Finale Inventory Review | Podcastbricks

Finale Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, including retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and e-commerce sellers. Launched to address the needs of businesses requiring precise inventory tracking, it has evolved into a versatile platform supporting a wide range of industries, from fireworks distribution to multi-channel e-commerce. Its core strength lies in its ability to centralize inventory data, integrate with popular e-commerce and accounting platforms, and provide real-time visibility into stock levels, orders, and shipments.

The software is accessible via web browsers and Android-compatible mobile devices, eliminating the need for complex installations or on-premise hardware. Finale Inventory emphasizes scalability, allowing businesses to start with basic features and expand as their operations grow. Its intuitive interface, coupled with powerful tools like barcode scanning and automated reorder points, makes it a compelling choice for companies looking to move beyond manual processes or outdated systems like Excel spreadsheets.

Key Features of Finale Inventory

Finale Inventory offers a robust set of features designed to optimize inventory and warehouse workflows. Below are the standout functionalities that make it a competitive player in the inventory management market.

1. Multi-Channel Inventory Management

For businesses selling across multiple platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, or Walmart, Finale Inventory ensures seamless inventory synchronization. The software automatically updates stock levels across all channels in real-time, preventing overselling and stockouts. This feature is particularly valuable for e-commerce sellers managing high-volume sales, as it reduces the risk of customer dissatisfaction due to unfulfilled orders. Users praise the platform’s ability to handle up to 2 million SKUs, making it suitable for businesses with extensive product catalogs.

2. Barcode Scanning and Warehouse Management

Finale Inventory supports a variety of barcode configurations, including UPC codes, custom barcodes, and serial numbers. Its mobile barcode scanning solution allows employees to use Android devices to scan items during stock movements, order fulfillment, and receiving, significantly reducing manual data entry errors. The platform also offers advanced warehouse management features, such as multi-location tracking, putaway, and sublocation management, which enhance operational efficiency. Users highlight the handheld scanner support as a game-changer, noting that few competitors in the same price range offer this functionality.

3. Automated Reorder Points and Forecasting

One of Finale Inventory’s standout features is its ability to dynamically calculate reorder points based on sales velocity and supplier lead times. This proactive procurement tool helps businesses avoid stockouts by generating purchase orders automatically. The software also provides forecasting tools to analyze sales trends and optimize inventory levels, which is critical for businesses aiming to minimize excess stock and improve cash flow. Users appreciate the rule-based logic that offers intelligent replenishment recommendations, making inventory planning more data-driven.

4. Integrations with E-Commerce, Shipping, and Accounting Platforms

Finale Inventory integrates with over 40 platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, eBay, QuickBooks, ShipStation, and ShippingEasy. These integrations streamline workflows by syncing inventory, orders, and financial data. For example, the QuickBooks integration allows automatic updates for purchase orders, bills, and inventory valuation, ensuring accurate financial reporting. The ShipStation integration ensures that only in-stock products are shipped, reducing fulfillment errors. Users consistently praise the seamless integration with mainstream software, noting that it simplifies multi-channel operations.

5. Customizable Reporting

The platform offers a wide range of customizable reports, covering stock levels, sales performance, purchase orders, and inventory valuation. Reports can be exported to Excel, CSV, PDF, or JSON formats, making it easy to share data with stakeholders. Categories include stock reports, sales reports, and financial reports, each with subcategories for granular insights. Users value the flexibility of these reporting tools, which help them make informed decisions based on real-time data.

6. Cloud-Based Accessibility

As a cloud-based solution, Finale Inventory provides 24/7 access to inventory data from any location, making it ideal for businesses with remote teams or multiple warehouses. Real-time updates ensure that stock levels are always accurate, and automatic software updates eliminate the need for manual patches. The cloud-based model also enhances data security through safe cloud backups, protecting businesses from data loss.

7. Kitting and Product Bundling

Finale Inventory supports kitting, allowing businesses to bundle products into single SKUs for sale. This feature is particularly useful for retailers offering gift sets or assembled products, as it simplifies inventory tracking for complex items. The platform’s kitting functionality integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, ensuring accurate stock levels for bundled products.

Pricing Structure

Finale Inventory offers a tiered pricing model to accommodate businesses of varying sizes and needs. The pricing is transparent, with no long-term commitments or setup fees, and discounts are available for annual payments. Below is an overview of the pricing plans as of March 2025:

Starter: $75/month or $750 annually (2 users, 2,000 orders/month, 1,000 items, single location)
Bronze: $199/month or $1,990 annually (4 users, 4,000 orders/month, 10,000 items, multi-location)
Silver: $349/month or $3,490 annually (6 users, 8,000 orders/month, 50,000 items, advanced features)
Gold: $549/month or $5,490 annually (8 users, 12,000 orders/month, 100,000 items, premium support)
Platinum: $799/month or $7,990 annually (12 users, 20,000 orders/month, 500,000 items, dedicated support)
Custom: Contact for a quote (tailored for large enterprises with specific needs)

A 14-day free trial is available, allowing businesses to test the platform without requiring credit card details. Users appreciate the fair pricing, noting that the software’s capabilities are cost-effective compared to competitors like Fishbowl or NetSuite. However, smaller businesses may find the higher-tier plans expensive if they require advanced features.

User Experience and Ease of Use

Finale Inventory is widely praised for its intuitive interface and ease of use, even for beginners. The platform’s clean design avoids visual clutter, making navigation straightforward. Importing data, such as product lists or customer details, is as simple as copying and pasting from a spreadsheet, which users describe as “ingenious.” The learning curve is minimal, especially for businesses already familiar with Excel or QuickBooks.

