SkuVault vs Finale: Inventory Management System Review and Comparison

Choosing the right inventory management system (IMS) can make or break your operations, especially if you’re selling across multiple channels. Two popular options in the market are SkuVault Core and Finale Inventory, which share many similarities but offer distinct capabilities for inventory control, warehouse workflows, and order processing. 

In this comparison of SkuVault vs Finale Inventory, we’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of both software to help you decide which one best supports your business needs, particularly if you’re an ecommerce seller looking to grow without added complexity. SkuVault Core by Linnworks will be referred to as just SkuVault for short in this comparison. 

SkuVault: Biggest Pro and Con:

Biggest Pro: On-site Visits and FIFO/FEFO Picking at No Extra Cost

One standout advantage of SkuVault Core is that Enterprise customers can access on-site training and support without extra onboarding fees. This can be a game-changer for teams that benefit from in-person walkthroughs during setup or major process changes. Additionally, SkuVault natively supports FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out) picking strategies—essential for businesses dealing with perishable goods, expiration dates, or regulated inventory rotation. These features help optimize warehouse workflows without requiring the purchase of additional modules.

Biggest Con: No Native QuickBooks Online Integration or Landed Cost Support

Despite its strengths, SkuVault Core lacks some critical financial capabilities out of the box. There’s no direct integration with QuickBooks Online (QBO)—users must rely on third-party connectors to sync financials, which adds complexity and cost. Additionally, landed cost tracking isn’t built into the system, meaning users can’t easily calculate true product costs that include freight, duty, or handling fees. For businesses seeking to tightly manage their profit margins and cash flow, this could be a significant limitation.

Finale Inventory: Biggest Pro and Con

Biggest Pro: Affordable and Feature-Rich Barcode Scanning

Finale Inventory offers a free trial and a lower entry price point than many other inventory systems, making it accessible for growing businesses. One of its standout features is the robust barcode scanner app, which supports advanced functions like simultaneous scanning, sophisticated pick-and-pack workflows, and mobile SKU lookups—all built in. Companies seeking to streamline warehouse operations and reduce training time, particularly for teams with seasonal staff or multiple locations, appreciate Finale’s mobile barcode scanner system. 

Biggest Con: No FIFO/FEFO Logic or Built-in Order Routing

While Finale excels in flexibility and value, it does not support FIFO or FEFO picking strategies natively, which may be a drawback for businesses managing perishable or date-sensitive inventory. It also lacks automatic order routing, meaning you can’t automatically assign orders to specific warehouses for fulfillment based on availability or customer location. Additionally, on-site visits are not included by default on standard plans—something to consider if you were expecting an in-person site visit for trailing or consultation.

Price

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Entry-Level Pricing	$99/month – $649/month	Growth plan from $329-$699 /month
Premium-Level Pricing	$949/month or custom rate for larger accounts	Enterprise plan starting at $1,149 /month

SkuVault’s pricing is gated and not transparent. Public sources, like Softwarepath, show the range from $329-$1,149 /mo. SkuVault doesn’t have a free trial. 

Finale’s has a significantly lower starting price point at $99 per month, albeit with support and live training limitations after the 14-day free trial. Either way, Finale will never charge extra for implementation. Finale users go at their own pace and are empowered to set up their accounts with no strings attached

Marketplace Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Amazon	✅	✅
Walmart	✅	✅
Wayfair	❌	✅
Faire	✅	❌
Ebay	✅	✅
Etsy	✅	✅
TikTok	✅	❌ Only Linnworks
Shein	✅	❌ Only Linnworks
BackMarket	✅	✅
NuOrder	✅	❌ Only Linnworks
Rakuten	✅	❌ Only Linnworks
Yahoo	❌	✅

SkuVault and Finale Inventory offer similarly robust integration coverage across major marketplaces and ecommerce sales channels. They are more alike than different: both will serve a multichannel retail setup well without needing custom builds. The key distinctions lie in SkuVault’s deeper channel-management ecosystem (via Linnworks/Acenda/etc.) and Finale’s focus on self-contained, native, direct connectors with its core system. 

Most of SkuVault’s mainstream marketplaces require Linnworks and are not available in SkuVault.

