NetSuite vs. Sellbrite

We found the NetSuite dashboard to be a little difficult to use and dated, especially compared to some of the other providers we’ve reviewed. While NetSuite is a browser app, the interface resembles legacy software, with a menu bar across the top and a lot of widgets and on-page links. It’s not terrible. But it’s not fantastic either.

We are using an older version of the e-commerce platform and it is not particularly user friendly.

Nothing is user-friendly, despite their claims. Even simple changes require vast coding knowledge.

The system offers a good basic ERP structure for small businesses.

Sellbrite excels when it comes to ease of use.

It’s a browser-based app with a straightforward interface. The login page contains an array of analytics widgets, and users can access dedicated pages to manage products, orders, channels, and reports from a navbar across the top of the screen.

Time-saving features like one-click marketplace integrations and listing templates are an added bonus.

"The Sellbrite application is extremely user friendly, so easy to navigate and what impressed me the most was the support team behind Sellbrite."

"Easy to use and small learning curve."

"Amazing App! Even better support!"

(Note: The focus in this review is on the inventory management features in NetSuite, not on its capabilities as an ERP.)

When it comes to features, NetSuite has everything you would expect from a typical inventory management solution. And the integrations library - easily one of the most extensive we’ve come across - makes up for any shortcomings in native functionality. Users can also take advantage of a mobile app (available on both Android and Apple), although it is somewhat limited.

First and foremost, the Netsuite feature-set includes comprehensive inventory, reorder, and delivery management tools. Its “Manufacturing Execution System” also makes it easy for manufacturers to manage parts deliveries, production lines, bills of materials, and complex supply chains. Retailers have access to a POS (point of sale system), barcode scanning assistant, automation settings, team permissions, and more. Users can also leverage an in-depth analytics dashboard. In short, it has everything you need to manage your warehouses and orders.

Finally, Oracle employs stringent security data safeguarding practices, including regular audits, managed access to servers, and protected premises. NetSuite has met numerous security standards like SOC 1, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS, making it an ideal choice for retailers that need to ensure security compliance.

Sellbrite has a comprehensive set of features. With a robust package of inventory, reorder, and delivery tools, most retailers will find everything they need to manage stock effectively. Sellbrite also offers several time-saving extras, including one-click installs, listing templates, and selective stock pushing to set which warehouses are used to fulfill orders.

Users also have access to product variation options (size, colour, etc.), negotiated rates for FedEx, UPS, and USPS, order routing and splitting tools, and an API (on the premium plans).

Unfortunately, some features commonly found in other platforms are missing. There’s no mobile app, for example, and retailers can only access a POS through their ecommerce platform. Barcode scanning is also unsupported. Furthermore, the integrations library is somewhat limited, with the exception of the marketplace connectors.

Training, on the whole, is good, with dedicated onboarding assistance. That said, sessions are limited to 30 minutes on the lowest-priced plan and two hours on the premium plan. There are extensive resource guides and webinars for new users.

Finally, the analytics area is fairly standard, with multichannel sales and inventory reports available.

All in all, there’s nothing major to quibble about in regards to Sellbrite’s feature-kit. Our only complaint is that some features many retailers would consider essential are absent. Make sure to check that Sellbrite offers everything you need before you part with your hard-earned cash.

NetSuite integrations work slightly differently compared to most other inventory management providers. Rather than offer a library of connectors built by its own development team, users have access to integrations in the App Suite, all of which have been created by third-party services. NetSuite has been around for a long time, and the integrations library is very extensive. But just remember that additional functionality comes with a price-tag.

Retailers that want to link up with third-party marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and so on, can take advantage of the FarApp integration. NetSuite doesn’t offer any in-house functionality for multi-channel sales in this regard, so you’ll need the app.

ShipJunction, ShipStation, Pacejet, and Descartes Shipping are the most popular shipping apps and extend the order management functionality offered by NetSuite. In terms of ecommerce connectors, virtually all major platforms are provided for, including Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others. Most of these add-ons have been created by Celigo.

Notably, NetSuite also offers an array of apps for catering to international audiences, enabling users to manage multiple currencies, languages, international shipping locations, and so on. If you’ve struggled to find an inventory management solution that allows you to serve a global market effectively, then you will definitely like what’s on offer.

Sellbrite scored reasonably well on the integrations front but is outperformed by some close competitors. We felt that Ecomdash, for example, had a more extensive library.

