Fishbowl Inventory Cost
How much does it cost to purchase and implement Fishbowl Inventory?What is the break-down cost of licenses, maintenance and support, installation, customization, data migration and training?
Software price
Fishbowl Inventory software has a starting price of $4,395 for a single user license. The software also offers additional users licenses at $1,195 per user. For larger enterprises, they offer a global enterprise plan with custom pricing based on the specific needs of the business.
Plans compared
There are three main plans offered by Fishbowl Inventory: Professional, Manufacturing, and Warehouse. The Professional plan is priced at $4,395 for a single user license and includes basic inventory management features. The Manufacturing plan, priced at $6,595 for a single user license, includes additional manufacturing tools. The Warehouse plan, priced at $4,395 for a single user license, focuses on warehouse management features.
Plans fit
The Professional plan is best suited for small businesses or startups that require basic inventory management. The Manufacturing plan is ideal for manufacturing companies looking to streamline their production processes. The Warehouse plan is recommended for businesses that primarily deal with inventory storage and distribution.
Other cost
Implementation costs for Fishbowl Inventory can vary depending on the complexity of the business needs, but on average, it ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Customization costs are also available for businesses looking to tailor the software to their specific requirements, with an average cost of $1,000 to $5,000. Training costs typically range from $500 to $2,000 per user.
One time fees
There are no specific hardware requirements for Fishbowl Inventory, but businesses may need to invest in barcode scanners or label printers for efficient inventory management. These one-time costs can range from $100 to $500 per device.
Alternatives compared
Compared to its alternatives such as TradeGecko, inFlow Inventory, and QuickBooks Enterprise, Fishbowl Inventory is competitively priced in the market. While some alternatives may offer lower initial costs, Fishbowl Inventory stands out for its robust features and scalability.
Verdict
Overall, Fishbowl Inventory is considered to be moderately priced compared to its competitors, with a pricing grade of 75 out of 100. The software offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a solid choice for businesses looking to enhance their inventory management processes.
Fishbowl Inventory Cost Pricing
Fishbowl Inventory employs a perpetual license pricing model, requiring a one-time purchase fee rather than recurring subscription charges. The cost is influenced by the number of users needing access. While Fishbowl doesn’t publicly list its pricing, it’s understood that the more users, the higher the initial investment. The Value Metric is concurrent users accessing the system.
| Number of Users | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 User | $4,395+ |
| 10 Users | $15,000+ |
| 100 Users | Contact Vendor |
Plans Compared
Fishbowl offers different products tailored to specific business needs:
Fishbowl Inventory: Focuses on warehouse management and inventory tracking. Fishbowl Manufacturing: Designed for businesses with complex production lines. Fishbowl Commerce Suite: Caters to businesses deeply involved in e-commerce. Fishbowl Warehouse: Focuses on warehouse management features such as order fulfillment and shipping.
The Feature Gate that typically triggers an upgrade is the need for advanced manufacturing capabilities beyond basic inventory control.
Pricing Fit
Basic Inventory: Ideal for smaller teams needing to get inventory under control. Advanced Warehousing: Suited for growing operations requiring more efficient fulfillment and workflows. Advanced Manufacturing: Designed for high-volume operations that need advanced controls and visibility.
The Time To Value (TTV) varies, but implementation can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on data migration and training requirements.
Hidden Costs
Potential hidden costs associated with Fishbowl Inventory include:
One-time fees for implementation and data migration. Training costs, especially for on-site or in-house training packages. Custom report development, which can range from $150 to $2,000 per report. Annual resubscription fees for continued access to updates and customer support. Renewal Caps: Expect annual increases to cover support and maintenance, typically around 3-5%.
Alternatives Compared
| Alternative | Pricing Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| NetSuite ERP | No pricing found | Financial management, order management, inventory control, and procurement. |
| Odoo Inventory | Starting Price:$31.1/month | Real-time tracking of stock levels, efficient warehouse organization, and seamless integration with other Odoo applications. |
| inFlow Inventory | Custom Quote Available | Essential stock, order, and barcode management in an intuitive interface. |
| Zoho Inventory | Custom Quote Available | Inventory management software for growing businesses. |
TCO Calculation
A 3-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation for Fishbowl Inventory, considering a 10-user setup:
Year 1: $15,000 (License) + $3,000 (Implementation) + $1,000 (Training) + $500 (Custom Reports) = $19,500 Year 2: $1,000 (Support Renewal) + $500 (Custom Reports) = $1,500 Year 3: $1,000 (Support Renewal) + $500 (Custom Reports) = $1,500 Total: $19,500 + $1,500 + $1,500 = $22,500
The industry average TCO for a similar on-premise solution is around $25,000, making Fishbowl Inventory potentially more cost-effective in the long run, especially if custom report needs are minimal. This calculation excludes potential savings from increased efficiency.
Fishbowl Inventory Cost Verdict
Fishbowl Inventory can be a worthwhile investment for businesses seeking a robust inventory management solution, particularly those already integrated with QuickBooks. However, the upfront cost and potential for hidden expenses should be carefully considered.
In 2026, AI automation and AI agents are influencing Fishbowl’s pricing strategy by offering premium AI-driven insights and automation features, such as Fishbowl AI Insights™ with Athena, which command a premium due to their advanced capabilities and potential for significant ROI. These AI-powered tools provide custom reports, intuitive dashboards, and AI-powered forecasting to prevent overstocks and shortages. Fishbowl is also incorporating more advanced AI capabilities into their core product, such as complex automations and workflows, which are available as add-ons. This shift allows Fishbowl to offer more flexible pricing options based on the level of AI integration required by the customer.