Sales Channel Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Shopify	✅ Native API Integration with Shopify	✅
ShopifyPlus	✅	✅
WooCommerce	✅	✅
BigCommerce	✅	✅
AmeriCommerce	✅	❌
CoreCommerce	✅	❌
Magento	✅	✅
Miva Merchant	❌	✅
OpenCart	✅	❌ Not directly connected
PrestaShop	✅	❌ Not directly connected
Squarespace	✅	❌ Not directly connected
Volusion	✅	✅
ZenCart	✅	❌ Not directly connected
Zoey	✅	❌ Not directly connected

Some details about Skyvault to keep in mind with sales channels (shopping carts) are that they do not have the ability to create manual sales orders within their software. Also, SkuVault’s WooCommerce sync is every 12 hours.

Both systems effectively connect to Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, enabling multi-channel order syncing and inventory coordination. Finale Inventory offers a more seamless, native experience—you connect directly to the store, configure syncing once, and it just works. Meanwhile, SkuVault Core relies on external connector platforms to handle the integration flow. This adds flexibility and scalability (especially in multi-marketplace environments) but requires extra setup and reliance on third-party tools. If you want the easiest path to connect your store directly, Finale has the edge.

Multichannel Management Tool Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Acenda	✅	✅
Feedonomics	❌	✅
GeekSeller	✅	❌
Rithum / ChannelAdvisor	✅	❌
SureDone	✅	❌
Zentail	✅	✅

FTP Supplier & Vendor Inventory Sync

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
FTP Export	✅	✅
FTP Import	✅	❌

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to connect supplier/vendor inventory data with your IMS. Since they are disconnected systems, FTP is used as the connector. This is more efficient than double-entry. You can use FTP as a simpler alternative to full API access and configuration. FTP is also used to transfer information between the brand and its third-party logistics (3PL) provider. 

FTP allows you to connect your data with your suppliers and vendors. This typically includes supplier SKU, quantity, and price. You can assign those data points from your IMS to the supplier. This is referred to as mapping. Once the alias SKUs are connected or mapped, the IMS and supplier system can flow between each other. 

Finale has a native built-in FTP export and FTP import capabilities. If you want to import on SkuVault, you will need a 3rd party connector. 

Supplier FTP example: Automatically imports the file and updates the supplier’s available stock and cost pricing in your system, so your team always sees up-to-date vendor availability when reordering. You can even show the supplier’s availability quantity on your storefront (eg, Shopify) rather than your own warehouse quantity.

3PL FTP example: When your 3PL fulfills an order, your IMS is updated. Also, by syncing with the 3PL, you can monitor stock levels at their location, triggering notifications for low stock that needs to be reordered or replenished.

Point of Sale (POS) Features and Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Cost	Included at all price tiers	Included at all price tiers
Built-in POS	❌	❌
Shopify POS	✅	✅
Square POS	✅	✅
Clover POS	Coming soon	❌
Lightspeed POS	✅	✅

FBA, AWD, Virtual Warehouse Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Cost	Included at all price tiers	Included at all price tiers
Amazon FBA	✅	❌ Not directly connected
Amazon AWD	✅	❌ Not directly connected
Virtual Warehouse: used for dedicated inventory for transfers, on-site events, etc.	✅	✅

Finale Inventory offers a fully integrated, native FBA workflow, ideal for multichannel sellers utilizing Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) and Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) services. It reduces dependency on middleware and maintains accurate stock across Amazon and non-Amazon channels. In contrast, SkuVault Core relies on external connector platforms for nearly all FBA-related functionality.

Centralized Inventory & Warehouse Management

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
See all marketplaces and transactions	✅	✅
Multi-warehouse support	✅	✅
SKU consolidation and SKU mapping	✅	✅
Single order picking	✅	✅
Wave order picking	✅	✅
Batch order picking	✅	✅
Pick and pack order fulfillment	✅	✅
FIFO and FEFO (expiration) for picking orders	❌	✅
Lot ID, batch number and expiration date tracking	✅	✅

SkuVault does not have an import products via copy/paste feature. This is a command many former Excel and Google Sheets users will miss. In Finale, you can copy and paste to import almost any data, making the transition from Excel, another IMS, or ERP to Finale simple.

