eCommerce WMS Software: Top 10 eCommerce WMS Platforms for Scaling Brands 

Executive Summary 

Fast-growing eCommerce brands usually don’t “decide” to buy a WMS. They get nudged into it by reality: overselling, mis-picks, panicked stock-takes, and a warehouse that runs on tribal knowledge and caffeine. A proper Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the operational control tower that manages what happens from goods-in to despatch, with real-time visibility and system-led workflows.  

Shipping software (such as ShipStation) is valuable, but it is fundamentally focused on what happens once an order is ready to leave: labels, carrier selection, tracking and notifications.  The “WMS vs shipping” question is therefore not either/or; it’s sequence: warehouse accuracy first, despatch automation second. Modern eCommerce WMS platforms increasingly bundle both or integrate tightly with specialist shipping tools.  

What makes an eCommerce-specific WMS different is not the acronym. It’s the ruthless prioritisation of multi-channel order flow, fast pick/pack, and post-purchase experience because eCommerce customers punish slowness and mistakes with one-star reviews and expensive support tickets.  

This research reviews ten platforms Helm WMS, Mintsoft, ShipHero, Khaos Control, Odoo, Peoplevox, NetSuite WMS, Shopify, Brightpearl, and Cin7 mapping features, integrations, pricing transparency, implementation timelines, and best-fit scenarios using vendor documentation, implementation guides, and recent third-party references.  

Warehouse Management in eCommerce & The Shipping Platform Problem 

Warehouse management in eCommerce is the discipline of organising, controlling, and continuously improving the flow of inventory and tasks inside your fulfilment operation receiving, putaway, storage locations, replenishment, picking, packing, cycle counting, and returns. A WMS is designed to manage and control daily warehouse operations “from the moment goods enter… until the moment they leave,” providing real-time visibility into inventory and movements.  

Shipping software solves a different (still important) problem: getting parcels out the door efficiently. ShipStation, EasyShip and Shiptheory describe themselves as a SaaS shipping platform for managing shipping in one place. But our breakdown is blunt and correct: WMS focuses on in-warehouse operations (inventory control, storage, picking, packing), while shipping software focuses on label generation, carrier selection, routing, and delivery tracking after packing.  

The point where brands outgrow shipping-only tooling is typically when one (or more) of these show up: 

• Your inventory is “correct” only in theory (stockouts, overselling, phantom stock). A WMS is built to keep inventory accurate in real time through scanning and directed workflows.  

• Pick errors become a material cost line, not an occasional embarrassment. WMS workflows use scanning verification and picking logic (batch/wave/etc.) to reduce mis-picks and increase fulfilment speed.  

• You add complexity: multi-warehouse, multiple sales channels, kitting/bundles, B2B alongside DTC, or fast-growing returns volumes.  

Shipping software can offer light warehouse aids (pick lists, basic workflow), but it generally does not manage location-level inventory, put-away logic, replenishment, cycle counting, and warehouse execution in the same way a WMS does.  

What Makes an eCommerce-Specific WMS Different 

A general WMS is often built for broad warehousing contexts: distribution, manufacturing-adjacent operations, pallet/lot handling, or classic B2B. Many sit inside wider ERP suites. An eCommerce-specific WMS is more opinionated: it assumes high order volume, small parcels, short cut-off times, channel chaos, and customers who want tracking updates like they’re watching a football match. 

The practical differences, using your four required markers: 

• Connectivity to sales channels and eCommerce marketplaces: strong pre-built integrations and fast set-up across webstores and marketplaces, so orders and inventory sync without duct tape.  

• Direct integrations to couriers for optimised despatch: multi-carrier connections (direct or via platforms) so labels, services, and tracking are created automatically via rules.  

• Unique picking strategies built for fast pick pack and dispatch: built-in support for batch/wave/zone-style operations and packing flows that reduce walking and friction.  

• Integrated post purchase for tracking events, email notifications and returns portals: branded tracking, proactive notifications, and returns experiences that reduce “Where is my order?” support load and speed resale.  

