Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail stores handling diverse product catalogs like thrift items.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - Affordable POS software with built-in inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small thrift operations.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS and inventory platform that syncs online and in-store sales for thrift stores expanding to ecommerce.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP offering customizable POS, inventory tracking, and donation management for nonprofits.
- 5#5: Zoho Inventory - Multi-channel inventory software that automates stock management, orders, and warehouse operations for resellers.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory and POS software for small retailers with barcode scanning and purchase order tracking.
- 7#7: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track thrift store donations and stock effortlessly.
- 8#8: Fishbowl - Robust inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for accurate tracking in growing thrift warehouses.
- 9#9: Cin7 - Advanced inventory platform connecting POS, ecommerce, and suppliers for complex thrift store operations.
- 10#10: Veeqo - Ecommerce-focused inventory management tool with order fulfillment and stock syncing for multi-channel thrift sales.
We ranked these solutions by evaluating how well they cater to thrift store workflows—including donation tracking, multi-channel sync, and scalable tracking—while prioritizing ease of use, reliability, and value across small and growing operations.
Comparison Table
Managing thrift store inventory effectively is critical for streamlining operations and boosting profitability; this comparison table outlines key software tools including Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Odoo, Zoho Inventory, and more. Read on to learn about features, pricing models, and usability insights, helping you select the best solution for your store's size and workflow, whether you manage a small boutique or a larger network.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail stores handling diverse product catalogs like thrift items. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail Affordable POS software with built-in inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small thrift operations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Integrated POS and inventory platform that syncs online and in-store sales for thrift stores expanding to ecommerce. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP offering customizable POS, inventory tracking, and donation management for nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Inventory Multi-channel inventory software that automates stock management, orders, and warehouse operations for resellers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory and POS software for small retailers with barcode scanning and purchase order tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track thrift store donations and stock effortlessly. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Fishbowl Robust inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for accurate tracking in growing thrift warehouses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 |
| 9 | Cin7 Advanced inventory platform connecting POS, ecommerce, and suppliers for complex thrift store operations. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.0/10 |
| 10 | Veeqo Ecommerce-focused inventory management tool with order fulfillment and stock syncing for multi-channel thrift sales. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
Cloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail stores handling diverse product catalogs like thrift items.
Affordable POS software with built-in inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small thrift operations.
Integrated POS and inventory platform that syncs online and in-store sales for thrift stores expanding to ecommerce.
Modular open-source ERP offering customizable POS, inventory tracking, and donation management for nonprofits.
Multi-channel inventory software that automates stock management, orders, and warehouse operations for resellers.
User-friendly inventory and POS software for small retailers with barcode scanning and purchase order tracking.
Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track thrift store donations and stock effortlessly.
Robust inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for accurate tracking in growing thrift warehouses.
Advanced inventory platform connecting POS, ecommerce, and suppliers for complex thrift store operations.
Ecommerce-focused inventory management tool with order fulfillment and stock syncing for multi-channel thrift sales.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail stores handling diverse product catalogs like thrift items.
Matrix inventory for effortlessly managing item variations like clothing sizes, colors, and conditions common in thrift stores
Lightspeed Retail is a robust cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail operations, including thrift stores handling second-hand goods. It provides real-time inventory tracking, purchase order management, multi-location support, and detailed reporting to streamline stock from donations to sales. The system integrates with e-commerce, accounting tools, and offers mobile accessibility for on-the-go inventory updates.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory tracking with low-stock alerts and matrix support for sizes/colors
- Multi-channel selling integration for in-store, online, and marketplace sales
- Advanced reporting and analytics for sales trends and inventory optimization
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small thrift stores
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Lacks built-in donation-specific tracking without custom setups
Best For
Mid-sized thrift stores with multiple locations needing scalable, omnichannel inventory and POS management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Essentials), $149/month (Plus), $249/month (Advanced) per location; custom enterprise pricing available with annual discounts.
Square for Retail
specializedAffordable POS software with built-in inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small thrift operations.
Infinite item library with variant support and automatic stock adjustments from sales, ideal for diverse thrift inventories.
Square for Retail is a versatile POS system with built-in inventory management designed for small to medium retail businesses, including thrift stores. It enables real-time tracking of stock levels, item categorization, variants for sizes/colors, and sales integration to automatically update inventory upon purchase. The platform also offers reporting on sales trends, low-stock alerts, and multi-location support, making it suitable for managing donated goods turnover.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with minimal setup time
- Real-time inventory syncing across devices and locations
- Seamless integration with Square's payment processing for quick transactions
Cons
- Lacks specialized tools for tracking donations, donor info, or item provenance
- Limited custom fields and tagging for thrift-specific categorization like condition grading
- Transaction-based fees can accumulate for high-volume sales without volume discounts
Best For
Thrift stores prioritizing ease of use and affordable POS-integrated inventory for sales-focused operations over advanced donation management.
