Managing stockouts on Shopify can be challenging, but the right tools can help you stay ahead. This guide highlights the top stockout alert and inventory management tools to keep your store running smoothly. These tools notify you when inventory is low, help prevent stockouts, and even automate restock notifications for customers. Here's a quick overview:

• Forstock: AI-powered forecasting, real-time tracking, and automated purchase orders for $39/month.
• Back in Stock: Customer restock alerts with integrations like Klaviyo and Mailchimp.
• Stocky Alerts: Shopify's built-in tool for daily low-stock email reports.
• Notify Me: Multi-channel customer notifications (email, SMS, push) with marketing integrations.
• Stoq (Restock Rocket): Freemium app for restock notifications and low-stock alerts.
• Hulk Restock Alerts: Affordable ($9.90/month) multi-channel restock notifications.
• WiserNotify: Combines restock alerts with social proof pop-ups, starting at $23/month.
• Appikon: Advanced customer notifications with integrations like Klaviyo and Zapier.

Quick Tip: Smaller stores may benefit from simpler tools like Stocky Alerts or Hulk Restock Alerts, while larger businesses with complex needs should consider Forstock for its advanced forecasting and automation.
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1. Forstock
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Forstock is an inventory management platform tailored specifically for Shopify brands, designed to help businesses stay ahead of inventory challenges. By using AI-powered demand forecasting, it predicts when stock levels are running low - before it becomes a problem.

The platform relies on advanced forecasting models that analyze your sales trends, lead times, and seasonal fluctuations. This data is used to create smart reorder suggestions, ensuring you can avoid stockouts at every step. Let’s dive into some of Forstock’s standout features.

Alert Methods

Forstock’s alert system is more than just a basic low-stock notification tool. Its real-time inventory dashboards monitor stock levels continuously, generating reorder suggestions at just the right time. With the Stock Intelligence feature built into the Inventory Table, you get instant insights into which products need immediate attention. This proactive approach helps you take action before stockouts disrupt your business.

Automation Features

Managing purchase orders is a breeze with Forstock. The platform automatically generates and tracks purchase orders whenever stock hits pre-set thresholds. It also simplifies supplier management by providing centralized tools for tracking orders and communicating with suppliers - all in one place.

Integration Ecosystem

Forstock seamlessly integrates with Shopify through advanced API support, enabling real-time inventory syncing. It connects with various eCommerce tools to unify inventory management across physical and digital storefronts. By pulling key data - like sales history, product variants, and current stock levels - directly from your Shopify store, it eliminates the need for manual data entry. From a single dashboard, you can track inventory across multiple locations and access 12-month demand plans, empowering smarter purchasing decisions.

2. Back in Stock
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Back in Stock is a Shopify app designed to notify customers when out-of-stock products become available again.

Integration Ecosystem

What makes this app stand out is its wide range of integrations. It works seamlessly with Shopify Flow and leading email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Constant Contact, and Campaign Monitor, making it easy to keep customers informed. Through its Zapier integration, the app connects with over 8,000 apps and more than 450 AI tools, enabling no-code custom automation to suit specific business needs. It also pairs with Upsell by AMP, helping merchants boost post-restock sales.

"Back in Stock is the SINGLE BEST APP we have added to our Shopify store. It is a revenue generator and makes our clients so happy. I've started requesting the shops and businesses that I shop with add it to their shop." - For Pete's Sake Pottery

3. Stocky Alerts
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Stocky Alerts is Shopify's built-in tool for managing inventory, offering a straightforward way to stay on top of stock levels through daily email notifications.

How Alerts Work

Instead of sending notifications in real time, Stocky Alerts operates on a scheduled reporting system. Every day at 12:00 AM UTC, it emails a list of product variants that are running low on stock. However, since the report is sent to just one email address, teams needing updates for multiple people might need to consider third-party apps or Shopify Flow for more advanced automation options.

Automation at a Glance

Stocky Alerts simplifies inventory monitoring by compiling all low-stock items into a single daily report. This approach works well for merchants who prefer a once-a-day update rather than constant notifications.

