TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Fishbowl Inventory

May 8, 2023
by Anthony Robinson
TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Fishbowl Inventory

TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Fishbowl Inventory

Inventory management is a critical factor in the success of any business, and choosing the right software to manage your inventory is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Two popular inventory management systems are TradeGecko, now known as QuickBooks Commerce, and Fishbowl Inventory. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these two systems, comparing their features, benefits, pricing plans, user experience, scalability, shipping and fulfillment services, customer support, and real user reviews.

Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl Inventory is an inventory management system that streamlines inventory management for businesses of all sizes. It is a popular choice among small and medium-sized businesses due to its affordable price point and ease of use. The system offers a range of features, including:

  • Inventory tracking
  • Order management
  • Purchase orders
  • Barcode scanning

One of the key benefits of Fishbowl Inventory is its ability to integrate with a variety of other business software systems. This means that businesses can easily connect their inventory management with their accounting, e-commerce, and shipping systems, among others. This integration helps to reduce errors and streamline processes, saving businesses time and money.

Another advantage of Fishbowl Inventory is its mobile app, which allows users to manage their inventory on-the-go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides real-time access to inventory data, order information, and more. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with employees who need to access inventory information while working remotely or on the go.

QuickBooks Commerce vs Fishbowl Inventory: Which is the Better Choice?

The choice between QuickBooks Commerce and Fishbowl Inventory depends on your business needs. QuickBooks Commerce offers more advanced features and is better suited for larger businesses that require sophisticated inventory management. On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory is a popular choice for smaller businesses that require a simple, cost-effective inventory management solution.

It's important to consider the cost of each option as well. QuickBooks Commerce can be more expensive, but it may be worth the investment for businesses that need its advanced features. Fishbowl Inventory, on the other hand, is more affordable and may be a better fit for businesses with a smaller budget. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your specific business needs and budget.

Head-to-Head: A Comprehensive Comparison of TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory

When it comes to inventory management, both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory offer a comprehensive range of features. QuickBooks Commerce provides advanced functionalities such as automated manufacturing workflows and multiple warehouse management, while Fishbowl Inventory is known for its simplicity and ease of use for small businesses.

However, TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) has a more robust reporting system, allowing for more detailed analysis of sales and inventory data. On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory has a stronger integration with QuickBooks accounting software, making it a great choice for businesses already using QuickBooks for their financial management.

Analyzing the Features and Benefits of TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory

Both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory offer a range of features designed to streamline inventory management:

  • QuickBooks Commerce: Unlimited products, orders, and users; management of multiple sales channels including online marketplaces and brick-and-mortar stores.
  • Fishbowl Inventory: Integrations with third-party applications; advanced manufacturing capabilities such as bill of materials and work orders; barcode scanning and tracking.

QuickBooks Commerce allows businesses to easily track inventory levels and sales across all channels in real-time, while Fishbowl Inventory helps improve accuracy and efficiency in inventory management through its advanced manufacturing features.

TradeGecko vs Fishbowl: Which Inventory Management System Offers Better Integration?

When it comes to integration with other applications, Fishbowl Inventory is known for its extensive range of integrations. It seamlessly integrates with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and other business software applications. QuickBooks Commerce also offers a range of integrations, focusing on streamlining inventory management operations.

TradeGecko has recently enhanced its integration capabilities with an API-first approach, allowing for easy integration with a wide range of third-party applications. Its integrations include popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, as well as accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Additionally, TradeGecko offers a Zapier integration, enabling users to connect with over 2,000 apps without any coding knowledge.

The Pros and Cons of Using TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) Versus Fishbowl for Your Business

QuickBooks Commerce is suited to larger businesses that require a more extensive range of features and advanced inventory management capabilities. Meanwhile, Fishbowl Inventory is popular among small to medium-sized businesses that require a simple, easy-to-use inventory management solution. Both systems have their pros and cons:

  • QuickBooks Commerce:
    • Pros: Advanced features, seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, scalable for larger businesses.
    • Cons: Higher cost, may be overwhelming for small businesses.
  • Fishbowl Inventory:
    • Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, strong integrations with various third-party software.
    • Cons: Outdated user interface, limited advanced features compared to QuickBooks Commerce.

