Best Apps for Operations for Shopify

Running a Shopify store successfully requires more than just listing products and managing sales. Smooth and efficient operations are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction, boosting profits, and scaling your business. From inventory management to order fulfillment and workflow automation, the right apps can save you time, reduce errors, and streamline operations.

In this blog, we explore the best apps for operations for Shopify to help you optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and scale your store seamlessly.

Why Operational Efficiency Matters for Shopify Stores

Operational efficiency is critical for Shopify store owners because it:

• Saves Time: Automates repetitive tasks to focus on growth.
• Reduces Errors: Minimizes manual mistakes in orders and inventory.
• Improves Customer Experience: Faster fulfillment and better service.
• Boosts Profitability: Optimizes processes to lower costs and improve margins.

Leveraging the right operational apps ensures that every part of your store—from inventory to order management—runs like a well-oiled machine.

Top Apps for Operations on Shopify

Shopify Flow

Shopify Flow is an automation tool that streamlines e-commerce processes by enabling merchants to create custom workflows. It offers a no-code interface for automating tasks like inventory management, customer segmentation, and marketing, significantly reducing manual efforts and increasing efficiency​.

Key Features:

• Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like tagging customers, managing inventory, and sending notifications to streamline operations.
• Customizable Templates: Use pre-built workflow templates for tasks such as fraud detection, loyalty rewards, and order management, or create your workflows.
• Multi-App Integration: Connect seamlessly with other Shopify apps like Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion, and Gorgias to extend functionality.
• Trigger-Based Actions: Automate actions based on specific triggers such as order creation, inventory changes, or customer behavior.
• Scalability: Suitable for stores of all sizes, Shopify Flow grows with your business, handling complex operations effortlessly.
• User-Friendly Interface: A drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to set up and customize workflows without needing coding expertise.
• Advanced Reporting: Track the performance of automated workflows to ensure efficiency and identify areas for improvement.

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan: Shopify Flow is included at no additional cost for merchants on Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus plans.

Stocky

Stocky is an inventory management application designed to optimize stock control for Shopify merchants, particularly those utilizing Shopify POS Pro.

Key Features:

• Smart Inventory Management: Provides intelligent recommendations to reduce errors and increase profitability by suggesting optimal product mixes.
• Purchase Order Creation: Allows for the creation and management of purchase orders, facilitating direct communication with suppliers.
• Demand Forecasting: Offers purchase order suggestions based on recent product performance and seasonal trends to ensure appropriate stock levels.
• Stocktakes and Adjustments: Enables conducting stocktakes by counting or scanning stock on hand and making necessary adjustments.
• Stock Transfers: Facilitates requesting transfers from other locations, and keeping track of incoming and outgoing inventory.
• In-Depth Reporting: Provides comprehensive stock analytics to inform data-driven inventory decisions.

Pricing:

Stocky is included with the Shopify POS Pro subscription. Merchants who installed Stocky before May 4, 2020, have it included in their Shopify subscription.

Order Printer Pro

Order Printer Pro is a Shopify application designed to streamline the printing and delivery of essential order documents, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer experience.

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Key Features:

• Automated PDF Delivery: Automatically send PDF invoices, receipts, and quotes to customers, reducing manual tasks and improving communication.
• Bulk Printing and Exporting: Efficiently print and export documents for multiple orders simultaneously, saving time during order fulfillment.
• Customizable Templates: Personalize documents with your store's branding, including logos and color schemes, to maintain a consistent brand image.
• Draft Order Management: Easily print and export draft orders, facilitating the creation of quotes and pro forma invoices.
• Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support: Cater to a global customer base with support for various languages and currencies, ensuring accurate and localized documentation.

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan: Suitable for stores processing up to 50 orders per month, offering essential features like bulk printing and automated PDF invoices.
• Starter Plan: At $10 per month, this plan accommodates up to 500 orders monthly and includes all Free Plan features, along with customizable templates.
• Growth Plan: Priced at $20 per month, it supports up to 5,000 orders per month and offers advanced functionalities for growing businesses.
• Scale Plan: For $40 per month, this plan provides unlimited orders and comprehensive features suitable for large-scale operations.

Veeqo

Veeqo is a comprehensive shipping and inventory management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations across multiple sales channels.

Key Features:

• Multichannel Inventory Management: Maintain accurate, real-time stock levels across all sales channels, including online stores and physical locations, ensuring consistent inventory data.
• Order Management: Consolidate orders from various platforms into a single interface, facilitating efficient processing and fulfillment.
• Shipping Integration: Access pre-negotiated shipping rates with major carriers such as UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, enabling cost-effective and expedited shipping solutions.
• Warehouse Management: Utilize digital picking and packing tools to enhance accuracy and speed in order fulfillment, reducing errors and improving customer satisfaction.
• Reporting and Analytics: Generate insightful reports on sales, inventory, and shipping performance to inform strategic business decisions.

