Multi Channel Ecommerce Software Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Know

Want help with your bookkeeping? We make it easy. Get started, Speak w/ a Founder, or Schedule a Callback.

Multi channel ecommerce software can make your online selling journey much more comfortable. These tools put all the major aspects of running an ecommerce business in one place. Plus, for whatever areas they don’t cover, the best ones have neat integrations to plug into other specialized tools.

Read on to discover what these tools can do for your business. We’ll also list a few options you might like to try.

Understanding Multi Channel Ecommerce Software

Multi channel ecommerce software refers to specialized applications for ecommerce businesses. These software applications help businesses to manage their sales across multiple online selling channels. If you sell in more than one online space, you should look into using one.

This software essentially operates as a central hub so that you can streamline different aspects of your online store. This way, you can reach a wider audience and simplify your operations.

Key Features of Multi Channel Ecommerce Software

In essence, these tools help online commerce run more efficiently. Below are some of their basic functions that improve efficiency and give you valuable insights to grow your ecommerce business.

Product Management and Listing

Create and manage product listings across channels, like your website, online marketplaces, and social media platforms, from a single interface.
Update product details such as descriptions, prices, and images across all channels simultaneously, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Store and manage rich product information, like specifications, variations, and multimedia content, within the platform. This facilitates easy access and distribution across channels.
Tailor product details like descriptions, titles, and images, to meet the specific requirements and audiences of each sales channel.

Inventory Management and Order Fulfillment

Prevent overselling and stockouts by leveraging automatic updates for inventory levels across all connected channels whenever a sale occurs on any platform.
Set inventory thresholds once and receive notifications whenever levels fall below predefined numbers to alert you of the need to restock.
Centralize order processing from different channels for efficient fulfillment from a single location. This eliminates the need to log in to each platform separately to fulfill orders.
Automate picking, packing, and shipping processes.
Compare rates for different carriers and choose the most cost-effective shipping options within the platform.

Real-time Analytics and Reporting

Gain insights into sales performance across all channels, including sales trends, revenue breakdowns, and product performance by channel
Analyze customer behavior data, such as purchase history and browsing habits. This helps you understand customer preferences and use that to improve product recommendations and marketing strategies.
Track inventory turnover rates, identify slow-moving products, and optimize inventory management for improved cash flow.
Measure how effective your marketing campaigns are across channels so you can identify what’s working and optimize your spend.
Create custom dashboards that show you key performance indicators relevant to your business goals so you can make better decisions.
Where available, use the mobile app to manage your online business on the go.

Customer Management and Marketing

Track and manage customer interactions across all channels through a unified view so you can offer a more personalized and consistent customer experience.
Store and manage customer information like purchase history and preferences from all channels in one place.
Offer customers real-time order tracking information and facilitate communication across all channels.
Automatically send reminder emails to customers who abandon their shopping carts.
Create automated email campaigns, promotions, and social media marketing initiatives across channels to target your ideal customers.
Integrate your CRM system to further enhance customer segmentation, personalization, and loyalty programs.

Payment Options

Offer various payment gateways to customers purchasing from different channels, offering a smoother checkout experience .
Secure customer data by offering options that adhere to industry security standards, i.e. PCI compliance.
Allow purchases through major credit cards and debit cards.
Offer alternatives to traditional payment methods, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Afterpay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.
Support features for international payment processing, including multi-currency support and international fraud prevention tools.
Manage payment options from a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple accounts with different processors.
Receive instant notifications of payments and efficiently within the platform.\

Reporting and Analytics

Comprehensive reports and analytics on sales performance, customer behavior, and inventory levels across all channels.
Use real-time data to make informed decisions about marketing strategies, product offerings, and overall business operations.

Integration Capabilities

Integrate with popular online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for seamless product listing, inventory, and fulfillment management across platforms.
Link your CRM to look at customer interactions across channels, personalize marketing efforts, and improve customer loyalty.
Integrate with your WMS to track inventory levels in multiple warehouses and allocate stock for fulfillment from the most optimal location.
Link to marketing automation platforms to personalize customer communication, inform email campaigns, and manage social media marketing across channels.

