NetSuite vs. TradeGecko

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.

TradeGecko is one of the best platforms we’ve sampled when it comes to ease-of-use.

The login shows a snapshot of your store’s performance, including total sales, costs, and profit. You’ll also see a breakdown of sales by channel. A simple options bar leads you to the dashboards for inventory management, orders, analytics, and so on.

The one downside is that TradeGecko only provides limited help with setup - around two hours on higher-priced plans - although the simplicity of the interface will often mean that more assistance is not needed.

“Overall it solves most of the business issues and overall we're happy with the product and with Tradegecko.”

“I really like the software and Customer support is always very helpful in every aspect.”

“I have had a few bumps along the way with Tradegecko, but overall I love it.”

(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.

TradeGecko has a relatively large feature set. Some features, such as a native POS system, are lacking, but integrations make up for any shortcomings.

TradeGecko offers an iPad and iPhone app, which can be used to manage orders, scan barcodes, and access your catalog. Unfortunately, an Android app is not available. As a browser-based app, TradeGecko does not have an offline mode.

Support and training are generally very good, and TradeGecko provides a high level of general customer service with 24/7 email tickets. On the “Small Business” plan and above, users have access to a member of the onboarding team to ensure a frictionless setup. The “Premium” and “Pro” plans also have dedicated support managers.

The analytics dashboard includes a standard set of reports, covering sales, orders, and historical performance. Integrations are available to extend the core functionality of the TradeGecko analytics dashboard with features like demand forecasting and data insights.

Finally, TradeGecko prioritizes user privacy and data protection. It’s a fully cloud-hosted solution that runs on Amazon Web Servers (one of the most secure options available). Managers can also take advantage of permissions to restrict team members from accessing areas of the app or seeing certain types of information.

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.

Our opinion of TradeGecko’s integration library was somewhat mixed. What’s on offer is reasonable, but it’s not as extensive as some other inventory management solutions we’ve reviewed.

In terms of ecommerce platforms, TradeGecko is compatible with Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Amazon, PrestaShop, eBay, BigCommerce, 3dcart, and others. If you’re using a well-known provider, then the likelihood is that you’re good to go.

Beyond this, however, TradeGecko starts to falter a little. The list of integrations with third-party marketplaces is satisfactory but not brilliant. The big players like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart are all covered.

TradeGecko doesn’t have an in-house POS (point of sale) system, so you will need to opt for either Shopify POS or Lightspeed.

A good selection of 3PL, shipping, and EDI integrations are also provided. On the accounting side of things, only Quickbooks and Xero are supported. Finally, users can take advantage of additional reporting integrations to extend the functionality of TradeGecko’s native analytics tools.

If you’re thinking about opting for TradeGecko, make sure you take a look at the integrations library first to ensure that you’ll have access to all the functionality you require. While the level of support for third-party platforms is good, it’s not out of this world.

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.

TradeGecko plans are priced very competitively. The lower-tier options are suitable for smaller retailers, and medium-sized stores will find a lot to like in the “Business” and “Premium” packages.

The downside is that the “Founder” and “Lite” plans, which cost $39/month and $59/month respectively, lack some features that many retailers would consider essential. Only one sales integration is allowed on these plans, for example, and there is no automation on the “Founder” plan. What’s more, demand forecasting and integration with FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) are only available on the “Business” plan, which costs $479/month.

Discounts are available on all plans for an annual subscription.

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.

We were very impressed with the level of customer service offered by TradeGecko. Users on all plans have access to 24/7 email support. An account manager is also assigned to subscribers on the “Small Business”, “Business”, “Premium”, and “Pro” plans. User reviews of customer service are generally very positive.

The one small downside is that onboarding managers only provide limited support - two hours on the “Small Business” plan and four hours on the “Business” plan. That said, the user interface is very easy to use and invariably only requires a minimum of training.

TradeGecko also offers extensive written and video materials. There is no community forum.

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.

Despite a few flaws, TradeGecko is an excellent option for retailers that process between 50 and 5000 orders per month. Although some in-house functionality, such as a point of sale (POS) system is missing, integrations tend to plug up any shortcomings.

You’ll find everything you need in the feature-set, including connectors with third-party marketplaces, warehouse management, manufacturing materials tracking, reporting tools, barcode scanning, automation, multiple language support, and more.

Smaller businesses that need an inexpensive and straightforward solution that doesn’t sacrifice functionality should definitely consider TradeGecko. The superb 24/7customer support is also a big plus.

Larger retailers (in excess of 5000/month), on the other hand, will likely need a more powerful and customizable inventory management platform.