A final, non-glamorous differentiator: eCommerce WMS vendors tend to obsess over time-to-value because fast-growing brands don’t have the patience (or internal IT headcount) for year-long projects. That shows up in implementation guidance and published go-live expectations across multiple eCommerce-first tools.  

Costs, Timelines & Integration Approach 

Typical Integration Timeline 

Cloud WMS implementation is usually a sequence of operational review, configuration, testing, user training, and go-live. What changes the duration is scope: number of warehouses, cleanliness of product and location data, complexity of picking/packing rules, number of integrations, and whether you’re also implementing ERP-scale finance/process change at the same time.  

Real-world vendor-published benchmarks (useful as directional ranges, not guarantees): 

• Helm: typically live in about 1–4 weeks depending on availability and scope.  

• Mintsoft: “FlightPath” go-live durations listed as 1–2 weeks (FlightPath A) or 2–6 weeks(FlightPath B/C) depending on needs and warehousing complexity.  

• ShipHero: onboarding presented as a 4–6 week process.  

• Peoplevox: case study describes a 12-week remote onboarding/implementation/training process.  

• Cin7: “Accelerate Onboarding Package” claims getting up and running in four weeks.  

• NetSuite WMS (as part of NetSuite environments): multiple consultancies commonly cite multi-month timelines for full implementations, often 3–6 months depending on complexity and sites.  

Typical Costs for eCommerce WMS Software 

WMS pricing is notoriously variable because it’s tied to (a) order volume, (b) number of users/devices, (c) warehouse count, and (d) integration and support needs. Industry guidance from WMS vendors and specialists emphasises that costs vary by features, size, and pricing model (per user, per volume, subscription, or quote-based).  

Directional cost anchors from the 10 vendors reviewed (publicly visible at time of research; currency as shown by vendor pages): 

Helm WMS:

Published plans show £50/month (Start-up), £245/month (Business), £395/month (Ultimate), with Enterprise presented as custom (“Learn more”), and pricing influenced by order volume selection; prices exclude VAT and show annual-contract discount messaging.  

Mintsoft:

Published multi-channel retailer pricing starts at £159/month (up to 500 orders), £325/month (up to 5,000 orders), £629/month (up to 15,000 orders), then £POA above that; notes mention optional modules and that setup cost is often not charged “in most cases.”  

ShipHero:

Standard WMS plan called out at $1,850/month for the “Standard” plan (5 users noted on-page).  

Khaos Control:

Vendor pricing page positions the server-based solution as quote-based(“difficult to show one price that fits all”), with project management and implementation support included as part of purchase.  

Odoo:

Published pricing lists $31.10/user/month (Standard, billed annually shown) and $61.00/user/month (Custom, billed annually shown), plus a “One App Free” option; hosting/implementation services are noted as separate considerations.  

Peoplevox:

Pricing page shows Implementation from $11,600 one-time, Platform from $2,050/month (including 5 concurrent users), plus Users from $234/month and Add-ons from $255/month (currency selectable, USD shown in captured view).  

Cin7:

Published plans show $349/month (Standard), $599/month (Pro), $999/month(Advanced), and “Omni” as custom; prices are in USD and exclude taxes.  

Brightpearl:

Pricing is explicitly presented as tailored/bespoke and requires contacting for a quote; it states “unlimited users” are included.  

NetSuite WMS:

NetSuite pricing is commonly provided via formal quotes rather than published rate cards; third-party cost snapshots often place annual subscriptions and implementations into mid-market/enterprise budgets, with a wide variance driven by modules and scope.  

Shopify:

Shopify’s core platform pricing is separate from WMS; Shopify Fulfilment Network is positioned as connecting merchants to 3PL partners managed within Shopify admin, with partner-billed fulfilment costs rather than a simple “WMS licence” model.  

Where exact price points are not publicly disclosed, they are treated as unknown here (and should be confirmed through a scoped quote). 

Why Connect a WMS With eCommerce Shipping Software? 

Even with “all-in-one” platforms, a dedicated shipping system often remains useful because it specialises in: 

• Carrier selection and label generation at scale, including multi-carrier rules and rate-shopping logic.  

