TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) vs Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

In today’s fast-paced business world, choosing the right inventory management and order fulfillment platform can make a world of difference for your business operations. Two of the most popular players in the market are TradeGecko, which has since been rebranded as QuickBooks Commerce, and Stitch Labs which has been acquired by Square.

Introduction to TradeGecko and Stitch Labs

TradeGecko, now QuickBooks Commerce, is a cloud-based inventory and order management software created for small and midsize enterprises. The software allows businesses to manage their inventory, create and track sales orders, purchase orders, and invoices, control the supply chain, and generate relevant reports and insights. Stitch Labs, now a part of Square, is another popular inventory and order management software used by businesses of all sizes. The software includes features such as inventory planning, order fulfillment, purchasing, and reporting to streamline overall operations.

Both TradeGecko and Stitch Labs offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, making it easier for businesses to manage their online sales channels. Additionally, TradeGecko offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to manage their inventory and orders on-the-go. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, offers a unique feature called “Orderbots” which automates order routing and fulfillment, saving businesses time and resources.

The history and evolution of TradeGecko and Stitch Labs

TradeGecko was founded in 2012 by Cameron Priest and Bradley Priest, who had previously co-founded a menswear brand in New Zealand. Since its launch, the company has attracted more than $17 million in investment from various venture capitalists. In 2018, TradeGecko was acquired by QuickBooks, the accounting software giant. The acquisition was made with the aim of providing both small and medium businesses with a scalable e-commerce solution that incorporated inventory, fulfillment, and accounting. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, was created in 2011 by Brandon Levey. In 2020, Square acquired Stitch Labs to integrate its inventory management tools with the Square ecosystem.

Despite the acquisition, TradeGecko continues to operate as a standalone product, with its own team and headquarters in Singapore. The company has also expanded its offerings to include a B2B e-commerce platform, allowing businesses to create custom online storefronts for their customers. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, has been fully integrated into the Square ecosystem, providing Square sellers with advanced inventory management tools and analytics. The acquisition has also allowed Square to expand its services beyond payment processing, into the realm of inventory and order management.

Overview of QuickBooks Commerce and Square

QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory management tool that provides businesses with a centralized location to manage their inventory across multiple sales channels. The software automates sales management, order fulfillment, purchasing, and inventory management for businesses of all sizes- big or small. On the other hand, Square is a payment and business services company that provides a broad range of tools to merchants. Square’s inventory management tools can be integrated with its point of sale, appointment scheduling, and payment processing software to provide enhanced operational efficiency.

One of the key benefits of QuickBooks Commerce is its ability to integrate with other QuickBooks products, such as QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. This integration allows businesses to streamline their accounting processes and have a more comprehensive view of their financials. Additionally, QuickBooks Commerce offers advanced reporting capabilities, allowing businesses to track their inventory levels, sales performance, and profitability in real-time.

Square, on the other hand, offers a range of additional services beyond inventory management. For example, Square provides businesses with a free online store builder, allowing them to create an online presence quickly and easily. Square also offers marketing tools, such as email campaigns and customer loyalty programs, to help businesses attract and retain customers. Overall, Square’s suite of services provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing their operations and growing their business.

Features and functionalities offered by QuickBooks Commerce and Square

QuickBooks Commerce offers comprehensive features including, but not limited to, multichannel inventory management, order management, shipment management tools, and intelligent forecasting. The platform’s dashboard offers real-time visibility into inventory levels, comprising purchase order automation, automatic stock adjustments, and integrated sales channel management. Square’s inventory management solution offers all essential inventory management and tracking features with advanced reporting capabilities. The platform also has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to operate.

In addition to the features mentioned above, QuickBooks Commerce also offers a powerful reporting system that provides insights into sales trends, inventory levels, and customer behavior. The platform’s reporting tools enable businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.

On the other hand, Square’s inventory management solution integrates seamlessly with its point-of-sale system, allowing businesses to manage their inventory and sales in one place. The platform also offers advanced analytics and reporting features, enabling businesses to track their performance and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, Square’s inventory management solution supports multiple locations, making it an ideal choice for businesses with multiple stores or warehouses.

Pricing plans comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

QuickBooks Commerce and Square both offer flexible pricing plans that depend on the scale of the business, its requirements, and the number of users. QuickBooks Commerce offers pricing plans that range from $39/month to $799/month, while Square’s pricing plan ranges from $0 to $299/month. Both platforms offer a free trial to help users get a feel for the software.

