Best inventory app for small retail shops
Small shops often know their stock by memory until the day they don't, and reorders get missed. Here is the one tool we would start with, and the alternatives worth comparing. Updated 2026-10-14.
Our top pick: Sortly
Because it lets you track stock with photos and barcode scanning from your phone, without a complicated setup.
Sortly
Simple inventory tracking with barcodes and QR codes.
Price: From $24 USD/mo · Free option: Free plan ($0); 14-day trial
Visit SortlyAlternatives worth a look
Square POS
Point of sale for retail, restaurants, and services, with inventory and payments.
Price: Starting at $0 · Free option: Free plan
Visit Square POSZoho Inventory
Inventory, orders, shipping, and warehouse management.
Price: Standard $29 (per org/month) · Free option: Free plan; free trial
Visit Zoho InventoryinFlow Inventory
Inventory software for stock control, orders, and barcodes.
Price: From 99 USD/month · Free option: Free 14-day trial
Visit inFlow InventorySide by side
| Tool | Price | Free option |
|---|---|---|
| Sortly (top pick) | From $24 USD/mo | Free plan ($0); 14-day trial |
| Square POS | Starting at $0 | Free plan |
| Zoho Inventory | Standard $29 (per org/month) | Free plan; free trial |
| inFlow Inventory | From 99 USD/month | Free 14-day trial |
What small retail shops should check before choosing
- Can you scan barcodes with your phone?
- Does it alert you when stock is low?
- Can it handle multiple locations or storage rooms?
A common mistake
Setting up a complex system you will not keep updated. Simple and current beats detailed and stale.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best inventory app for small retail shops?
Our top pick is Sortly. Because it lets you track stock with photos and barcode scanning from your phone, without a complicated setup.
How much does Sortly cost?
Sortly: From $24 USD/mo. Free option: Free plan ($0); 14-day trial. Checked 2026-10-13; confirm on the vendor's site.
What should small retail shops look for in an inventory app?
Can you scan barcodes with your phone? Does it alert you when stock is low? Can it handle multiple locations or storage rooms?
Are these rankings paid?
No. Picks are ranked by fit for the job. Sponsored placements are always labeled "Sponsored" and never change the order of our picks.