It's important to note that TradeGecko has been rebranded as QuickBooks Commerce, bringing a new set of features and integrations. QuickBooks Commerce offers seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, making it ideal for businesses already using QuickBooks for their accounting needs. On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory provides integrations with a wide range of third-party software, including popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Choosing Between TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl: Factors to Consider

When determining which inventory management system is the better choice for your business, consider the following factors:

  • Business Size: QuickBooks Commerce is tailored for larger businesses, while Fishbowl Inventory suits small to medium-sized enterprises.
  • Budget: QuickBooks Commerce is more expensive but offers advanced features. Fishbowl Inventory is more affordable for businesses with smaller budgets.
  • Customer Support: QuickBooks Commerce provides 24/7 customer support, whereas Fishbowl offers support during regular business hours.
  • Integration Needs: QuickBooks Commerce integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks products and popular e-commerce platforms. Fishbowl offers a wide range of third-party integrations but may not be as extensive as QuickBooks Commerce.

Additionally, evaluate the level of customer support and the specific integrations each system offers to ensure they align with your business operations and goals.

A Detailed Comparison of TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory Pricing Plans

Both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory offer pricing plans designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes:

  • QuickBooks Commerce: More expensive, with pricing starting at $1,000 per year. Offers advanced features tailored for larger businesses.
  • Fishbowl Inventory: Pricing starts at $4,395 for the base system, with additional modules available at extra costs. Offers a perpetual license option, allowing businesses to purchase the software outright and own it forever.

Fishbowl Inventory’s perpetual license can be a more cost-effective option for businesses planning to use the software long-term. QuickBooks Commerce is primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses, while Fishbowl Inventory targets larger enterprises with more advanced features and customization options. However, Fishbowl might be excessive for smaller businesses that do not require such robust functionality.

How Do TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Handle Shipping and Fulfillment?

Both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl offer shipping and fulfillment services:

  • QuickBooks Commerce: Provides tools to manage shipping rates and integrates with leading shipping carriers. It also allows users to track shipments and manage inventory levels in real-time.
  • Fishbowl Inventory: Offers features such as shipping label creation and rate calculation. Additionally, Fishbowl has a unique feature called "Fishbowl ShipExpress," enabling users to ship packages directly from their inventory software.

These features help businesses streamline their shipping processes and maintain accurate inventory levels, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

User Experience Showdown: TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Fishbowl Inventory

User experience is a critical factor in the success of any inventory management system. QuickBooks Commerce offers a sleek and modern interface that is easy to navigate, enhancing user satisfaction and productivity. Its intuitive workflow facilitates easy tracking of inventory levels, creating purchase orders, and managing sales orders.

In contrast, Fishbowl Inventory has an older interface that some users may find outdated and overwhelming, particularly new users. While it is functional and robust, the user experience may not be as seamless as QuickBooks Commerce, requiring more manual input for certain tasks.

Scalability Matters: Can TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) or Fishbowl Keep Up with Your Growing Business?

Both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business:

  • QuickBooks Commerce: Offers advanced features tailored for larger businesses with significant growth potential, making it an excellent choice for expanding enterprises.
  • Fishbowl Inventory: Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that require a simple yet effective inventory management solution. Its scalability is sufficient for businesses in the manufacturing and distribution industries.

When choosing a solution, consider not only scalability but also factors such as cost, ease of use, and integration capabilities. Additionally, the industry your business operates in can influence which system is more suitable.

Customer Support Comparison: Does TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) or Fishbowl Offer Better Support Services?

Customer support is vital when it comes to inventory management systems:

  • QuickBooks Commerce: Offers 24/7 phone and email support, along with a comprehensive knowledge base, providing assistance whenever needed.
  • Fishbowl Inventory: Provides phone and email support during regular business hours, complemented by a range of online resources.

If your business operates beyond standard hours or requires immediate support, QuickBooks Commerce’s 24/7 support may be more beneficial. Fishbowl’s support, while reliable, is limited to business hours.

Real User Reviews: What Do Business Owners Have to Say About TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Fishbowl?

Business owners who have used both TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory have shared varied feedback:

  • Pros: Both systems are praised for their range of features, ease of use, and scalability. QuickBooks Commerce is lauded for its modern interface and advanced functionalities, while Fishbowl Inventory is appreciated for its affordability and strong integrations.
  • Cons: Some business owners find Fishbowl’s user interface outdated, and others feel that QuickBooks Commerce can be costly for small businesses. Additionally, the complexity of QuickBooks Commerce’s advanced features may be overwhelming for some users.

Overall, the choice between the two systems often hinges on the specific needs and budget of the business.

In Conclusion

Choosing between TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) and Fishbowl Inventory depends on your business needs. QuickBooks Commerce is better suited for larger businesses that require advanced inventory management capabilities, while Fishbowl Inventory is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need a simple yet effective inventory management solution. It is essential to consider factors such as pricing, features, user experience, scalability, and customer support before making your final decision.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over two decades of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.
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