Fishbowl Inventory Reviews

If you're in the market for an inventory management system, you've likely come across Fishbowl Inventory. This software is often touted for its robust features and capabilities, but it has its set of drawbacks and customer opinions that potential users should know about.

In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the pros and cons of Fishbowl Inventory, discuss its trustworthiness, ownership, user experiences from various platforms, pricing, and comparisons with other software like Ordoro and inFlow Inventory. Let’s dive in.

What Are the Disadvantages of Fishbowl Inventory?

While Fishbowl overall has positive reviews, just like any other software it also has some negatives. Here are some commonly cited disadvantages of Fishbowl based on user reviews.

Here are some Fishbowl Inventory reviews with complaints -

1. Complexity

Some users find Fishbowl Inventory to be overly complex, making it challenging for teams to get up and running quickly. According to Capterra, a common complaint is that the user interface is difficult to navigate and make sense of. Also, since it’s installed on premise (unlike web-based software) some users complain that they have to reset their company server often to keep running the software.

2. Outdated Interface

Users often mention that the Fishbowl Inventory interface feels outdated compared to contemporary software. “Software looks from the 90’s” according to some reviews on Software Advice

3. Limited Customer Support

The quality of customer support is another frequently noted downside. A review from Trustpilot claims that poor customer service caused their warehouse to be inoperable for days.

It goes without saying that you should always take reviews on the internet with a pinch of salt. It’s the angriest customers that write negative reviews, and not all negative reviews reflect reality.

Is Fishbowl Inventory Trustworthy?

Trustworthiness is crucial when choosing an inventory management system. Fishbowl Inventory generally enjoys a good reputation for reliability and security.

1. Data Security

Fishbowl employs robust data encryption methods ensuring your business data stays secure.

2. Positive User Feedback

Most users agree that Fishbowl does deliver on its promises.

What Does Fishbowl Inventory Do?

Fishbowl Inventory provides various functionalities that make inventory management simpler and more efficient.

1. Inventory Tracking

Tracks inventory levels, orders, sales, and deliveries.

2. Order Management

Handles purchase orders, sales orders, and shipping.

3. Manufacturing and Assembly

Manages work orders and production stages, making it useful for manufacturing businesses.

4. Integration

Fishbowl integrates seamlessly with several accounting software, particularly QuickBooks, making financial management effortless.

Who Owns Fishbowl Inventory?

Fishbowl Inventory was founded in 2001 by David Williams and was privately owned. As of recently, it is part of a larger portfolio under Diversis Capital, a private equity firm that invests in middle-market companies. You can learn more about Diversis Capital here.

Fishbowl Inventory Reviews Reddit

Reddit provides insights from a varied user base, giving a balanced view of Fishbowl Inventory.

1. Positive Feedback

On r/smallbusiness on Reddit, there are several positive reviews of Fishbowl. The overall consensus is that Fishbowl improved inventory accuracy.

2. Criticism

Another viewpoint on r/inventorymanagement is that the interface needs a serious overhaul because It feels dated.

Fishbowl Inventory Pricing

Fishbowl Inventory has a somewhat flexible pricing structure, but it's essential to be aware of all the costs:

1. License Fee

Generally starts at around $4,395 for a single user, with additional costs for extra users.

2. Additional Modules

Costs can be higher with add-on modules for advanced features.

3. Subscription Models

Fishbowl offers both one-time purchases and subscription models, allowing for some flexibility.

Fishbowl Inventory Download

Downloading Fishbowl Inventory is straightforward from their official website here. Ensure you have:

1. System Requirements

The software needs to be compatible with your operating system.

2. Installation Guides

Follow comprehensive guides to set up the software correctly.

Ordoro and inFlow Inventory Reviews

If you’re considering alternatives to Fishbowl, then Ordoro and inFlow Inventory are worth a look. According to G2:

1. User-Friendly Interface

Ordoro’s interface is incredibly intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their inventory and orders without a steep learning curve. inFlow Inventory’s interface is also intuitive and easy to navigate.

2. Cost-Effective

Ordoro offers competitive pricing, especially for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one solution to streamline their shipping and inventory processes. InFlow’s pricing is also quite competitive.

When comparing inventory management solutions, it's critical to note that Ordoro also stands out as an excellent choice. Known for its seamless integrations and comprehensive features, Ordoro has several hundreds of happy ecommerce merchants using it.

Fishbowl Inventory Consultants

If Fishbowl Inventory feels overwhelming, there are consultants available to help. They offer services like:

1. System Setup and Configuration

Ensuring your Fishbowl system is tailored to your business needs.

2. Training

Helping your team to understand and efficiently use the software.

3. Ongoing Support

Providing continuous support to tackle any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

Fishbowl Inventory is a feature-rich software suitable for various businesses, particularly those requiring advanced inventory and order management capabilities. However, its complexity, cost, and some customer support issues suggest it may not be ideal for everyone.

For those seeking alternatives, Ordoro is a highly recommended inventory management solution that offers ease of use, powerful integrations, and a competitive price point. With a reputation for reliability and excellent customer support, Ordoro could very well meet your inventory management needs.

When choosing inventory management software, it's essential to consider your specific business requirements, budget, and the level of support you might need. Always read user reviews and perhaps even try a demo before making your final decision.