Seamless Shopify Integration

As a native Shopify feature, Stocky Alerts connects directly to your store's inventory data without any extra setup. Many users appreciate its role in helping them manage stock levels effectively within the Shopify ecosystem. While it’s a basic tool, its integration and simplicity make it a convenient option for merchants looking for essential inventory alerts.

4. Notify Me
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Notify Me simplifies the way businesses alert customers about product availability by automatically adding a "Notify Me" button to pages featuring out-of-stock items.

Alert Methods

This app uses three main channels to notify customers: email, SMS, and push notifications through integrations like PushOwl. By offering multiple options, it ensures customers receive updates through their preferred method, increasing the likelihood of completing a purchase.

But Notify Me doesn’t stop at basic restock alerts. It also provides low stock alerts, which can be triggered when inventory hits a specific threshold. These alerts create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to act quickly before the item sells out completely.

This multi-channel approach lays the groundwork for the app's advanced automation capabilities.

Automation Features

Notify Me takes automation to the next level by automatically displaying a signup button when items go out of stock and sending notifications as soon as they’re restocked. It also manages subscriber lists efficiently and ensures notifications are sent in a matter of seconds.

Integration Ecosystem

The app's automation features are complemented by seamless integrations with popular marketing platforms. Notify Me connects effortlessly with tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Omnisend, Shopify Contact, PageFly, and PushOwl.

Fashion retailer Roller Rabbit shared their experience using the app:
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"This app is wonderful and the customer support is fantastic. We were able to customize the colors and experience to fit our brand. It integrates perfectly with Klaviyo. We are thrilled to have found the solution and appreciate the quick help and attention from the ReStock team."

With these integrations, restock notifications can flow directly into existing email marketing workflows. This allows businesses to create more tailored follow-up campaigns and segment customers based on their interest in specific products.

5. Stoq (Restock Rocket)
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Stoq helps businesses recover lost sales by notifying customers when out-of-stock products become available again. By addressing inventory gaps, it ensures that potential revenue isn’t left on the table. The app identifies stock shortages and provides a simple way for customers to sign up for restock alerts. These notifications are the backbone of Stoq’s functionality.

Alert Methods

Stoq relies on email notifications to inform customers when products are back in stock. A customizable "Notify Me" button appears on product pages for items that are sold out, making it easy for shoppers to submit their email addresses. This ensures they’re promptly informed when the item becomes available again. On the business side, store owners receive low-stock alerts, helping them stay ahead of inventory issues by addressing dwindling supplies before they run out.

Automation Features

The app takes care of the entire notification process automatically. As soon as a product sells out, a signup form is displayed to collect customer emails. When inventory is replenished, Stoq sends notifications to all subscribers without any manual effort from the store owner. It also manages subscriber lists by removing customers once their notifications are sent, keeping mailing lists organized. Merchants can customize the timing of alerts and monitor conversion rates to identify which products generate the most interest through restock notifications.

Integration Ecosystem

Stoq works seamlessly with popular email marketing tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and Shopify Email. It also connects with inventory management systems, ensuring accurate stock data and eliminating the risk of sending incorrect notifications.

6. Hulk Restock Alerts
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Hulk Restock Alerts ensures customers stay informed about their favorite products by delivering notifications across multiple channels. The app automatically tracks when out-of-stock products are replenished and sends updates to customers who have subscribed. This simple yet effective system helps Shopify store owners recover lost sales while keeping customers happy.

Alert Methods

Hulk Restock Alerts notifies subscribers the moment items are back in stock through email, SMS, and push notifications.

Automation Features

The app is designed to handle inventory updates seamlessly. When a product goes from unavailable to available, it identifies the subscribers linked to that product and sends alerts via their preferred communication method. This automation ensures notifications are sent quickly and accurately, minimizing delays.