Pricing:

Veeqo is available to sellers at no monthly cost; users only pay for their chosen carrier labels, with no additional subscription fees.

ShipStation

ShipStation is a leading e-commerce shipping platform designed to simplify and automate order fulfillment for online retailers.

Key Features:

• Multi-Channel Order Management: Consolidate orders from various sales channels into a single interface, streamlining processing and fulfillment.
• Discounted Shipping Rates: Access significant discounts with major carriers, including up to 77% off UPS Ground® rates and up to 83% off UPS® International services.
• Automation Rules: Create custom automation rules to handle repetitive tasks, such as assigning shipping methods or applying tags, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Batch Label Printing: Generate and print shipping labels in bulk, processing up to 500 labels simultaneously to expedite order fulfillment.
• Branded Tracking and Notifications: Provide customers with branded tracking pages and automated notifications, enhancing the post-purchase experience.
• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels across multiple warehouses and sales channels to prevent overselling and ensure timely restocking.

Pricing Plans:

ShipStation offers tiered pricing to accommodate businesses of varying sizes:

• Starter: $9.99/month for up to 50 shipments.
• Growth: $29.99/month for up to 500 shipments.
• Scale: $99.99/month for up to 2,000 shipments.
• High-Volume: $399.99/month for unlimited shipments.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to manage financial operations efficiently.

Key Features:

• Invoicing and Payments: Create and send professional invoices, accept online payments, and track payment statuses to streamline cash flow.
• Expense Tracking: Automatically import and categorize expenses from linked bank accounts and credit cards, simplifying financial record-keeping.
• Financial Reporting: Generate detailed financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets, to gain insights into business performance.
• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels, set reorder points, and manage vendors to ensure optimal inventory control.
• Payroll Integration: Seamlessly integrate with QuickBooks Payroll to manage employee payments, tax filings, and compliance.
• Multi-User Access: Collaborate with team members and accountants by providing role-based access to financial data.
• Mobile Accessibility: Access financial information and perform accounting tasks on the go with the QuickBooks mobile app.

Pricing Plans:

QuickBooks Online offers several subscription tiers to accommodate varying business needs:

• Simple Start: Priced at $35 per month, this plan is ideal for small business owners and startups with basic accounting requirements.
• Essentials: At $65 per month, this plan suits small businesses requiring multi-user access and enhanced billing and reporting features.
• Plus: For $100 per month, this plan includes advanced features such as inventory tracking and project profitability analysis.
• Advanced: Designed for growing businesses, this plan offers comprehensive tools and premium support at $200 per month.

Skubana

Skubana is a comprehensive e-commerce operations platform designed to centralize and automate order processing, inventory management, and analytics across multiple sales channels.

Key Features:

• Order Management: Automate order processing with custom workflows tailored to specific channels and customer types, ensuring efficient and accurate fulfillment.
• Inventory Management: Gain real-time visibility into inventory across various sales channels and warehouses, with tools for replenishments and transfers to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Warehouse Management: Optimize warehouse operations with paperless pick, pack, and shipping processes, supported by barcode scanning and customizable workflows.
• Shipping Management: Integrate with multiple shipping carriers to streamline label printing and tracking, enhancing the shipping process.
• Analytics and Reporting: Access actionable insights through custom reports and dashboards, facilitating informed business decisions.

Pricing:

Skubana offers customized pricing based on the specific needs and size of your business. For detailed pricing information, it's recommended to contact Skubana directly to receive a quote tailored to your operational requirements.

Zapier

Zapier is a leading automation platform that enables businesses to connect over 7,000 apps, streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency.

Key Features:

• Extensive App Integrations: Connects with a vast array of applications, including Shopify, QuickBooks Online, and Mailchimp, facilitating seamless data flow across platforms.
• Customizable Workflows (Zaps): Allows users to create automated workflows, known as "Zaps," that perform specific actions when triggered by defined events.
• No-Code Automation: Empowers users to build complex automation without any coding knowledge, making it accessible to non-technical team members.
• Conditional Logic: Incorporates filters and paths to execute actions based on specific conditions, enabling more tailored and efficient workflows.
• Task Management: Monitors and manages tasks executed through Zaps, providing insights into workflow performance and facilitating optimization.

