Linnworks: Inventory & Order Management Software for eCommerce

Managing inventory across multiple sales channels can feel like juggling flaming torches whilst riding a unicycle. One dropped ball and your entire operation comes crashing down. Enter Linnworks—an inventory and order management platform designed to streamline multichannel selling for eCommerce businesses.

This comprehensive review examines Linnworks’ features, pricing, and performance to help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your business. We’ll explore how this platform handles inventory synchronisation, order processing, and marketplace integrations, whilst weighing up the pros and cons based on real-world usage scenarios.

Whether you’re a growing online retailer struggling with stock management or an established business looking to optimise your operations, this analysis will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.

What is Linnworks?

Linnworks is a cloud-based inventory and order management system specifically built for multichannel eCommerce retailers. Founded in 2009, the platform serves as a central hub that connects your inventory with multiple sales channels, including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and your own website.

The software automates many of the tedious tasks associated with multichannel selling, such as inventory updates, order processing, and stock level synchronisation. Instead of manually updating product quantities across each platform, Linnworks does this automatically when a sale occurs on any channel.

The platform caters primarily to small and medium-sized businesses that sell across multiple online marketplaces and need a unified system to manage their operations efficiently.

Key Features and Capabilities

Inventory Management

Linnworks’ inventory management system provides real-time stock tracking across all your sales channels. The platform automatically adjusts inventory levels when orders are placed, preventing overselling and stockouts.

Key inventory features include:

• Multi-location stock tracking: Monitor inventory across warehouses, retail stores, and third-party logistics providers
• Low stock alerts: Receive notifications when products reach minimum stock levels
• Batch and serial number tracking: Essential for businesses dealing with regulated products or warranty management
• Kitting and bundling: Create product bundles that automatically adjust component stock levels

Order Processing

The order management system centralises all orders from different channels into a single dashboard. This unified view streamlines fulfilment operations and reduces processing errors.

Order processing features include:

• Automated order routing: Direct orders to appropriate fulfilment centres based on location or stock availability
• Pick list generation: Create optimised picking lists for warehouse staff
• Shipping integrations: Connect with major carriers for automated label printing and tracking
• Returns management: Handle returns and exchanges across all channels from one interface

Channel Integrations

Linnworks supports over 100+ marketplace and eCommerce platform integrations, including:

• Major marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, Fruugo
• eCommerce platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce
• Social commerce: Facebook Shop, Instagram Shopping
• B2B platforms: Trade Me, Catch, OnBuy

Each integration synchronises product listings, inventory levels, and order information bidirectionally, ensuring consistency across all channels.

Reporting and Analytics

The platform includes comprehensive reporting tools that provide insights into sales performance, inventory turnover, and operational efficiency.

Analytics features encompass:

• Sales performance reports: Track revenue, profit margins, and best-selling products across channels
• Inventory analytics: Monitor stock turnover rates and identify slow-moving items
• Operational metrics: Measure order processing times and fulfilment efficiency
• Custom dashboards: Create personalised views of key performance indicators

Pricing Structure

Linnworks operates on a tiered subscription model based on order volume and features required:

Starter Plan

• Monthly orders: Up to 1,000
• Price: £150 per month
• Features: Core inventory management, basic integrations, standard support

Professional Plan

• Monthly orders: Up to 5,000
• Price: £400 per month
• Features: Advanced workflow automation, priority support, enhanced reporting

Enterprise Plan

• Monthly orders: Unlimited
• Price: Custom pricing
• Features: Dedicated account management, custom integrations, advanced analytics

All plans include a 30-day free trial, and setup fees may apply depending on complexity requirements.

Advantages of Using Linnworks

Centralised Operations

The platform’s greatest strength lies in its ability to centralise multichannel operations. Instead of logging into multiple systems, you can manage everything from a single dashboard, significantly reducing administrative overhead.

Automation Capabilities

Linnworks automates many repetitive tasks, from inventory updates to order routing. This automation reduces human error and frees up time for strategic activities like product development and marketing.

Scalability

The platform grows with your business. Whether you’re adding new sales channels or expanding into international markets, Linnworks can accommodate increased complexity without requiring a complete system overhaul.

Integration Ecosystem

With over 100+ integrations, Linnworks connects with virtually every major eCommerce platform and marketplace. This extensive connectivity ensures you won’t face limitations when expanding your sales channels.

Potential Drawbacks

Learning Curve

New users often find Linnworks overwhelming initially. The platform’s extensive feature set means there’s a significant learning curve, particularly for businesses transitioning from simpler systems.

Cost Considerations

For smaller businesses, the monthly subscription fees can represent a substantial expense. The starter plan’s £150 monthly cost might be prohibitive for businesses with thin margins or low order volumes.

Customisation Limitations

Whilst Linnworks offers extensive functionality, some businesses may find the platform’s workflows don’t perfectly match their specific operational requirements. Customisation options, though available, often require additional development work.

Support Response Times

Some users report inconsistent support response times, particularly on lower-tier plans. For businesses operating in different time zones, this can create operational challenges.

User Experience and Interface

Linnworks presents a functional, if somewhat dated, interface. The dashboard provides quick access to key metrics and pending tasks, though the overall design feels more utilitarian than modern.

Navigation requires some getting used to, as the platform’s extensive feature set can make finding specific functions challenging for new users. However, experienced users appreciate the comprehensive nature of the interface once they’ve mastered the system.

The mobile experience is limited, with most functionality requiring desktop access. This limitation can be problematic for businesses that need on-the-go inventory management capabilities.

Implementation and Setup

Setting up Linnworks typically requires 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your existing systems and the number of integrations required. The process involves:

1. Data migration: Transferring existing product and inventory data
2. Channel connections: Linking your sales channels and marketplaces
3. Workflow configuration: Setting up automated processes and rules
4. Staff training: Ensuring your team can effectively use the platform

Linnworks provides implementation support, though the quality and responsiveness can vary based on your subscription tier.

Alternatives to Consider

TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce)

Better suited for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting, offering tighter financial integration but fewer marketplace connections.

Cin7

Provides similar functionality with a more modern interface and better mobile support, though at a higher price point.

Skubana

Focuses specifically on Amazon sellers with advanced PPC management features, making it ideal for businesses heavily invested in Amazon’s ecosystem.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Linnworks works best for established multichannel retailers who need comprehensive inventory management and have the resources to invest in proper implementation and training. The platform excels when you’re selling across multiple marketplaces and require automated synchronisation.

Consider Linnworks if you:

• Sell across 3+ different channels
• Process more than 500 orders monthly
• Have dedicated staff for inventory management
• Need advanced reporting and analytics
• Can invest time in proper setup and training

Look elsewhere if you:

• Operate a single-channel business
• Process fewer than 200 orders monthly
• Require extensive mobile functionality
• Need a plug-and-play solution
• Work with a very tight budget

Transform Your Multichannel Operations

Linnworks represents a powerful solution for businesses serious about scaling their multichannel operations. Whilst the platform requires significant investment in terms of both money and time, the operational efficiencies it provides can transform how you manage inventory and process orders.

The key to success with Linnworks lies in proper planning and implementation. Take advantage of the free trial to thoroughly test the platform’s capabilities against your specific requirements. Consider engaging with Linnworks’ professional services team during setup to ensure optimal configuration from day one.

For businesses ready to move beyond manual processes and embrace automation, Linnworks offers the tools necessary to compete effectively in the multichannel eCommerce landscape.