Integration Ecosystem

Hulk Restock Alerts works directly with Shopify's inventory system, pulling real-time stock data to avoid sending inaccurate notifications. This integration enhances reliability and makes it a dependable tool for Shopify merchants.

Pricing

• Free 7-day trial: Test the app before committing.
• Pro Plan: $9.90/month, offering unlimited email and SMS notifications.
• Free Development Plan: Tailored for partner development stores.

"Hulk Restock & Back in Stock, on the other hand, offers a competitively priced Pro Plan at $9.90/month, which includes unlimited restock email notifications/SMS alerts. An additional special feature of the Hulk Apps is its free Development Plan designed specifically for partner development stores."

"Hulk Restock & Back in Stock focuses on offering immense value for a singularly affordable price point."

The app has earned high praise from users, boasting a 4.7-star rating from 31 reviews and a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews. Customers appreciate its user-friendly interface and the unique benefits it offers for partner development stores.

7. WiserNotify
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WiserNotify is a handy tool that combines restock notifications with social proof elements. This app not only keeps customers in the loop when their favorite products are back in stock but also uses real-time activity notifications to create a sense of urgency. It's a great choice for stores aiming to boost customer retention while driving sales.

Alert Methods

WiserNotify offers restock notifications through email and browser push notifications. When customers visit an out-of-stock product page, the app captures their interest and lets them subscribe with just one click. As soon as the item is restocked, subscribers get an instant alert with a direct link to the product page.

The app also provides customizable templates, allowing you to match notifications with your store's branding. This streamlined alert system lays the groundwork for more advanced automation that keeps customers engaged.

Automation Features

WiserNotify goes beyond simple restock alerts by adding social proof notifications to the mix. These pop-ups display real-time information such as recent purchases, current visitor numbers, and low stock warnings. Together, these features create urgency and encourage shoppers to act quickly.

The app automatically monitors inventory and sends out notifications based on thresholds you set. For instance, you can configure low-stock alerts to spark demand before items sell out entirely.

Integration Ecosystem

WiserNotify integrates seamlessly with Shopify's inventory management system and works with popular email marketing platforms. It pulls live data from your store, ensuring notifications are accurate and timely for a smooth customer experience.

Additionally, it connects with analytics tools, enabling store owners to track how effective their notification campaigns are. You can measure conversion rates from restock alerts and fine-tune your strategy accordingly. With these integrations in place, WiserNotify ensures efficiency and ease of use.

Pricing

WiserNotify uses a freemium model with several pricing tiers:
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• Free Plan: Supports up to 500 page views per month with basic notification features.
• Starter Plan: $23/month for up to 25,000 page views.
• Growth Plan: $49/month for up to 100,000 page views.
• Pro Plan: $99/month for up to 500,000 page views.

All paid plans include unlimited restock notifications, advanced customization options, and detailed analytics. Since pricing is based on website traffic rather than the number of notifications, it’s a flexible option for stores of all sizes.

8. Appikon
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Appikon's Back in Stock app provides a smart way to handle restock notifications and boost customer engagement. By transforming out-of-stock moments into opportunities, it helps keep customers in the loop about product availability.

Alert Methods

Appikon offers multiple ways to notify customers, including email, SMS, and web push notifications. Shoppers can easily sign up for alerts using customizable subscription forms on product pages. Emails typically feature product images, pricing details, and direct purchase links, while SMS and push notifications ensure timely updates across devices, helping customers act quickly.

Automation Features

The app simplifies the process by automatically sending notifications as soon as products are restocked. This feature ensures you can reconnect with interested customers without any manual effort.

Integration Ecosystem

Appikon integrates seamlessly with Shopify and a variety of marketing and eCommerce tools, making it easy to fold restock alerts into your broader marketing plans. Key integration partners include:

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Beyond these, Appikon also connects with platforms like Facebook Messenger for messenger-based notifications and JustUno for insights into visitor behavior. These integrations allow merchants to fine-tune their notification strategies and make the most of every restock opportunity. For Shopify businesses, Appikon is a powerful tool for managing stockout alerts effectively.