Pricing
Free POS and inventory software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/keyed; optional hardware starts at $49.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS and inventory platform that syncs online and in-store sales for thrift stores expanding to ecommerce.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across physical stores and online channels
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, offering real-time inventory tracking, sales processing, and multichannel selling capabilities ideal for managing thrift store stock. It excels in syncing physical and online inventory, handling product variants for unique second-hand items, and providing detailed reporting on sales and stock levels. While not thrift-specific, it supports custom tagging and photos for donated goods, making it suitable for scaling operations.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory sync between in-store POS and online store
- Flexible product management with variants, custom fields, and photos for unique thrift items
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales trends and stock optimization
Cons
- No native support for donation tracking or consignment management
- POS Pro features require additional $89/month per location on top of Shopify plans
- Overkill for small thrift stores focused solely on basic inventory without e-commerce
Best For
Thrift stores with an online presence seeking integrated omnichannel inventory and sales management.
Pricing
Free POS Lite with Shopify Basic ($29/mo); POS Pro $89/mo per location; plans scale to $399/mo for Advanced.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP offering customizable POS, inventory tracking, and donation management for nonprofits.
Fully integrated modular apps allowing inventory to connect effortlessly with CRM, sales, and accounting without third-party tools
Odoo is a versatile open-source ERP platform with robust inventory management modules ideal for thrift stores to track donations, categorize second-hand items, and manage stock levels in real-time. It integrates inventory with point-of-sale, sales, and accounting for streamlined operations like dynamic pricing and sales reporting. Highly customizable, it supports barcode scanning, multi-location storage, and automated reordering, making it adaptable for non-profit retail environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with real-time tracking and barcode support
- Modular system integrates POS, sales, and accounting seamlessly
- Free Community edition offers excellent value for core functionality
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Requires technical expertise or developer for thrift-specific tweaks like donation tracking
- Enterprise features needed for full scalability add costs
Best For
Growing thrift stores needing a scalable, all-in-one ERP beyond basic inventory management.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise/Online from $24.90/user/month (annual billing) for advanced apps and support.
Zoho Inventory
specializedMulti-channel inventory software that automates stock management, orders, and warehouse operations for resellers.
Multi-warehouse management with real-time sync, enabling thrift store chains to track inventory across multiple locations effortlessly
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed to track stock, process orders, and manage warehouses efficiently. For thrift stores, it supports categorizing donated items with custom fields for sizes, conditions, and categories, while handling sales, purchases, and barcode scanning. It integrates with e-commerce sites, POS systems, and Zoho's suite for accounting and CRM, enabling comprehensive operations from donation intake to point-of-sale.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with custom fields ideal for varied thrift items like clothing sizes and conditions
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce, shipping carriers, and Zoho apps for end-to-end operations
- Free plan and scalable pricing make it accessible for growing thrift stores
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features, challenging for non-tech-savvy volunteers
- No native donation receipting or volunteer management; requires workarounds or add-ons
- Advanced multi-location features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized thrift stores or chains needing scalable inventory control with e-commerce and multi-location support.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; Standard at $29/month, Professional at $79/month (billed annually).
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory and POS software for small retailers with barcode scanning and purchase order tracking.
Advanced mobile scanner app for offline barcode inventory counts and adjustments
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized retailers, including thrift stores, offering real-time stock tracking, barcode scanning, and POS integration. It supports multi-location management, purchase orders for restocking or donation intake, and customizable reporting to monitor sales of second-hand goods. The software excels in handling variable inventory like clothing sizes and conditions through custom fields, making it suitable for thrift operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive barcode scanning and label printing for quick thrift item processing
- Multi-location and multi-user support ideal for chain thrift stores
- Strong reporting and analytics for sales trends and inventory turnover
Cons
- Lacks built-in donation tracking or donor management specific to non-profits
- Desktop-focused interface requires some setup for full cloud sync
- Higher learning curve for advanced custom fields and integrations
Best For
Small to medium thrift stores needing scalable inventory and POS without heavy customization for donations.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Cloud (1 user, up to 1,000 orders); On-Premise one-time purchase from $999; scales with users and volume.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track thrift store donations and stock effortlessly.
