Fishbowl vs ShipMonk

Sortly

NetSuite

Odoo 

Sortly is an easy inventory solution that helps businesses track and manage their inventory from any device, in any location.

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite. It helps organizations streamline their operations and gain real-time insights into their performance. The suite caters to a range of industries such as manufacturing, retail, and professional services.

Odoo is an all-in-one, open-source business platform covering CRM, Sales, Accounting, Inventory, Manufacturing, and Projects. It’s fully integrated, customizable, and scalable for companies of any size or budget.

Automate your inventory management with real-time data in a cloud-based or on-premise solution that is simple to deploy and easy to use. Fishbowl streamlines the manufacturing process to increase throughput, accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.

Inventory Control

Reporting/Analytics

Order Management

Search/Filter

Warehouse Management

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

Shipping Management

Forecasting

Alerts/Notifications

Supplier Management

Kitting

Multi-Channel Management

Reviews for Fishbowl come from a wide variety of industries, including electrical/electronic manufacturing (13% of reviewers), food & beverages (7%), and consumer goods (6%). The most frequent use case for Fishbowl cited by reviewers is inventory management (68% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers find Fishbowl offers comprehensive features at a reasonable price and appreciate the modular pricing and budget flexibility. However, some users report confusing pricing, unexpected ongoing costs, and say it can become expensive for small businesses.

Value for money

The Fishbowl integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: QuickBooks Online (an accounting product rated 4.7 out of 5 for its integration with Fishbowl), QuickBooks Enterprise (an enterprise resource planning product, 4.5), and Shopify (an eCommerce product, 4.4).

Integrations

Fishbowl is an inventory management solution with key features that include inventory management, inventory control, reporting and analytics, purchase order management, inventory tracking, order management, and more.

Fishbowl

Web-based

Windows

iPhone

Linux

iPad

Android

QuickBooks Enterprise

Zoho Inventory

Katana Cloud Inventory

inFlow Inventory

SkuVault Core

Finale Inventory

Acctivate Inventory Management

SAP Business One

Cin7 Core

MRPeasy

Wherefour 

Thrive by Shopventory

Basic Inventory

Advanced Warehousing

Advanced Manufacturing

Fishbowl Commerce Suite

Cumbersome data handling

Lead Engineer

Many, many aspects, such as the import/export function, are some of the worst examples of programming/knowledge I have seen in decades.

62% of reviewers feel negative about Fishbowl’s data import and export capabilities. Reviewers indicate that exporting reports to Excel or QuickBooks is often problematic, with data requiring extensive manual cleanup. Users say import/export processes are error-prone, lack flexibility, and can result in lost historical data or failed transfers. Many mention recurring export failures and difficulties reconciling information between Fishbowl and accounting systems. Some reviewers report that troubleshooting these issues is time-consuming and often requires external support, adding to their frustration.

Delayed and inaccessible support

59% of reviewers feel negative about Fishbowl’s phone support. Reviewers report long wait times, difficulty reaching a live person, and frequent reliance on voicemail or callbacks that can take hours or days. Users say urgent issues are not addressed promptly, causing business disruptions. Many mention repeated attempts to contact support without success and frustration with unreturned calls or emails. Some reviewers feel the support team is understaffed and that communication is inconsistent, making it challenging to resolve problems quickly when they arise.

Refund and accounting frustrations

President

Not only did Fishbowl fail to provide adequate communication during the entire process, but they also refused to give me a refund.

79% of reviewers feel negative about Fishbowl’s accounting and refund processes. Reviewers report frequent issues with account mapping, integration errors with QuickBooks, and difficulty handling customer credits or returns. They say refund policies are restrictive, with many unable to obtain refunds even when the software does not meet their needs. Users mention poor communication and slow responses from support when dealing with financial discrepancies, leading to frustration and financial losses. Some reviewers feel misled by sales promises and dissatisfied with the lack of flexibility in accounting workflows.

Limited and rigid reporting

Office Manager

I think my only issue is having to update any custom reports every time there is a new update so your report is compatible with the version you are updating to.

60% of reviewers feel negative about Fishbowl’s reporting features. Reviewers say standard reports are basic and not easily customizable, making it hard to get the specific insights they need. Users mention that creating or modifying custom reports is difficult, often requiring third-party assistance or technical expertise. They find report formatting unintuitive and exporting data for further analysis challenging. Some reviewers express frustration with the time and cost involved in updating or developing reports, especially when frequent software updates break existing customizations.