Tool Comparison: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right stockout alert tool depends on your business's size, the complexity of your product range, and your operational goals. A well-suited tool not only helps avoid stockouts but also supports your business's growth.

Forstock takes inventory management to the next level by going beyond basic stockout alerts. It uses AI-powered forecasting and maintains consistent pricing to help brands stay ahead of potential stock issues. With features like real-time inventory tracking and in-depth analytics, Forstock ensures that your purchasing decisions are based on solid data and aligned with your business goals. Rather than reacting to stockouts with customer notifications, this tool focuses on preventing them altogether through accurate forecasting and actionable insights.

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This table highlights how Forstock's advanced automation and analytics set it apart from simpler alert tools. When comparing stockout alert solutions, it's important to weigh the complexity of integration. While some tools offer quick, plug-and-play alerts, Forstock provides deeper insights and predictive analytics, which may require a more involved setup process. Striking the right balance between ease of use and long-term benefits is key to aligning with your technical capabilities and growth plans.

This comparison emphasizes the value of adopting proactive strategies in inventory management.

Conclusion

When selecting a stockout alert tool, it’s important to match the solution to your business’s specific needs, budget, and growth plans. Smaller stores with straightforward catalogs might find basic notification tools sufficient, but businesses with growing, complex inventories need something more advanced.

Forstock stands out as a solid choice for businesses aiming to stay ahead of stockouts. With AI-powered forecasting and robust inventory management features, it offers a reliable solution at a flat $39 per month. Its 95% forecasting accuracy and ability to handle everything from simple SKUs to intricate multi-variant catalogs make it versatile for businesses at different stages of growth.

Cost is another key factor to weigh. While basic alert tools may seem cheaper upfront, the hidden costs of stockouts - like missed sales, unhappy customers, and last-minute restocking fees - can add up quickly. Forstock’s consistent pricing helps mitigate these risks, offering a predictable monthly expense that offsets the financial strain of stockouts.

Beyond pricing, technical features and integrations are critical for streamlining operations. Basic tools often provide quick installations, but platforms like Forstock go further, delivering advanced capabilities such as automated purchase order creation, supplier management, and 12-month demand planning. While setup may take a bit more effort, these features save time and enhance efficiency in the long run.

FAQs

How does Forstock use AI to improve Shopify inventory management?

Forstock uses AI-driven forecasting to take the guesswork out of inventory management for Shopify merchants. By examining factors like sales patterns, seasonal shifts, and lead times, its algorithms deliver precise demand forecasts. This helps you sidestep stockouts and cut down on overstock.

With up-to-the-minute insights, Forstock makes it easy to reorder exactly when you should, coordinate seamlessly with suppliers, and maintain just the right amount of stock. The result? A smoother supply chain and happier customers who can count on finding the products they want, exactly when they need them.

What are the benefits of integrating Forstock with Shopify and other eCommerce tools?

Forstock works effortlessly with Shopify, making inventory management easier with real-time stock updates and automated purchase orders. This helps maintain accurate stock levels while cutting down on manual mistakes.

Through its centralized dashboard, Forstock keeps inventory in sync across various sales channels. Merchants can maintain optimal stock levels, prevent stockouts, and simplify supplier coordination. These tools lead to smoother daily operations and happier customers by ensuring products are available when they’re needed most.

What makes Forstock a better choice than basic stockout alert tools for inventory management?

Forstock offers more than just stockout alerts - it's a full-scale inventory management tool designed to keep your business ahead of the curve. It packs features like real-time demand forecasting, automated purchase order generation, and in-depth inventory analytics. These tools work together to help businesses anticipate and prevent stockouts before they even occur.

Thanks to its AI-powered forecasting, Forstock adjusts seamlessly to sales patterns, lead times, and seasonal fluctuations. This ensures purchasing decisions are always precise and backed by data. By simplifying operations, boosting cash flow, and cutting down on manual effort, Forstock is an excellent choice for businesses juggling intricate inventories or managing multiple locations.