• Tracking and customer notifications, including branded updates and event-driven emails.  

• Returns label workflows and customer-facing portals, which may sit in a specialist post-purchase layer even if warehouse returns processing happens in the WMS.  

The integrated ideal is WMS as system of record for inventory + warehouse execution, shipping software as carrier orchestration and post-purchase comms engine—or a single platform that genuinely does both well.  

Decision Framework for Fast-Growing Brands 

A Practical Checklist 

Use this as a “don’t-get-seduced-by-demos” filter:

Inventory Truth:

Does it support location-level inventory, scanning verification, and fast cycle counting without freezing operations?  

Pick/Pack Speed:

Does it support batch/wave/zone strategies and packing workflows designed for high-volume eCommerce?  

Multi-Channel Reality:

Does it natively integrate with your store(s) and marketplaces, or will you be building glue-code? Published integration counts and named connectors matter.  

Courier & Dispatch Automation:

Direct carrier integrations or robust multi-carrier partners, plus rules that assign services automatically.  

Returns as a Profit Centre:

Portal + rules + fast resale / restock workflows.  

Multi-Warehouse Readiness:

If you may add a second site or 3PL, ensure the system handles multiple locations cleanly.  

Implementation Realism:

Does the vendor publish (or credibly describe) onboarding durations and responsibilities? Beware “it depends” used as a lifestyle choice.  

Commercial Fit:

Are you paying by users, order volume, warehouses, or modules and what happens at peak?  

Weighted Scoring Matrix for Vendor Selection 

A fast-growing brand typically needs speed, integrations, and operational control more than an ornate ERP cathedral. Below is a scoring template (0–5 per criterion), with weights tuned for scaling DTC and multichannel operations. 

Scoring method: score each criterion 0–5, multiply by weight, and compare totals. The matrix forces trade-offs into daylight—where they belong. 

Vendor Snapshots & Analysis 

Helm WMS 

Product Summary:

Helm positions itself as a multichannel OMS/WMS built explicitly for eCommerce and 3PLs, with deep integrations and automation to manage orders, inventory, shipping, tracking, and returns.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Notable emphasis on rules-based automation and high-throughput warehouse flows picking/packing workflows can be defined by order, SKU, or batch/wave.  Branded tracking is positioned as part of the on-brand experience.  Returns tooling includes a branded self-service portal with rules.  

Integrations (Channels/Marketplaces/Couriers):

Published counts show 150+ eCommerce integrations and 160+ courier integrations.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Public plans show £50/month (Start-up), £245/month(Business), £395/month (Ultimate), plus Enterprise as custom; pricing varies with order volume selection and excludes VAT (annual contract discount messaging shown).  

Typical Implementation Time:

Helm states it is typically live in about 1–4 weeks (faster for smaller brands).  

Ideal Customer Profile:

UK/EN-focused multichannel retailers and fulfilment operations wanting fast deployment and broad integrations; particularly attractive where shipping + tracking + returns are expected to live close to warehouse execution.  

Strengths:

Strong published integration depth; clear eCommerce-focused warehouse workflows; branded tracking and returns as first-class features.  

Weaknesses:

The product struggles with complex B2B, manufacturing, highly customised ERP flows 

Mintsoft 

Product Summary:

Mintsoft (part of The Access Group) positions as cloud-based warehouse, inventory, courier, and eCommerce order management for retailers, warehouses, and 3PLs with strong integrations and modular features like batch scheduling and order rules.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Pick/pack tooling includes barcode scanning verification, multiple picking methods, and batch scheduling; the pick/pack feature page explicitly highlights pre-scheduled batches, priority locations, and barcode verification for accuracy.  

Integrations:

Mintsoft states 131 integrations as standard and the ability to integrate with over 150 sales channels.  Courier integrations page states 80+ courier integrations. 

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Published from £159/month (Small, up to 500 orders), £325/month (Medium, up to 5,000 orders), £629/month (Large, up to 15,000 orders), and £POA above 15k; optional modules and mobile app user licences may apply.  