Finale Inventory does support zone-based order picking through its barcode scanning system by utilizing sublocations within a warehouse. Zones in Finale are implemented as sublocations (e.g., bins, shelves, bays) within a warehouse or location. Pickers focus on specific zones to collect items, enhancing efficiency in larger warehouses.

Barcode Scanning & Label Printing

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Dedicated mobile app	✅	❌
Compatibilty	Android	Any browser on Android or iOS
Supports simultaneous scanning	✅	✅
Supports barcode label creation and printing for warehouse shelves, bins, and zones.	✅	✅
Barcode and product ID connected within the mobile app, enabling lookup on the device	✅	✅
Mispick alerts	✅	✅

Kits and Bundles

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Support for pre-packaged and virtual kits and bundles	✅	✅
Support for assigning alias SKUs	✅	✅
Support for tracking individual component SKUs (Child SKUs)	✅	✅
Order fulfillment picking for kitted or bundled products	✅	✅

Ecommerce sellers turn to kitting and bundling to sell a single SKU across a variety of baskets. You only need to track the stock levels of one SKU, no matter how many kits or bundles it is a part of. This makes cross-selling, promotions, and sales easier. Without a proper kitting or bundling software, you are left guessing how many of the child SKUs are left. This is a major problem for ecommerce sellers that sell on multiple platforms that don’t have proper stock tracking.

Purchasing & Procurement

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Low Stock Alerts	✅	✅
Purchase Order Automation	✅	✅
Purchasing History to see all your suppliers and order history in one place	✅	✅
Stock Replenishment Automation based on Sales velocity, reorder points (min/max), lead times, and safety stock buffers.	✅	❌
Support for applying payments to multiple invoices	✅	❌
Supplier performance history, PO delivery performance	❌	✅

Purchase order (PO) automation hinges on notifications when stock is running low. Both Finale and SkuVault give users the ability to receive automatic notifications when stock is low. This then prompts the user to review purchase order recommendations before sending it to a supplier or vendor.  Both Finale and SkuVault use dynamic calculations for accurate suggestions.

Accounting Integrations

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
QuickBooks Online	✅ Platinum plans and up, lower plans with an accounting partner	❌ Need a third-party connector
QuickBooks Desktop	❌	❌ Need a third-party connector
QuickBooks Enterprise	❌	❌ Need a third-party connector
A2X	✅	❌
ConnectBooks	✅	❌
Xero	✅	❌

The Finale QuickBooks Online integration is far superior compared to SkuVault. To have Finale connect to your QuickBooks Online, you must have a Platinum plan. If you are on a lower plan, you can still connect to QuickBooks Online, but you must consult with our Finale accounting partners. Connecting your IMS to your accounting system can be complicated, so having a dedicated account manager or accounting partner will prevent errors.

Accounting Tools

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Built-in Accounting Methods	Weighted Average Cost	Weighted Average Cost
Built-in COGS Calculations	✅	✅ Doesn’t produce formal COGS journal entries. Lacks native accounting ledger or journal-entry capabilities, requiring third-party apps
Built-in Landed Cost Calculations	✅	❌
Built-in 3-way match audit	✅	❌
Built-in stock valuation	✅	✅
Supports scheduling reports to Google Suite	✅	❌
Automatically tracks the source of orders for integrated sales channels	✅	✅
Multi-currency capability	❌	❌

The biggest difference between SkuVault and Finale in this area is that SkuVault doesn’t handle its own accounting ledger natively. Additionally, SkuVault cannot directly integrate with QuickBooks Online; a third-party connector is required.

Multi-currency capability: While Finale doesn’t have multi-currency capability or currency conversions, it is currency neutral or currency blind– users only see the absolute value of their transactions. As long as your input is consistent, the value of the number doesn’t matter, as long as it’s consistent. For example, if a field shows 100, the user will know if it means 100 USD or 100 EUR. Regardless, the number is the same. 

