Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

If you’re running a business that involves managing inventory, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs – two popular inventory management software systems. In this article, we’ll break down the features, pricing, user interface, integration capabilities, customer support, and other critical aspects of both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs to help you make an informed decision on which system is right for your business.

What is Fishbowl Inventory?

Fishbowl Inventory is an inventory management software system designed to help businesses automate, streamline, and optimize their inventory management processes. The system offers a wide range of features that allow businesses to manage their inventory, sales orders, work orders, manufacturing processes, and other critical aspects of their business operations.

One of the key benefits of Fishbowl Inventory is its ability to integrate with a variety of other business software systems, such as accounting software and e-commerce platforms. This integration allows businesses to have a more comprehensive view of their operations and make more informed decisions.

In addition, Fishbowl Inventory offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to track key performance indicators and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach to inventory management can help businesses reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

What is Stitch Labs (now part of Square)?

Stitch Labs (now part of Square) is another popular inventory management software system that helps businesses manage their inventory, orders, and other aspects of their business operations. The system is known for its powerful analytics and reporting capabilities, which give businesses insights into their inventory performance, sales trends, and other critical metrics.

In addition to its inventory management features, Stitch Labs (now part of Square) also offers integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy. This allows businesses to easily sync their inventory and orders across multiple sales channels, streamlining their operations and reducing the risk of overselling or stockouts. The system also includes features such as purchase order management, vendor management, and customizable workflows to further optimize business processes.

Pros and cons of Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl Inventory has a broad range of features, making it an excellent choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking for a robust inventory management system. The platform offers several pricing options with flexible payment plans, which makes it easier for businesses to integrate the system into their operations. However, some users have reported that the user interface is not as intuitive as they would like it to be.

One of the advantages of Fishbowl Inventory is its ability to integrate with other software systems, such as QuickBooks and Salesforce. This integration allows for seamless data transfer and eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving businesses time and reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, Fishbowl Inventory offers excellent customer support, with a dedicated team available to assist users with any issues or questions they may have.

On the other hand, some users have reported that Fishbowl Inventory can be slow to load, particularly when dealing with large amounts of data. This can be frustrating for businesses that need to access inventory information quickly. Additionally, while Fishbowl Inventory offers a wide range of features, some users have found that the system can be overly complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for those who are not tech-savvy.

Pros and cons of Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

Stitch Labs is known for its powerful analytics and reporting capabilities, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to gain insights into their inventory performance. The system offers comprehensive integrations with various marketplaces, which makes it easier for businesses to sell their products across multiple channels. However, the pricing for Stitch Labs can be expensive for some businesses, making it less accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.

Another advantage of Stitch Labs is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for businesses to manage their inventory and orders. The system also provides real-time inventory tracking, which helps businesses avoid stockouts and overstocking. Additionally, Stitch Labs offers customizable reporting options, allowing businesses to generate reports that are tailored to their specific needs.

Which inventory management system is right for your business?

Ultimately, the choice between Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs will depend on your business’s unique needs, budget, and priorities. If you’re a small or medium-sized business looking for a flexible inventory management system with robust features, Fishbowl Inventory may be a better fit. If your business is focused on gaining insights into your inventory performance and sales trends across multiple channels, Stitch Labs may be the better choice.

It’s important to consider the level of technical expertise required to implement and maintain each system. Fishbowl Inventory may require more technical knowledge to set up, but once it’s up and running, it’s user-friendly. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, is known for its ease of use, but may not have as many customization options as Fishbowl Inventory.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Fishbowl Inventory has a one-time license fee, while Stitch Labs operates on a monthly subscription model. Depending on your budget and cash flow, one option may be more feasible than the other.

Features comparison: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs

Both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs offer a wide range of features to help businesses automate, streamline, and optimize their inventory management processes. However, there are key differences between the two systems that businesses should be aware of. Fishbowl Inventory is known for its robust work order and manufacturing functionalities, while Stitch Labs is known for its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. Businesses should carefully evaluate their needs and priorities when comparing the features of both systems.