Typical Implementation Time:

Mintsoft’s FlightPath PDF shows typical durations of 1–2 weeks (FlightPath A) and 2–6 weeks (FlightPath B/C), depending on needs and warehouse complexity.  

Ideal customer profile:

UK-heavy multichannel retailers and 3PLs needing broad courier connectivity, modular workflow tools, and a scalable pricing curve tied to order volume.  

Strengths:

Entry pricing; strong courier connectivity; clear operational features for pick/pack and batch logic.  

Weaknesses:

Many advanced capabilities are modular; total cost depends on which add-ons/support level you require (so model your “fully loaded” price, not just the headline tier). Negativity on Trustpilot suggests challenges for customer service and support.  

ShipHero 

Product Summary:

ShipHero positions its WMS as designed for DTC brands and 3PL operators running their own warehouse and shipping operations.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Strong emphasis on ready-to-use integrations and operational onboarding. It supports multi-warehouse setup and allocation rules for routing orders across locations.  

Integrations:

ShipHero advertises “one-click integrations” across eCommerce platforms, marketplaces, returns management platforms, and integrated shipping carriers; the integration directory shows examples such as Amazon and BigCommerce, plus carrier integrations (e.g., DHL Express has a dedicated integration page).  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

A published plan page states $1,850/month for the Standard WMS plan (with “5 users” referenced).  

Typical Implementation Time:

ShipHero describes a 4–6 week onboarding process.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

North America-first DTC brands and 3PLs wanting structured onboarding and a broad integrations ecosystem with strong carrier support.  

Strengths:

Clear onboarding cadence; explicit multi-warehouse configuration guidance; wide integration catalogue.  

Weaknesses:

UK carrier coverage can require third party integrations. Also, published pricing is US-dollar-based and may not reflect your total cost after add-ons and support.  

Khaos Control 

Product Summary:

Khaos Control positions as an integrated ERP + WMS approach (stock, order processing, warehouse control, accounts) with UK focus; pricing page highlights a server-based solution and bespoke quotation approach.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Strength is centralising stock, orders, returns, and accounts with integration options across channels. The vendor materials and third-party app listings emphasise multichannel order handling and courier connectivity.  

Integrations:

Shopify App Store listing indicates it works with Amazon, eBay, Royal Mail, WooCommerce, DPD and MyDHL.  The vendor also maintains an integrations page covering accounting, couriers, eCommerce, and other platforms.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

On-prem/server-based pricing is quote-based.  Khaos Control’s product overview page states Khaos Control Cloud is “from £50 per user per month” and on-prem is “enquire for price.”  

Typical Implementation Time:

No clear public “weeks to go-live” figure identified in the vendor pages captured here; the pricing page indicates project management, data migration, and training support are provided as part of implementation services.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

UK SMB to mid-market businesses wanting an all-in-one operational and accounting backbone with warehouse functionality especially where finance and stock control need to live together.  

Strengths:

UK orientation; ERP + WMS consolidation; stated integration breadth across couriers and channels.  

Weaknesses:

Server-based deployments can increase IT overhead versus pure cloud; pricing is less transparent and will vary by requirements.  

Odoo 

Product Summary:

Odoo is an app-based business suite where Inventory and related warehouse operations are delivered as configurable modules; pricing is per-user and offers online, Odoo.sh, and on-premise options depending on plan.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Odoo can support advanced warehouse methods such as wave picking (via batch/wave/cluster transfers), and can be configured for pick/pack/deliver multi-step routes.  

Integrations:

Odoo includes an eCommerce app within its “all apps” pricing and suite approach, which may reduce dependency on external storefront integrations if you commit to the Odoo stack.  For connecting to non-Odoo storefronts/marketplaces/couriers, integrations are often handled via connectors and partners rather than a single “eCommerce-first WMS integrations library” narrative in core docs.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Public pricing shows $31.10/user/month for Standard (annual billing shown) and $61.00/user/month for Custom (annual billing shown), plus “One App Free.”  

