Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What inventory management software should small drinks brands use for batch/serial numbers, stock tracking, and ingredient management?
Members recommend several options depending on budget and complexity. **Unleashed** is praised for accuracy, especially with multiple ingredients and component parts, and integrates with Xero and Sage, though it's expensive. **Breww** (£175/month average) is a popular cost-effective alternative—volume-based pricing, includes basic CRM, 1% trade store commission, integrates with Xero, has a deliveries system, and strong support. Members use it successfully beyond brewing (e.g., for syrup production) without needing additional staff. **Workhorse** and **Brewman** are also mentioned as cheaper options. For larger operations, **SAP B1** (cloud-based) and **Oracle NetSuite** integrate well with other systems. Members strongly advise against using Xero alone for stock control—it becomes painful beyond small production runs with few SKUs. The consensus is to commit to one system, as they take time to learn but become reliable once embedded.
What is the best way to integrate Xero accounting software with a Shopify ecommerce platform?
Members report that Shopify no longer offers a native integration tool, requiring a third-party solution instead. **Integration options:** - **Xero Bridge** — Shopify's legacy integration tool; members found it clunky and unreliable, particularly with PayPal sales - **A2X Accounting** — recommended as an alternative Xero–Shopify integration (https://www.a2xaccounting.com/shopify/xero) **Key caveat:** Members identified PayPal integration as a persistent problem with Xero Bridge. One member suggested turning PayPal off entirely rather than fighting the integration issues, though others indicated they don't use PayPal and avoid the hassle altogether. Test any solution carefully with your payment methods before fully committing.
How do I connect Shopify to Amazon FBA for UK order fulfillment?
Members are exploring Amazon FBA as a fulfillment partner for Shopify stores in the UK. The process involves using **Amazon's integration app**, which members report is straightforward to set up and plug in directly to Shopify. However, availability may be limited—the app is confirmed to work in the US, but UK availability was uncertain at the time of discussion. Members noted that Amazon FBA charges approximately 10% less in fees compared to other fulfillment options, making it cost-competitive. One member was actively implementing this setup and indicated willingness to share feedback once live. Before committing, confirm current UK availability of the Amazon–Shopify integration app, as this discussion predates full rollout confirmation.