Another important difference between Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs is their pricing models. Fishbowl Inventory offers a one-time perpetual license fee, while Stitch Labs operates on a subscription-based model. This means that businesses using Fishbowl Inventory will pay a larger upfront cost, but will not have to worry about ongoing subscription fees. On the other hand, businesses using Stitch Labs will have lower upfront costs, but will need to pay a recurring subscription fee.

Additionally, Fishbowl Inventory offers integrations with a wide range of accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero, making it a great choice for businesses that already use these systems. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, offers integrations with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, making it a great choice for businesses that sell products online. Ultimately, the choice between Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs will depend on a business’s specific needs and priorities.

Pricing comparison: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs

Fishbowl Inventory offers flexible pricing options with customizable payment plans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to integrate the system into their operations. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, has tiered pricing options that can be more expensive, making it less accessible for some businesses. Businesses should evaluate their budget and priorities when comparing the pricing of both systems.

It’s important to note that while Fishbowl Inventory may have more affordable pricing options, Stitch Labs offers additional features and integrations that may be worth the extra cost for some businesses. For example, Stitch Labs has integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, which can streamline the inventory management process for businesses that sell products online. Ultimately, businesses should carefully consider their specific needs and goals when deciding which inventory management system to invest in.

User interface comparison: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs

The user interface is an essential factor in evaluating the ease of use of any software system. Fishbowl Inventory has a slightly steeper learning curve, with some users reporting difficulty navigating the system. Stitch Labs, on the other hand, has a more intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a system that is easy to learn and use.

However, Fishbowl Inventory offers more customization options for its user interface, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs. This can be particularly useful for businesses with complex inventory management requirements.

Another factor to consider is the mobile-friendliness of the user interface. Stitch Labs has a mobile app that allows users to manage their inventory on-the-go, while Fishbowl Inventory does not currently offer a mobile app. This may be a deciding factor for businesses that require mobile access to their inventory management system.

Integration capabilities: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs

Both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs offer comprehensive integrations with various marketplaces, shipping carriers, and accounting systems. However, Fishbowl Inventory offers more integrations with third-party systems, while Stitch Labs integrates seamlessly with Square, making it an excellent choice for businesses that already use Square for their payment processing.

Customer support comparison: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs

Customer support is a crucial part of any software system, and businesses should carefully evaluate the quality of customer support offered by both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs. Fishbowl Inventory offers free technical support via phone and email, while Stitch Labs offers phone support for an additional fee. Businesses should evaluate their support needs and priorities when comparing the customer support of both systems.

Case studies: Businesses that use Fishbowl Inventory vs businesses that use Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

Many businesses have found success using both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs to manage their inventory and other critical aspects of their operations. Fishbowl Inventory has been highly rated by businesses in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries, while Stitch Labs has been popular among e-commerce businesses looking to gain valuable insights into their inventory performance and sales trends.

Security and data privacy considerations: Fishbowl Inventory vs Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

When evaluating any software system, businesses should carefully consider the security and data privacy implications of using the system. Both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs are committed to protecting their customers’ data and offer comprehensive security features and protocols to ensure that customer data is safe and secure.

Future outlook for Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs (now part of Square)

The future outlook for both Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs is positive, with both systems continually being updated and improved to meet the evolving needs of businesses. Fishbowl Inventory has recently announced new integrations with various marketplaces and shipping carriers, while Stitch Labs continues to expand its reporting and analytics capabilities.

Final verdict: Which inventory management system should you choose?

Ultimately, the choice between Fishbowl Inventory and Stitch Labs (now part of Square) will depend on your business’s unique needs, budget, and priorities. Both systems offer a wide range of features, integrations, and analytical capabilities that can help businesses optimize their inventory management processes. Businesses should carefully evaluate their needs and priorities when comparing these two systems and choose the one that best suits their needs.

We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about which inventory management system is right for your business. Remember, no system is perfect, and every business has unique needs and priorities. By carefully evaluating your options, you can choose the system that best fits your business and helps you succeed in a competitive marketplace.