Frequent software disruptions

64% of reviewers feel negative about Fishbowl’s bugs and technical issues. Users report regular software crashes, freezing, and sync problems, especially during updates or integrations with other platforms. Reviewers indicate that mistakes are hard to correct due to limited undo options, and system errors often require time-consuming workarounds or restarts. Some users say these disruptions can halt business operations and create significant frustration, particularly when technical glitches affect order processing or inventory accuracy. Multiple reviewers mention that fixes are slow and issues often recur.

Scalable for growing businesses

86% of reviewers feel positive about Fishbowl’s support for small business growth. Reviewers report that the software is well-suited for startups and small to medium-sized companies, offering tools that scale as their needs expand. They appreciate the affordable entry cost and the ability to add features or users as their business grows. Users say Fishbowl helps them manage increased complexity without switching platforms, and they value the flexibility to adapt the system to changing requirements. Many reviewers credit Fishbowl with supporting their company’s expansion.

Robust feature set

81% of reviewers feel positive about Fishbowl’s features. Reviewers indicate the software offers a wide range of functionalities for inventory, manufacturing, and integration with other business tools. They appreciate the customizable dashboard, advanced inventory controls, and seamless QuickBooks integration. Users mention that the system provides many out-of-the-box features and the ability to tailor the platform to specific business needs. Some reviewers note ongoing improvements and new feature releases, which help them optimize their operations and stay aligned with industry requirements.

Streamlined daily operations

92% of reviewers feel positive about Fishbowl’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the software is straightforward to learn, even for those new to inventory systems, and say it makes daily tasks much simpler. They appreciate that processes are intuitive, navigation is quick, and everything is easy to find. Users think the platform’s simplicity reduces training time and allows staff to become productive quickly. Some reviewers find the interface clear and the steps to complete common actions minimal, which helps them work more efficiently and reduces the chance of errors.

Director of Corporate Operations

We were not able to link their system to our QuickBooks accounting software and online store (Shopify) to pull location of inventory available or shipping quotes prior to full sync.

Accountant

It is amazing how much we are able to accomplish in just the warehousing license and the workarounds we created to manufacturing in a warehouse limited database.

Customer Service Representative

I feel like there are some things that fall on shoulders of the CSR's that should be handled by the production team/warehouse (ie: picking and shipping) but that might not be a FB issue, that could be the way my company has decided to do things.   Because of that, I can't take away a star since that might not be a system issue.

Service Manager

Fishbowl has an end user friendly UI that makes creating orders, and purchase orders seamless.

warehouse manager

It’s a robust inventory management system that has helped bring structure and visibility to our warehouse operations.

Warehouse and Sales Admin Specialist

The system delivers strong functionality and integrates well with our existing processes, but some areas of the interface can feel less intuitive than we’d like.

Manager, Supply Chain

The real-time tracking of parts and assemblies, along with automated reorder points, has saved us from running into stockouts.

The ability to track inventory in real time and integrate with accounting systems is especially valuable.

Its real-time visibility ensures accurate stock levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.

I also appreciate how customizable it is for different workflows, allowing it to adapt to our specific operational needs.

Ecommerce and Customer Relations Manager

I find that most of the time I am exporting large reports that are slow to generate to transform in excel to get the information I am looking for.

The system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with other platforms makes managing complex inventories effortless.

The easy integration with our existing systems has saved us time and reduced errors, and their customer support team consistently goes above and beyond to help.

Director of Digital Marketing

Need more control over certain things like being able to send invoices with credit card payment links with our standard credit card processor.

Lead Designer

Overall, I feel that Fishbowl shines in warehouse tracking and production workflows, but it does come with a learning curve.

ITAdmin

Great support structure when product expectation is not meeting identified needs or when question arises that is not readily available n documentation.

Engineering Technician

Helpful Integration Team, we are using the system primarily for manufacturing inventory management, and were able to find ways to use functions in various ways to give the outcome we were looking for.

IT Director

Server seems to have minimal resources, so sometimes when i get in there to try and provide any support, it seems slow to navigate around in.

General Manager

The mobile app does not allow us to integrate Fishbowl payments into the app and accept CC payments using Fishbowls own payment gateway.  