Visual photo cataloging that allows instant item recognition and search by image
Sortly is a cloud-based visual inventory management software that uses photos, barcodes, and QR codes to catalog and track items effortlessly. For thrift stores, it excels in organizing donations by categories like clothing or furniture, monitoring stock levels, and enabling quick mobile scans for incoming inventory. It provides folder-based organization, custom fields, and basic reporting, making it suitable for small-scale operations without needing extensive setup.
Pros
- Intuitive photo-based visual cataloging for unique thrift items
- Fast barcode and QR code scanning on mobile devices
- Cloud synchronization across multiple locations and users
Cons
- Lacks built-in POS or sales processing for direct retail
- Basic reporting with limited advanced analytics
- Pricing scales quickly with item volume limits
Best For
Small thrift stores needing simple, visual inventory tracking for donations and stock without complex retail integrations.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items, basic features); Plus $29/month (1,000 items); Premium $59/month (10,000 items); Enterprise custom.
Fishbowl
enterpriseRobust inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for accurate tracking in growing thrift warehouses.
Seamless, real-time QuickBooks integration for automated accounting and inventory syncing
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software primarily designed for warehouses, manufacturing, and distribution businesses, offering perpetual inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and seamless QuickBooks integration. It excels in multi-location inventory control, purchase orders, sales orders, and detailed reporting. For thrift stores, it provides strong backend inventory capabilities but lacks specialized features like donation tracking or fast retail POS tailored to high-volume, low-value item sales.
Pros
- Powerful perpetual inventory tracking with barcode support
- Excellent QuickBooks integration for accounting sync
- Multi-location management suitable for chain thrift stores
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for non-technical users
- High cost not ideal for small thrift operations
- Lacks thrift-specific tools like donation logging or volunteer POS
Best For
Larger thrift store chains with multiple locations needing advanced warehouse-style inventory control and QuickBooks integration.
Pricing
Starts at $4,395 for the standard on-premise edition (one-time license) plus annual maintenance fees around 20%; cloud version pricing available upon request.
Cin7
enterpriseAdvanced inventory platform connecting POS, ecommerce, and suppliers for complex thrift store operations.
Core multi-channel inventory sync that prevents overselling across POS, online stores, and marketplaces in real-time
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, providing real-time stock tracking, order management, POS capabilities, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and eBay. For thrift stores, it excels in handling diverse donated inventory across multiple locations, automating stock adjustments, and syncing sales data. However, it lacks specialized features for donation intake, item valuation, or volunteer workflows, making it better suited for scaled operations than small nonprofits.
Pros
- Advanced multi-location and multi-channel inventory tracking
- Seamless POS integration for in-store thrift sales
- Strong reporting and automation for high-volume operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High pricing not ideal for small thrift stores
- No built-in tools for donation tracking or used goods appraisal
Best For
Mid-sized thrift store chains with online sales channels and multiple locations needing enterprise-level inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Starter plan) up to $999+/month (Pro), billed annually with add-ons for higher volumes.
Veeqo
specializedEcommerce-focused inventory management tool with order fulfillment and stock syncing for multi-channel thrift sales.
Completely free multi-channel inventory management with seamless Amazon integration
Veeqo is a cloud-based inventory management platform primarily designed for e-commerce sellers, offering multi-channel inventory tracking, warehouse management, and shipping tools. It supports barcode scanning, purchase orders, and integrations with platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. For thrift stores, it provides solid general inventory control but lacks specialized features like POS for in-store retail or donation tracking.
Pros
- Free core platform with unlimited inventory and users
- Strong multi-channel sync for online sales
- Intuitive barcode scanning and shipping tools
Cons
- No native POS system for in-store thrift store sales
- Limited customization for donation management or pricing strategies
- Reporting not tailored to physical retail or non-profits
Best For
Thrift stores expanding into online multi-channel sales who need cost-free inventory syncing without heavy in-store POS needs.
Pricing
Free forever for core inventory, orders, and shipping management; optional premium shipping discounts and add-ons.
Conclusion
The review of top thrift store inventory software revealed tools catering to varied needs, from small operations to growing warehouses. Leading the pack, Lightspeed Retail excelled with its tailored cloud-based system, adept at managing diverse thrift catalogs. Square for Retail and Shopify POS followed as strong alternatives, offering affordability and seamless ecommerce sync, respectively.
Elevate your thrift store efficiency—try Lightspeed Retail, the top-ranked solution, and streamline inventory management with a system built for your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