The software’s implementation process is quick, often taking just a few weeks, and Finale offers free guided implementation during the trial period. Users report that the platform’s integration with tools like ShipStation and Shopify requires minimal setup, and the support team is readily available to assist with any challenges. For businesses transitioning from manual processes or other systems like Fishbowl, Finale’s simplicity and flexibility are significant advantages.

However, some users note drawbacks, such as occasional slow loading times when handling large datasets and the lack of iOS browser support, which limits accessibility for Mac users. Additionally, the platform’s reliance on manual data entry for certain tasks, like client management, can be repetitive.

Customer Support and Resources

Finale Inventory’s customer support is a standout feature, with users consistently praising the team’s responsiveness and expertise. Support is available via email tickets, and responses are typically provided within minutes. The company also offers complimentary training and consulting during implementation, which is particularly valuable for businesses new to inventory management software.

The platform’s self-service resources are extensive, including a comprehensive knowledge base, how-to videos, and regular training webinars. The video tour is notably detailed, covering every aspect of the software, though some users find the volume of content overwhelming when searching for specific information. Overall, Finale’s support and resources are among the best in the industry, ensuring that users can maximize the platform’s potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Intuitive and User-Friendly: Easy to navigate, with a minimal learning curve, ideal for businesses transitioning from manual processes.
Seamless Integrations: Supports over 40 platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, QuickBooks, and ShipStation, streamlining multi-channel operations.
Robust Barcode Scanning: Enhances warehouse efficiency with mobile scanning and support for custom barcodes.
Customizable Reporting: Offers flexible, exportable reports for inventory, sales, and financial insights.
Excellent Customer Support: Responsive team with free training and implementation assistance.
Scalable and Cloud-Based: Adapts to growing businesses and provides 24/7 access with real-time updates.

Cons

Limited iOS Support: Does not support Mac or iOS browsers, restricting accessibility for some users.
Slow Loading for Large Datasets: Performance can lag when processing extensive data.
Lacks Some Integrations: Missing support for FreshBooks, WooCommerce, and full FBA data feeds.
Repetitive Data Entry: Certain tasks, like client management, require manual input, which can be time-consuming.
Higher Costs for Advanced Features: Smaller businesses may find the pricing for higher tiers prohibitive.

User Feedback and Real-World Performance

User reviews from platforms like Capterra, GetApp, and Trustpilot highlight Finale Inventory’s strengths and areas for improvement. With an average rating of 4.7/5 based on over 200 reviews, the software is lauded for its ease of use, flexibility, and customer support. Users frequently cite the elimination of late-night inventory counts and the ability to manage multiple warehouses as key benefits. One user noted, “Finale has transformed the way we do business by allowing us to manage our inventory accurately across multiple sales channels.”

However, some users express frustration with limitations, such as the lack of iOS support and incomplete FBA integration, which requires workarounds like setting virtual warehouses. Others mention that while the software is powerful, it may require Excel proficiency to fully leverage its import/export capabilities. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many users recommending Finale over competitors like Fishbowl, TradeGecko, or SKUVault after extensive evaluations.

Comparison with Alternatives

Finale Inventory competes with solutions like Zoho Inventory, inFlow Inventory, and Fishbowl. Compared to Zoho Inventory, Finale offers more advanced barcode scanning and warehouse management features but lacks iOS support. inFlow Inventory is more affordable for smaller businesses but less robust for multi-channel e-commerce. Fishbowl, while feature-rich, is often criticized for its complex implementation, making Finale a more user-friendly alternative.

For businesses prioritizing integrations and scalability, Finale stands out, particularly for those already using QuickBooks or ShipStation. However, companies requiring full ERP capabilities or iOS compatibility may need to explore other options like NetSuite or Odoo.

Who Should Use Finale Inventory?

Finale Inventory is best suited for:

Multi-Channel E-Commerce Sellers: Businesses selling on Amazon, Shopify, eBay, or other platforms benefit from real-time inventory syncing.
Small to Mid-Sized Retailers and Wholesalers: Companies with 1-200 employees and revenues of $500,000 to $10 million find the pricing and features well-aligned.
Warehouses with Barcode Scanning Needs: The mobile scanning and multi-location support streamline warehouse operations.
QuickBooks Users: Seamless integration ensures accurate financial reporting.

It may not be ideal for:

Businesses Using Apple Devices: Lack of iOS support is a significant limitation.
Startups with Minimal Inventory: Smaller businesses may find simpler solutions like Zoho Inventory more cost-effective.
Companies Needing Full ERP: Finale focuses on inventory management, not broader ERP functionalities.

Conclusion

Finale Inventory is a powerful, user-friendly inventory management solution that excels in multi-channel e-commerce, barcode scanning, and customizable reporting. Its cloud-based design, seamless integrations, and exceptional customer support make it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses looking to streamline operations and scale efficiently. While limitations like iOS incompatibility and occasional performance issues exist, the platform’s strengths far outweigh its drawbacks for most users.

For businesses transitioning from manual processes or struggling with inefficient systems, Finale Inventory offers a scalable, cost-effective solution backed by robust features and responsive support. With a 14-day free trial and flexible pricing, it’s worth exploring for any business seeking to optimize inventory management in 2025. To learn more or start a trial, visit the official Finale Inventory website.