Supply Chain Officer

One standout feature is the flexibility in generating reports; I can create various types, from detailed inventory tracking to comprehensive transaction reports and item monitoring.

Founder

Configuring workflows required a significant time investment and unfortunately the interface wasn’t immediately intuitive for our team.

Senior analyst and consultant

Old user interface and limited native extracts and reporting capabilities, aside core strength inventory management functionalities

Finance Director

Not super flexible accounting wise: you cannot link a supplier to a specific Payable account for example.

Inventory Specialist

I do not like when the server has an issue, it can take some time to get around to calling support and everyone has to wait around.

Director of Automation

User Interface , Sophisticated Manufacturing , Purchase , Products , BOM , part modules.

Overall, Fishbowl delivers a powerful combination of functionality and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to strengthen their inventory and order management processes.

Operations Supervisor

It can be easily reviewed as the sales order numbers can be clicked and it brings you to that specific sales order to be easily reviewed.

We rely on Fishbowl to keep our inventory under control and we have over 100 products.

Director of Operations

Not all capabilities like scanners, mobile integration is fully explained upfront.

Fishbowl was willing to help guide those employees, and worked tirelessly to ensure we could migrate from our old system with ease.

Preparer Order Analyst

The ease of being able to track inventory via cloud, and also, being able to track through other shippers, like DHL, UPS, FEDEX, and other warehouses.

I need to remember to call instead of sending an email because it takes longer to get a response when emailing.  

I was forced to pay out over $19,000 for unrendered services even though we were guarenteed success of integration.

Operations

Engineered for simplicity and efficiency, this application streamlines essential tasks, providing users with a seamless and effective experience.

I have to integrate with QuickBooks, so Fishbowl is a solid option for the price.

CIS Managaer

We are able to do a good amount of config that is capable of being done without the need of a Fishbowl technician.

AR AP LEAD

that once integrated with Avalara you cant undo anything when export over to QuickBooks.

Project and Office Manager

I think it would be more helpful at the beginning to walk through orders and see how everything flows before trying to set up the system.  

Supply Chain Manager

Not being able to modify reports without buying addons.  

Inventory Manager

Sometimes we get invoices for freight after we receive the product, and there is no way to edit the reconciliation after the product has moved.  

With continued improvements to usability and reporting, it has the potential to be an even stronger solution.

Administrative Assistant

I love the inventory management and order syncing.

The manufacturing module lets us build parts and put in inventory, which is what we needed (and did not have) in the past

ICT Support and Project Coordinator

It’s a great user-friendly inventory management tool for Windows OS. Despite its UI looking old-fashion, it does the job just fine.

Inventory Control Specialist

With a limit to how many people can be logged into the server at once that makes this yet another unnecessary step to do something very simple.  

The sync did not work properly talking back and forth between QuickBooks.

ERP Coordinator

If I want to compare it with other ERP systems, I can say that working with Fishbowl is really understandable and straightforward for users. But as I said, if we had visual reports for the other modules and a better graphical view for the workspace, it would be great!

I am happy to have made the switch to Fishbowl, as it has saved us a lot of time and made our real-time inventory much more accurate than before.

Accounting Manager

reporting could be much better and tax importation could be much better reporting could be much better and tax importation could be much better

It's database keeping is pretty good, and the ability to sort is great.   But it's also frustrating when there are things you want to be able to do, and just can't.  

Inventory Management

Reviewers indicate Fishbowl's inventory management capabilities allow them to track inventory across multiple locations, set reorder points, and manage SKUs and product variations efficiently. Users report Fishbowl helps with forecasting needs and provides transparency in stock levels, which is valuable for e-commerce and manufacturing. They find the interface generally easy to use, but some mention issues with integration to QuickBooks, rigid processes, and occasional inaccuracies in inventory counts. Users appreciate Fishbowl’s integration with Shopify and Amazon. Of the 50 Fishbowl users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Inventory Management, 100% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Users report Fishbowl’s order management integrates with eCommerce platforms and QuickBooks, allowing them to process, track, and fulfill orders efficiently. Reviewers indicate Fishbowl’s process flow is logical and makes it easy to create, maintain, and search orders, as well as manage order statuses from quote to fulfillment. They find it valuable for handling sales and purchase orders in one place, but some mention the process can be time-consuming and desire improved integration and fewer steps. Of the 25 Fishbowl users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Order Management, 92% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Data Import and Export

Reporting

Manufacturing and Warehouse

Performance and Speed

Phone Support

Sales and Purchasing

Process Management

Small Business

Large Enterprises

Freelancers

Mid-size Business

Tai TMS

Tai TMS is an all-in-one domestic freight management system for full truckload (FL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments. With automation capabilities and direct integrations, this solution can enable teams to speed up processes and gain operational visibility.