Choosing the Right Multi Channel Ecommerce Platform

The right platform is as important as the right tools when it comes to the success of your ecommerce business. Consider the following factors when you’re looking for the right channels to sell on.

Streamlined Operations

Trying to manually update product listings, manage inventory, and fulfill orders across multiple platforms individually is a herculean task. It would be too chaotic and time-consuming to be worth the effort. A multi channel platform centralizes these tasks, saving you these valuable resources.

Improved Efficiency and Reduced Errors

More than being inconvenient, manual channel management tends to lead to errors. Software helps you keep accurate and timely inventory counts, order processing, and customer communication.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Accurate product information, real-time inventory updates, and efficient order fulfillment supports a seamless, more positive customer experience across sales channels.

Scalability and Growth Potential

The right multi channel platform should be able to scale alongside your business as it grows and expands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which features should I look for in multi-channel ecommerce software?

When choosing multi-channel ecommerce software, consider the following options:

Marketplace integration software allows you to easily connect and manage listings across different channels. You can manage multiple marketplaces alongside your own online store from a central hub.
Product cataloging and management software focuses on uploading, editing, and categorizing products efficiently.
Inventory management software lets you centrally track inventory levels across all channels. This helps you to avoid overselling and ensure accurate stock levels.
Order management software gives you the ability to fulfill orders, track shipments, and manage returns from a single platform.
Workflow automation software automates repetitive tasks for you so you can save time.
Shipping management software integrates with different shipping carriers to facilitate efficient label generation and cost comparison.
Promotions management software allows you to create and manage promotions across all channels to boost sales.
Analytics and reporting software gives you insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and areas for improvement.

Can multi-channel ecommerce software integrate with my existing systems?

Yes, many options offer integration capabilities with existing systems. They usually use one of the following methods to make the connection:

Popular software often comes with pre-built connectors for common systems to allow for seamless data exchange.
Third-party integration tools act as intermediaries so you can connect software that has no pre-built connector.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) facilitate custom integrations where you need more flexibility. This requires development expertise, though.

How does multi-channel ecommerce software help in managing inventory?

Multi-channel ecommerce software offers the following key functionalities:

Centralized Inventory Management

Synched inventory records for all channels.
Fewer discrepancies and more accurate inventory data.

Real-Time Updates

One system that automatically tracks stock levels in real-time as it deducts inventory whenever a sale occurs on any channel.
Customers see the most up-to-date product availability across all channels.

Improved Forecasting and Replenishment

Analysis of multi-channel sales data to identify trends and predict future demand.
Automated reordering to ensure you always have enough stock.

Is multi-channel ecommerce software suitable for small businesses, or is it only for larger enterprises?

Absolutely. Multi-channel ecommerce software can even offer small businesses greater benefits, like:

Tasks automation and centralized management to save valuable time and resources.
Increased visibility to reach new customers across different online channels without excessive manpower.
Efficient scaling without needing additional personnel for multiple channel management.
Wider product offerings and presence across popular marketplaces.

What Is EcomBalance?

EcomBalance is a monthly bookkeeping service specialized for eCommerce companies selling on Amazon, Shopify, Ebay, Etsy, WooCommerce, & other eCommerce channels.

We take monthly bookkeeping off your plate and deliver you your financial statements by the 15th or 20th of each month.

You’ll have your Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement ready for analysis each month so you and your business partners can make better business decisions.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a call with our CEO, Nathan Hirsch.

And here’s some free resources:

Conclusion

Choose the multi channel ecommerce software suite that can meet all your needs. These tools are meant to make online commerce easier, so make sure the one you get actually helps you.

Want bookkeeping off your plate? We’ve got you! Get started, Speak w/ a Founder, or Schedule a Callback.

Julia Valdez

Julia Valdez is Freelance Writer and Agency Owner. She regularly writes on topics related to Business Finances, Growth, Hiring, Entrepreneurship, and more.

Browse the Blog

Free Resources

Finance Meeting Agenda

Ecom Bookkeeping Guide

Ecom Mistakes Ebook

Amazon Accounting Guide

Shopify Bookkeeping Guide