Typical Implementation Time:

Highly variable based on module scope and customisation; Odoo notes implementation services are separate from the subscription and that custom hosting/dev work has additional considerations.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

Brands wanting a flexible, configurable platform and comfortable investing in configuration/partner work—especially if they may adopt more of the Odoo suite over time (finance, purchasing, etc.).  

Strengths:

Configurability; broad suite; supports multi-warehouse configuration and wave picking in documentation.  

Weaknesses:

Not “eCommerce-specific WMS out of the box” in the same way dedicated platforms position themselves; integration and operational fit depend heavily on configuration choices and ecosystem partners.  

Peoplevox 

Product Summary:

Peoplevox (under Descartes Systems Group branding) positions itself as purpose-built for high-velocity eCommerce, initially serving fashion/retail/apparel/fitness brands and supporting complex SKUs and multi-channel growth.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Peoplevox highlights barcode-driven workflows, high-volume pick/pack/ship execution, and multi-warehouse inventory tracking.  Returns capability includes integration with returns portals and rapid resale claims for verified items.  

Integrations:

Peoplevox provides dedicated integration pages for Shopify and BigCommerce.  For carrier breadth, it promotes integrations such as Metapack, stating this opens access to “over 400 carriers and 5,500 delivery services.”  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Published pricing shows implementation from $11,600 one-time, platform from $2,050/month, plus users from $234/month and add-ons from $255/month (USD shown in captured view).  

Typical Implementation Time:

A Peoplevox customer story describes a 12-week fully remote onboarding/implementation/training programme.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

High-growth brands with meaningful daily order volume, complex SKU catalogues, and a need for disciplined warehouse execution and multi-warehouse control.  

Strengths:

Strong “eCommerce-first” positioning; published platform + implementation pricing anchors; enterprise-grade carrier optionality via partners (e.g., Metapack).  

Weaknesses:

Budget and onboarding expectations. Integration architecture may require partner work depending on your stack (validate during discovery).  

NetSuite WMS 

Product Summary:

NetSuite WMS is a warehouse management module within the NetSuite ecosystem, with mobile warehouse execution, bin management, cycle counting, and order fulfilment features such as wave release and intelligent pick-and-pack strategies.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

NetSuite WMS supports wave release and pick/pack strategies for single- and multi-order picking, and includes a mobile app for receiving, putaway, picking, and packing.  It is best understood as enterprise-grade warehouse execution inside an ERP environment rather than an eCommerce-first WMS product.  

Integrations:

NetSuite commonly relies on connectors, SuiteApps, or integration platforms for eCommerce channels and carriers; NetSuite documentation supports multi-location inventory for managing inventory across distinct locations.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

NetSuite does not publish standard pricing; costs depend on base package, user licences, modules, service tier, and implementation scope.  Third-party sources frequently cite wide ranges for annual subscription and implementation budgets (validate via quote).  

Typical Implementation Time:

Often multi-month for full deployments; consultancies commonly cite 3–6 months for WMS/warehouse rollouts depending on locations and complexity.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

Mid-market to enterprise businesses already standardising on NetSuite ERP (or willing to), with complex finance/process requirements and warehouses needing system-directed execution.  

Strengths:

ERP-native data integrity; robust warehouse functions (mobile, bins, cycle counting, wave release).  

Weaknesses:

Longer timelines and higher total cost typical of ERP programmes; may require additional integration work for best-in-class eCommerce shipping/post-purchase experiences.  

Shopify Fulfilment & WMS capabilities 

Product Summary:

Shopify is primarily an eCommerce platform with order management and fulfilment tooling. It supports multi-location inventory tracking and operational fulfilment workflows, and also offers the Fulfilment Network app to manage outsourced fulfilment through 3PL partners within Shopify admin.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Shopify supports tracking inventory by location and fulfilling orders from specific locations; inventory can be managed by location within the admin.  The Fulfilment Network connects merchants with 3PLs and allows monitoring transfers, orders, and fulfilment within Shopify.  