CartonCloud

CartonCloud is an all-in-one WMS + TMS built for 3PLs, in-house logistics teams, and transport operators. Automate inventory, fulfilment, deliveries, billing, and reporting with real-time accuracy — built for logistics teams who need speed, clarity, and control.

InfoPlus

InfoPlus is a cloud-based inventory & warehouse management solution which offers a range of tools for managing customers, vendors, stock, orders, shipping, & more. The system is designed for small & medium-sized B2B & B2C businesses in wholesale, eCommerce retail, & third party logistics.

ShipMonk helps ecommerce brands scale through technology-driven fulfillment solutions that enable entrepreneurs to stress less and grow more. We’re America’s lead third-party logistics provider with 2,000+ team members across 12 state-of-the-art 3PL facilities in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Order Fulfillment

Reviewers indicate ShipMonk’s initial pricing seems reasonable, and some users say they value paying only for what they use. However, reviewers report hidden fees, unclear billing, and confusing fee structures that make the service more expensive than expected.

By industry, ShipMonk reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (18%). The most frequent use case for ShipMonk cited by reviewers is order fulfillment (70% of reviewers).

Proprietary

ShipMonk

ShipBob

Basic

Unexpected and opaque costs

Owner

This is odd because they appear to have a lot of automation in place that should reduce costs, but those cost reductions apparently don't make it to customers.

Managing Director

Their fee system is not transparent and hides the real cost you will pay, it seems affordable on the paper but after a while you realise that they increase your storage costs because their minimum fee is linked to the storage costs.

78% of reviewers feel negative about ShipMonk’s pricing. Reviewers report frequent hidden fees, unexpected charges, and a lack of transparency in the billing system. They indicate that the fee structure is confusing, with additional costs for services like storage, picking, and packing that are not clearly disclosed upfront. Users say they often encounter billing errors, minimum fees, and price increases over time, making it difficult to predict total expenses. Many reviewers express frustration with being charged for mistakes or delays, which they feel significantly increases the overall cost of using the service.

Automated and flexible fulfillment

The Shipmonk team has the right attitude, is responsive, and the fulfillment services are great.

96% of reviewers feel positive about ShipMonk’s fulfillment services. Users report that the platform streamlines order processing by integrating easily with e-commerce stores and automating fulfillment tasks. They appreciate the efficient onboarding process, responsive support, and the ability to connect with major retail partners. Reviewers indicate that ShipMonk’s system allows for automated shipping, flexible packaging options, and convenient inventory management. Many say the fulfillment process is reliable and helps them provide a swift, seamless experience for their customers, which is crucial for their business operations.

Streamlined and intuitive experience

Marketing Operations Associate

97% of reviewers feel positive about ShipMonk’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the software offers a clean, user-friendly interface that allows them to quickly access essential information and complete tasks efficiently. They appreciate that the system is simple to learn, with intuitive navigation and straightforward processes that reduce the learning curve. Users say the platform’s design makes it easy to set up, manage, and monitor their fulfillment operations without confusion. Many reviewers highlight that the overall simplicity and clarity of the interface help them save time and focus on growing their business.

I am in multiple warehouse and I would like to have the options for the FREE GIFTS (An information card or a sample) different depending on where the products ship from.  

I understand our product is quite large 10x10x2 inches. If you have a smaller product they have plenty of options, but unique sizes like ours require a custom packaging setup.

it's a bit confusing to store inventory when you have master cartons and individual units (they require 2 different SKUs/UPC), a bit expensive

founder

ive been happy with shipmonk, my main trouble is that i was not ready for a 3PL service,  i havent had any organic sales and the cost to continue using a 3PL are too much for me to use for mouch longer.

Fishbowl vs ShipMonk Comparison (2026)

Fishbowl

ShipMonk

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives