counts, receiving, and transfers—less manual entry, fewer errors.
- Multichannel and ecommerce integration. Manage inventory seamlessly across your POS, Shopify, Amazon, and more from a single dashboard.
- Customizable reporting and dashboards. Get real answers fast—sales trends, inventory aging, low stock alerts—without running 10 different reports.
- Mobile app and cloud access. Check stock, process sales orders, or update inventory counts from anywhere, right from your phone.
- Batch, lot, and serial number tracking. Track expiration dates, warranty periods, or compliance details with ease—especially critical for food, beverage, or electronics businesses.
- Role-based permissions and audit trails. Lock down who can do what and see every change made, so you’re always in control.
Pick the features that solve your current pain points and leave the rest. The right ecommerce inventory management system should make life easier, not more complicated.
Benefits of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
You’re not investing in inventory management software for the fun of it—you need real results. Here’s what you should expect if you pick the right solution:
- Less time wasted on manual counts and spreadsheets. Automated tracking frees up your team for actual work that grows the business.
- Fewer stockouts and overstock situations. Real-time alerts and smarter forecasting help you keep shelves stocked—without tying up cash in dead inventory.
- Tighter profit margins. Better inventory control means less waste, fewer write-offs, and more cash in the bank.
- Accurate, on-demand data. Make informed decisions on purchasing, promotions, and pricing—no more flying blind.
- Smoother order fulfillment. Orders move faster and with fewer errors, keeping customers and your accountant happy.
- Stronger compliance and traceability. Track every inventory item, batch, or order for audits and recalls without breaking a sweat.
- Easy scaling as your business grows. The right software is flexible, so you’re not rebuilding your inventory system every time you add a new sales channel or location.
Costs and Pricing of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Inventory management software isn’t one-size-fits-all—and pricing goes deeper than the base plan. Below is a streamlined view of common pricing tiers you'll run into. Think of this as your rough map, not gospel—actual costs depend on users, roles, and extras.
| Plan type | Price range | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Fundamental inventory tracking, basic low stock alerts | Sole proprietors or bootstrapped side hustles |
| Starter | $5–$25/user/month | Barcode or QR scanning, order fulfillment, minimal integrations | Small businesses kicking off inventory tracking |
| Business | $30–$100/user/month | Real-time tracking, multi-location, dashboards, forecasting | Growing ecommerce or retail businesses |
| Enterprise | $100+/user/month | Custom integrations, API access, advanced reporting, SLA support | Multi-channel retailers or high-volume ops |
Additional costs to budget for
This is where the "free" or "low-cost" plan gets stuffed with unexpected fees:
- Seat and role licensing: Some platforms charge per user, others charge by user role—admin versus warehouse staff.
- Integration or add-on fees: Need QuickBooks, Shopify, or POS sync? Don’t assume it’s included.
- Barcode scanners and hardware: Budget $200–$500 per warehouse for scanners, printers, tablets.
- Onboarding, data migration, training: Implementation help may cost 10–30% of your annual plan.
- Transaction or order fees: Some charge micro‑fees per order or fulfillment headcount.
- Support level tiers: Want prioritized or 24/7 support? Prepare to pay for premium access.
Even a “cheap” plan can turn expensive fast. Pin down exactly what’s included—and what isn’t—before you commit.
Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about inventory management software for small businesses:
Can I integrate inventory management software with my accounting or POS systems?
Yes, most inventory management software plays well with others—or it should. Look for tools that offer plug-and-play integrations or, at the very least, connect through APIs or third-party apps like Zapier.
That way, your sales and finances talk to your inventory in real-time. Less time spent clicking between ten tabs, more time growing the business.
How secure is my inventory data in these systems?
If security isn’t top priority, it ought to be. Any reputable inventory platform encrypts your data in transit and at rest. Expect two-factor authentication, regular backups, and, if you’re cautious, look for compliance with standards like SOC 2 or ISO.
Just remember: no system’s bulletproof, so good passwords and staff training matter too.
How fast can I get up and running with inventory management software?
If you’ve got five uninterrupted hours—lucky you—it’s usually possible to move in over a weekend. Realistically, expect a few days to import your spreadsheets, connect your tools, and clean up any “wait, what SKU is this?” moments.
Many vendors provide onboarding help. The more prepared you are (organized data, clear processes), the faster you’ll go live.
Can I migrate my messy Excel spreadsheets and inventory data into these systems without losing everything?
Yes, you’re not the first person whose Excel spreadsheet could give a data scientist a nosebleed. Most inventory software lets you import CSVs, map columns, and do some sanity-checking before you commit. Back up everything first—just in case you find a typo that turns “T-shirts” into “tsunamis.”
Can I use inventory management software on mobile devices for warehouse or remote teams?
Yes, and it’s not a gimmick. Leading tools have solid mobile apps so your team can scan barcodes, check on-hand levels, or handle receiving—all from a phone or tablet. Useful when your “warehouse” is also the stockroom, the break room, and, occasionally, your trunk.
How does inventory management software handle returns, exchanges, and refunds?
Most systems worth your time track returns, flag items for restocking, and sync status across channels. That means fewer inventory “black holes” and less arguing between sales and operations over what’s actually available.
If your return process is creative—or just complicated—double-check the workflows before you commit.
What kinds of reporting and analytics should I expect from inventory management tools?
Look for low-friction dashboards: stock movement, top sellers, aging inventory, demand forecasting. The best tools give you reports you’ll actually read, not just pretty graphs.
Pro tip: If you can’t find the answer to “what do I actually need to reorder this week?”, keep shopping.
What support options are typically available if I run into problems?
You’ll find everything from live chat and email to old-fashioned phone support. Some vendors offer 24/7 support; others, just business hours. Got a tricky issue at 6 PM on a Saturday? Check if your provider’s there. Bonus points for a searchable knowledge base—sometimes you just want to fix it yourself.
What's Next?
If you're in the process of researching small business inventory management software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.