Integrations:

Shopify’s ecosystem is integration-heavy by design. Fulfilment Network explicitly connects to 3PL partners; Shopify also integrates with drop-shipping/fulfilment apps.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Shopify platform pricing is separate from WMS pricing; Fulfilment Network is positioned as an app connecting to 3PL partners, meaning fulfilment costs are largely partner/service based rather than a “WMS licence.”  

Typical Implementation Time:

Shopify fulfilment features can be enabled quickly; 3PL onboarding time varies by partner and operational readiness.  

Ideal Customer Profile:

Brands that want to outsource warehousing (via 3PLs) or that have relatively straightforward in-house fulfilment needs; Shopify is not a full eCommerce WMS replacement for complex warehouse execution, but can be part of the stack.  

Strengths:

Native commerce-to-fulfilment visibility; multi-location inventory support; strong ecosystem.  

Weaknesses:

Not a dedicated WMS for warehouse execution (put-away logic, advanced pick strategies, warehouse labour orchestration) at scale; many brands still pair Shopify with a WMS.  

Brightpearl

Product Summary:

Brightpearl is a retail-focused ERP/ROS with an integrated WMS capability, positioned for fast-growth and larger merchants, with expert-led implementation and a partner ecosystem.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Brightpearl’s WMS positioning includes batching, scanning, optimised pick routes, and automating fulfilment for predefined orders.  Brightpearl also emphasises barcode-driven picking/packing to reduce errors.  

Integrations:

Brightpearl states it integrates with leading eCommerce platforms such as BigCommerce, Shopify and Magento via built-in connectors.  Shipping & fulfilment integrations include ShipStation, Shiptheory, fulfilment services like FBA, plus carriers including FedEx, UPS and Royal Mail.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Pricing is explicitly bespoke; unlimited users included.  

Typical Implementation Time:

Brightpearl’s implementation page includes customer quotes ranging from “less than 40 days” to “three months” and “four months,” indicating real-world variance based on complexity.  

Ideal customer profile:

Scale-up retailers needing integrated finance + operations + warehouse execution, and willing to pursue a more structured ERP-style implementation with retail-ready workflows.  

Strengths:

Integrated approach, strong eCommerce connector messaging, shipping/fulfilment integration ecosystem, and implementation process maturity; it is part of Sage Group Plc.  

Weaknesses:

Pricing isn’t transparent; implementation can be longer than lightweight WMS platforms; validate fit if you only need warehouse execution rather than a broader ERP/ops platform. Need for third party solutions and additional cost for eCommerce connectivity and shipping. 

Cin7 

Product Summary:

Cin7 markets as inventory management and small business ERP with warehouse management capabilities, including a WMS mobile app for pick/pack/restock/put-away with real-time syncing across warehouses.  

eCommerce-Specific Features:

Warehousing messaging includes automation from receiving to picking/packing and barcode scanning.  The pricing/features table differentiates “Standard Warehouse Management” (one warehouse location) and “Advanced Warehouse Management” (multiple warehouse locations plus extras).  

Integrations:

Cin7 states it integrates with “over 700 platforms” and includes standard connections covering accounting, marketplace, eCommerce, and shipping connections. Cin7 provides dedicated docs for shipping integrations, including references to ShipStation integration workflows in its help documentation.  

Pricing Model / Typical Costs:

Published: $349/month Standard, $599/month Pro, $999/month Advanced; Omni is custom.  

Typical Implementation Time:

Cin7’s onboarding page advertises getting up and running in four weeks via an “Accelerate” onboarding package (validate against your scope).  

Ideal Customer Profile:

Brands wanting integrated inventory, order, and warehouse functionality, especially where the business also needs broader product/purchasing/production visibility and is comfortable with plan tiers and add-ons.  

Strengths:

Transparent plan pricing; broad integrations claim; clear WMS app concept; multi-warehouse supported via advanced WMS tiering.  

Weaknesses:

Lower tiers may limit warehouse location support; advanced warehousing and integrations may be gated behind higher plans/add-ons so check your operational requirements against the plan matrix early. Need for third party solutions and additional cost for eCommerce connectivity and shipping.