Cin7 vs TradeGecko: Inventory Automation Compared

Inventory management can make or break a product-based business. As order volumes grow, manual stock tracking leads to overselling, delayed shipments, and frustrated customers. Two platforms that have historically competed for this market are Cin7 and TradeGecko. While TradeGecko was acquired by Intuit and rebranded as QuickBooks Commerce (before being sunset in 2023), many businesses still compare these platforms when evaluating inventory sync automation options. Here is how they stack up.

Platform Overview

Cin7 is a comprehensive inventory management platform designed for mid-market businesses handling complex, multi-channel operations. It offers built-in EDI, warehouse management, point-of-sale, and 3PL integrations. Cin7 positions itself as an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for multiple disconnected tools.

TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce) was a cloud-based inventory and order management platform popular with small-to-mid-sized e-commerce brands. It was known for its clean interface, strong Shopify integration, and accessible pricing. After its acquisition by Intuit, the platform was integrated into the QuickBooks ecosystem and ultimately discontinued as a standalone product.

"The TradeGecko sunset caught many businesses off guard. Those migrating to alternatives like Cin7 often discover they need significantly more automation to match what they had."

Automation Capabilities

Fig 1: Automation capability scores across key inventory management functions

Multi-Channel Stock Synchronization

Cin7 excels at real-time stock synchronization across multiple sales channels. It connects natively to Shopify, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, and B2B portals, updating inventory counts within minutes of a sale or receipt. Cin7 also supports stock allocation rules, letting businesses reserve inventory for specific channels or priority customers.

TradeGecko offered solid multi-channel sync, particularly with Shopify and Amazon. However, its sync intervals were longer (typically 15-30 minutes), and it lacked the granular allocation controls that Cin7 provides. For businesses with high-velocity SKUs, this delay could result in overselling during peak periods.

Order Routing and Fulfillment

Cin7 includes automated order routing that directs orders to the optimal warehouse or 3PL based on customer location, stock availability, and shipping cost. This is particularly valuable for businesses operating multiple fulfillment centers. The platform also integrates with ShipStation for carrier rate shopping and label generation.

TradeGecko supported basic order routing but required manual intervention for complex multi-warehouse scenarios. Most users relied on Zapier or custom API integrations to achieve the routing sophistication that Cin7 offers natively.

Accounting Integration

Both platforms integrate with QuickBooks and Xero, but the depth of integration differs. Cin7 supports two-way sync for invoices, bills, payments, and inventory adjustments. TradeGecko, given its Intuit ownership, offered tighter QuickBooks integration but limited Xero support in its later versions.

Pricing and Value

Cin7 starts at approximately $349 per month for the Standard plan, which includes core inventory management, multi-channel integrations, and basic automation. The Advanced plan at $599/month adds EDI, advanced warehouse management, and custom workflow automation. For businesses processing thousands of orders monthly, the per-order cost of Cin7 is competitive.

TradeGecko was significantly more affordable, starting at $39/month for small businesses. This price advantage made it popular among startups and small e-commerce brands. However, with TradeGecko no longer available as a standalone product, businesses must evaluate current alternatives on their merits.

Migration Considerations

If you are migrating from TradeGecko, the transition to Cin7 requires careful data mapping. Product catalogs, customer records, and historical orders need to be exported and reformatted. Cin7 provides migration support, but the process typically takes 2-4 weeks for businesses with complex catalogs. For a smoother transition, consider working with an automation partner who can map your existing workflows and build the integrations you need from day one.

The Verdict

Choose Cin7 if: You need enterprise-level inventory automation with built-in EDI, advanced warehouse management, and real-time multi-channel sync. Cin7 is ideal for established businesses processing 500+ orders per month across multiple sales channels and warehouses.

Look for TradeGecko alternatives if: You are a smaller business seeking affordable inventory management with strong Shopify integration. Consider platforms like Ordoro, Katana, or Dear Inventory, which occupy the price point TradeGecko once held. Also evaluate whether a wholesale distribution automation solution might address your needs more comprehensively.

Whichever platform you choose, the key is ensuring it integrates cleanly with your accounting software and shipping tools. Read our FreshBooks vs QuickBooks comparison to see how your accounting layer fits into the picture.