Online Store Shoper – Invoices and Inventory: How They Work and What Their Limitations Are?
The Shoper platform offers tools for managing invoices and inventory, which can be useful for online store owners. However, before you decide to use these features, it’s worth knowing their limitations. Despite many built-in options, Shoper may not meet the expectations of more demanding users. In this article, we’ll describe how the invoice and inventory modules work in Shoper and why it’s worth considering alternatives.
How Invoices Work in Shoper
Shoper allows you to issue invoices directly from the admin panel. This is an automated process that simplifies accounting management in daily store operations.
How to Issue Invoices in Shoper
1. Configuring company data:
* Go to the “Settings” → “Invoices” section in the admin panel.
* Enter your company’s information, including name, tax ID, address, and contact details.
2. Automatic invoice generation:
* Select the option for automatic invoice issuance after a customer places an order.
3. Retrieval and sending:
* Invoices are available for download as PDF files and can be sent automatically to customers via email.
Limitations of the Invoice Module in Shoper
1. Lack of advanced accounting features
Shoper only offers basic invoicing functions, lacking more complex options such as integration with full-fledged accounting systems or support for various VAT rates in international sales.
2. Limited document customization
The ability to customize invoice appearance is limited. If you need more personalized documents, e.g., with additional fields or custom formatting, Shoper may not meet these requirements.
3. Problems with a large number of invoices
When dealing with a large number of orders, the invoicing module can become slow, impacting efficiency and causing issues with document retrieval.
How the Inventory Module Works in Shoper
The inventory module allows you to track stock levels and automatically update product availability in your store.
Inventory Module Features and Possibilities
1. Adding products:
* In the “Products” section, add new items by entering information about name, description, price, and stock level.
2. Updating stock levels:
* After each order, stock levels are automatically updated.
3. Low stock notifications:
* Shoper allows you to set up notifications for low stock levels, preventing situations where products become unavailable.
Limitations of the Inventory Module in Shoper
1. Lack of advanced inventory management features
Shoper does not support more complex inventory operations like multi-warehouse management, product reservations, or batch tracking.
2. Limitations with large stores
When dealing with a large number of products, the inventory module becomes less efficient, potentially causing errors in stock levels or delays in updates.
3. No integration with professional WMS systems
If your store requires advanced warehouse management (WMS) system integration, Shoper does not offer native integration, requiring the use of external tools.
4. Difficulty with omnichannel synchronization
Shoper may struggle to manage sales across multiple channels simultaneously (e.g., online store, marketplaces, in-store sales), leading to inconsistencies in stock levels.
Why Shoper Is Not an Ideal Solution
Although Shoper offers invoicing and inventory modules, they are basic and limited in functionality. For many entrepreneurs running larger online stores or requiring more flexible solutions, Shoper may not be sufficient. The platform operates on a subscription model, meaning regular payments, but functionalities may prove insufficient.
It’s worth noting that alternative solutions are available on the market, offering greater flexibility, no limitations imposed by the platform, and one-time purchase options. By choosing these alternatives, you can gain full control over your store without having to adapt to platform restrictions.
Summary
The invoicing and inventory modules in Shoper may be sufficient for small stores just starting out. However, for more advanced needs, it’s worth considering whether Shoper meets expectations. Before choosing this platform, carefully analyze your needs and consider alternatives that offer greater flexibility and better support for your business growth. Remember, e-commerce tools should support your store, not limit its potential.
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