We also disliked that there aren’t any intermediary integrations which extend the native functionality of Sellbrite in terms of linking up with more third-party marketplaces. You can only sync up with the marketplaces that Sellbrite offers. Sometimes, you even have to pay extra for these integrations, as is the case with the Amazon FBA connector.

Another downside is that Quickbooks and Xero aren’t yet supported, which may be a deal-breaker for some retailers. There’s no Zapier integration, either, so you can’t sync Sellbrite up to unsupported apps in your tech stack.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. There’s a good assortment of marketplace integrations, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, Google, Sears, and others. In terms of shopping carts, Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce are all supported. Notably, there’s no Magento integration, but this does make sense considering that Sellbrite isn’t an enterprise solution. Finally, ShipStation is available for handling shipping.

It’s not an outstanding selection but it’s by no means shabby. Take the time to review the integrations library before you subscribe to a paid plan. If it contains everything you need, then you won’t have any issues.

NetSuite doesn’t publish pricing, so it’s difficult to evaluate “value for money” thoroughly. It’s likely that the base licence for the core financials and inventory management software is around $1000 per month with an additional $100 per user per month.

Optional modules, which provide functionality across ecommerce, analytics, customer management, and so on, will increase the monthly total. For a company looking for a custom ERP, and not just an inventory management solution, this may be a cost-effective prospect.

It’s also important to note that integrations come with an additional monthly fee. So make sure to include the price of any that you’ll need in the final estimate.

On the face of it, Sellbrite is one of the best-priced multichannel solutions for smaller retailers. But after doing a little digging, we found there were a few catches.

We’ll start off by saying that Sellbrite is definitely competitively priced. Plans start at $49/month for less than one hundred orders (which is the lowest entry-level price we’ve seen for this type of software) and run all the way to $399/month for up to 10,000 orders.

Sounds good, right? That is until you take into account the “hidden” costs. Adding the FBA integration to your package will set you back an additional $50. Other apps may also incur extra charges. And all your eBay listings will be branded with a “Powered by Sellbrite” badge on the entry-point plan.

So while the pricing is OK, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind.

Overall, the level and quality of support offered by NetSuite are good, even if the system is a little convoluted.

Users can choose between “Basic” and “Premium” customer service. Both packages include 24/7 support for “severity one” issues. The “Premium” plan” also provides business hours help with “severity three” and “severity four” issues. The support team is reached via the phone and support tickets/email. Users also have the option to join the community support forum and access the technical troubleshooting portal.

The training materials are of high quality, with an online area dedicated to educational resources. It’s also possible to work with an “Education Advisor” to streamline onboarding.

Sellbrite excels when it comes to help and support. If you’re looking for an app with a high-quality customer service package, then you needn’t look any further.

Along with onboarding sessions (included on all plans), users have access to email, live chat and phone (via callback) support, available 8 AM to 5 PM PT Monday to Friday.

Sellbrite also offers extensive documentation and training videos, including regular webinars.

The one slight downside (and we’re being really picky here) is that there isn’t a community of fellow users to consult. Given the speed and quality of the support on offer, however, this shouldn’t be a problem.

NetSuite is unlike many other inventory management solutions in that it forms part of a broader enterprise resource planning app. Keep in mind that ecommerce and inventory tools are offered in conjunction with Netsuite’s accounting and financial features. If you already have a financial management system, then you should probably consider an alternative solution.

If, on the other hand, you’re in the market for a highly customizable, cost-effective, and comprehensive app that transcends the boundaries of typical inventory management software, then it’s an option that’s well worth considering. The integrations library is also one of the biggest we’ve ever seen.

It’s suitable for companies of all sizes, and the free trial is an excellent starting point for retailers that are drawn to it.

Sellbrite is very clear about its market positioning. It’s a multichannel solution aimed at small and medium retailers with up to 10,000 monthly product sales. If you fit into this category, then it’s well worth considering. If you’re an enterprise multichannel seller, on the other hand, you will likely need a more powerful solution like Skubana or Brightpearl.

While some features are missing, such as barcode scanning, POS, and accounting integrations, other aspects of the app stand head-and-shoulders above the competition. These include the customer support package, time-saving options like one-click marketplace integrations, and the intuitive dashboard.

If you think it might be the inventory management app for you, take advantage of the 30-day free trial and check out some close competitors like Ecomdash first.