Pricing Plans:

Zapier offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate various business needs:

• Free Plan: $0/month – Includes 5 Zaps and 100 tasks per month, suitable for individuals or small businesses with basic automation requirements.
• Starter Plan: $19.99/month (billed annually) – Provides 20 Zaps and 750 tasks per month, along with access to multi-step Zaps and select premium apps.
• Professional Plan: $49/month (billed annually) – Offers unlimited Zaps and 2,000 tasks per month, featuring advanced tools like custom logic and priority support.
• Team Plan: $299/month (billed annually) – Designed for collaborative teams, offering shared workspaces, unlimited Zaps, and 50,000 tasks per month.
• Company Plan: $599/month (billed annually) – Tailored for larger organizations, providing advanced security features, unlimited Zaps, and 100,000 tasks per month.

TradeGecko

TradeGecko, now known as QuickBooks Commerce, is a comprehensive inventory and order management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations for small to medium-sized businesses.

Key Features:

• Inventory Management: Maintain real-time stock levels across multiple channels and warehouses, ensuring accurate inventory tracking and preventing stockouts or overstocking.
• Order Management: Centralize orders from various sales channels into a single system, facilitating efficient processing and fulfillment.
• B2B eCommerce Platform: Offer a dedicated portal for wholesale customers, enabling seamless bulk ordering and personalized pricing.
• Multi-Currency Support: Conduct transactions in multiple currencies, catering to a global customer base and simplifying international sales.
• Accounting Integration: Sync seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero, ensuring accurate financial records and streamlined bookkeeping.
• Mobile Accessibility: Manage inventory and orders on the go with a mobile app, providing flexibility and real-time updates.

Pricing Plans:

TradeGecko offers various subscription plans tailored to different business needs. However, since its acquisition by Intuit and rebranding to QuickBooks Commerce, pricing structures may have changed. For the most current pricing information, it's recommended to visit the official QuickBooks Commerce website or contact their sales team directly.

Gorgias

Gorgias is a customer service platform tailored for e-commerce businesses, offering a unified solution to manage customer interactions across multiple channels.

Key Features:

• Unified Inbox: Consolidates customer communications from email, live chat, phone, and social media into a single interface, streamlining support operations.
• Deep Shopify Integration: Allows support agents to view and modify Shopify orders directly within Gorgias, facilitating efficient order management and customer assistance.
• Automation Capabilities: Utilizes macros, rules, and AI-driven responses to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing team productivity and response times.
• Multi-Channel Support: Manages customer inquiries from various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and SMS, ensuring comprehensive support coverage.
• Performance Analytics: Provides insights into support metrics, enabling data-driven decisions to improve customer service quality.

Pricing Plans:

Gorgias offers several pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of different sizes:

• Starter: $10/month – Includes 50 billable tickets per month and up to 3 user seats.
• Basic: $60/month – Offers 300 billable tickets per month with up to 500 user seats.
• Pro: $360/month – Provides 2,000 billable tickets per month and up to 500 user seats.
• Advanced: $900/month – Includes 5,000 billable tickets per month with up to 500 user seats.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing – Tailored for larger businesses with specific needs.

Tips for Choosing the Best Operations Apps for Shopify

1. Identify Your Needs: Determine which operational areas need improvement, such as inventory management, order processing, or shipping. Choose apps tailored to these specific functions.
2. Integration with Shopify: Ensure the app integrates seamlessly with Shopify and any other tools you already use, such as accounting software or shipping platforms.
3. Ease of Use: Look for apps with an intuitive interface and minimal learning curve to streamline adoption by your team.
4. Automation Features: Choose apps that automate repetitive tasks, like order fulfillment or inventory updates, to save time and reduce errors.
5. Scalability: Opt for apps that can handle increased workloads as your business grows, ensuring long-term utility.
6. Customer Support: Check the app’s reviews for feedback on customer support. Reliable support ensures that any issues are resolved promptly.
7. Mobile Compatibility: For flexibility, select apps that work well on mobile devices, allowing you to manage operations on the go.
8. Reporting and Insights: Choose apps that offer robust analytics and reporting features to track performance and make informed decisions.
9. Free Trials and Pricing: Look for apps with free trials to test their functionality and ensure the pricing aligns with your budget.
10. Reviews and Ratings: Check the Shopify App Store for user reviews and ratings to evaluate real-world performance and reliability.

Conclusion

The right operations apps can significantly streamline your Shopify store’s workflow, enhancing efficiency and scalability. From managing inventory and automating orders to optimizing shipping and improving customer service, apps like Shopify Flow, Veeqo, and Gorgias offer tailored solutions for various operational needs. By selecting tools that integrate seamlessly with your store and cater to your business’s unique requirements, you can save time, reduce errors, and focus on growing your business. These apps are essential investments for building a well-organized and successful e-commerce store.