Landed cost capability: SkuVault lacks landed cost capabilities. This is a major factor missed when calculating the true cost of a good. Landed costs is where you add in taxes, insurance, freight, and any other below-the-line fees necessary to acquire the products.  

Reporting & Analytics

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Analytics dashboard	✅	✅
Automated reports sent to email	✅	❌ Not built-in, workaround needed
Users can customize reports	✅	✅

It’s important to note that SkuVault Core’s report customization is not unlimited. You can adjust filters and use the provided report types, but you cannot build completely new report types from scratch or define wholly custom metrics within SkuVault’s interface.

Support & Implementation

	Finale Inventory	SkuVault Core
Onboarding support	Free guided onboarding for Bronze plans and up.	Onboarding and implementation services are not included in the standard subscription; they incur additional fees.
Time to implement	4-8 weeks on average	Standard rollout ~8 weeks
Live Chat Support	AI chat assistant	Human chat assistance
Phone / Zoom Support	✅ Bronze plans and up	✅
Email Support	Guaranteed response within a few business hours – faster for premium plans	Usually reply within 24 hours
Dedicated account manager	Yes, for Platinum Plus plans at no extra cost	Enterprise plan (~$900/mo): includes a dedicated account/success manager at no additional cost
On-site training	Yes, for Platinum Plus plans	Enterprise plan (~$900/mo): includes on-site visits

Capterra Reviews

GR Reviews

GettApp Reviews

Common SkuVault Complaints

• Tired of upcharges and add-on fees, especially for training 
• Issues with integration data syncs (Eg, BigCommerce and WooCommerce)
• Hard to find products unless you search exactly by title
• Customer service is hard to reach or customer service is not helpful 

Common Finale Complaints

• Lack of returns or an integrated return workflow
• Can’t delete a product lookup (alias SKU) once created. The product lookup (alias SKU) can be deactivated but not deleted. 
• Lack of group visibility and visibility options

Which Is Better, SkuVault or Finale Inventory?

Both have full FBA integrations, but Finale’s is built-in, whereas SkuVault’s requires third-party connectors, which adds cost and complexity.

SkuVault Core has a limited number of integrations allowed. To add more integrations, you must upgrade to SkuVault Enterprise or Linnworks. With Finale, you can pick whichever integrations you want within your subscription’s overall plan limit. The only exception is QuickBooks Online, which is detailed above. 

SkuVault has order routing (based on postal code). Finale primarily relies on other systems, like ShipStation, for true order routing.

SkuVault gives an annual onsite visit for all enterprise plans and above, included in your monthly price. On-site training and visits are not included in standard Core subscriptions; they are available as part of premium onboarding packages or Enterprise-level plans. If you purchase onboarding that includes on-site support, that is usually sold as a one-time package or as a component of the Enterprise plan, not locked into a mandatory long-term contract. There is no publicly specified minimum contract length or term required for the Enterprise plan of SkuVault Core.

SkuVault vs Finale 2025 Comparison: Finale Provides Value, Service, & Flexibility

When comparing SkuVault Core and Finale Inventory in 2025, the choice ultimately comes down to what your business values most. SkuVault offers broader marketplace integrations via partner tools and includes perks like FIFO/FEFO picking and on-site visits at the Enterprise level. However, Finale stands out with its lower price point, free trial, and robust native features like barcode scanning, direct FBA and QuickBooks integrations, and flexible FTP import/export. While SkuVault leans on third-party connectors for accounting, sales channels, and FBA, Finale delivers a more unified experience with greater control over inventory workflows, without relying heavily on external tools. For businesses seeking an affordable, scalable solution with strong service and built-in flexibility, Finale Inventory is the more value-packed and adaptable choice.

Another standout in recent user reviews is Finale Inventory’s reputation for exceptional customer service and personalized support. Users consistently highlight the responsiveness of the team, hands-on training, and the personal attention they receive during onboarding and beyond. Compared to SkuVault, which can feel rigid, Finale offers a more human, relationship-driven experience. For many businesses, this level of care makes a big difference, not just in implementation but in ongoing success. It’s clear from public feedback: customers enjoy working with Finale and often describe it as a more pleasant and supportive IMS partner.

Ready to try Finale Inventory? Talk to an expert