When it comes to payment processing fees, QuickBooks Commerce charges 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction for online payments, while Square charges 2.6% + 10 cents per transaction for in-person payments and 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction for online payments. Additionally, QuickBooks Commerce offers advanced inventory management features, such as batch tracking and serial number tracking, which are not available on Square.

On the other hand, Square offers a wider range of integrations with third-party apps, including popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify. Square also offers a free point-of-sale app that can be used on a smartphone or tablet, making it a more affordable option for small businesses that don’t require advanced inventory management features.

Ease of use comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

Both QuickBooks Commerce and Square offer intuitive platforms that are user-friendly and easy to navigate. QuickBooks Commerce provides a clear and concise dashboard that makes it easy to manage orders and inventory across all channels. Square’s inventory management solution is equally easy to use, with a simple layout that focuses on displaying essential data in a clean and organized way.

However, when it comes to customization, QuickBooks Commerce offers more flexibility. Users can customize their dashboard and reports to fit their specific needs, while Square’s customization options are more limited. Additionally, QuickBooks Commerce offers more advanced features such as automated order routing and fulfillment, which can save time and streamline operations for businesses with high order volumes.

On the other hand, Square’s platform is better suited for businesses that require a mobile point-of-sale solution. Square’s mobile app allows users to easily process transactions on-the-go, while QuickBooks Commerce’s mobile app is more focused on inventory management and order tracking. Overall, both platforms offer ease of use and user-friendly interfaces, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and priorities of the business.

Inventory management comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

The inventory management tools provided by QuickBooks Commerce and Square are equally efficient. Both platforms offer centralized inventory management, real-time stock control, and automated purchasing capabilities. QuickBooks Commerce has an edge over Square due to its powerful forecasting feature that lets businesses make informed decisions based on sales trends. Square, on the other hand, provides a dedicated mobile app that helps businesses monitor inventory on the go.

Order management comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

QuickBooks Commerce and Square offer robust order management tools that automate the overall order to fulfillment process. QuickBooks Commerce allows for the creation of sales orders, backorders, and purchase orders with its automation tools. Similarly, Square’s inventory management tool provides an integrated and streamlined platform for both in-store and online retail businesses, fulfilling customer orders, from order tracking to managing payment refunds, all under one dashboard.

Integrations comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

Both QuickBooks Commerce and Square recognize the importance of seamless integration with other software and services. QuickBooks Commerce provides integration with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, allowing for a more streamlined and automated connection between platforms. Square’s inventory management solution is designed to integrate with a wide range of POS systems, payment processors, and financial software.

Customer support comparison: QuickBooks Commerce vs Square

QuickBooks Commerce and Square both offer excellent customer support. QuickBooks Commerce’s support team is available via phone, email, and live chat, all week long. Additionally, the platform offers an extensive knowledge base and user guides to help users resolve their issues. Square, on the other hand, provides customer support through email and phone calls and maintains a blog and community help center where users can find a wealth of information.

Pros and cons of using QuickBooks Commerce or Square for your business needs

QuickBooks Commerce and Square have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to inventory and order management. QuickBooks Commerce offers advanced forecasting and reporting capabilities, whereas Square provides an intuitive mobile app and a simple interface. QuickBooks Commerce may be costly for some businesses, while Square might not be appropriate for large businesses with complex inventory needs.

Use cases for both QuickBooks Commerce and Square in different industries

QuickBooks Commerce and Square play a significant role in various industries. For example, QuickBooks Commerce is ideal for small-to-medium-sized companies and ideal for businesses that require a cost-effective and efficient way to manage their inventory and orders. Square is best suited for small businesses looking to streamline their inventory management and order fulfillment process while integrating with its other business management tools.

How to choose between TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) or Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

When choosing between QuickBooks Commerce and Square, businesses must evaluate their needs and long-term goals. Businesses should evaluate their inventory management requirements to determine which platform is best suited for them based on features, ease of use, customer support, and pricing plans.

Conclusion: Which platform is the best fit for your business?

In conclusion, both QuickBooks Commerce and Square offer streamlined and efficient inventory and order management solutions for businesses. However, businesses must assess their needs, including their size, industry, and required features, before selecting a platform. QuickBooks Commerce excels in forecasting and reporting, while Square is ideal for small businesses with simple inventory management requirements. Once businesses have identified their requirements, they can take advantage of the free trial features offered by both platforms to choose which solution is right for them.