Best Bookkeeping Software for Small Ecommerce Businesses on a Budget

Bookkeeping is the backbone of every successful business, no matter the size.

Did you know that 82% of small businesses fail due to poor cash flow management and lack of visibility into their finances? 

For ecommerce entrepreneurs, juggling inventory, sales, and expenses can make bookkeeping even more challenging. 

Fortunately, the right bookkeeping software for small ecommerce businesses, such as doola Bookkeeping can simplify the process, save time, and help you make better financial decisions — all without breaking the bank.

Most Important Criteria for Selecting Bookkeeping Software

Choosing bookkeeping software isn’t just about finding the cheapest option.

Here are the key criteria to consider:

Integration with Ecommerce Platforms

Your bookkeeping software should sync seamlessly with your ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify, Amazon, or WooCommerce. 

Integration ensures that sales data, fees, and refunds are automatically recorded.

User-friendly Interface

As a busy ecommerce entrepreneur, you need software that doesn’t require a degree in accounting to operate.

Intuitive navigation and easy-to-read dashboards make bookkeeping more efficient.

Automation Capabilities

Look for features like automated transaction categorization, invoicing, and tax calculations. Automation reduces manual work and minimizes errors.

Scalability

As your business grows, so will your bookkeeping needs. Choose software that can adapt to increased transaction volumes, multi-channel sales, and international operations.

Cost and Value

While sticking to a budget is important, don’t compromise on essential features.

Evaluate whether the software offers free trials, affordable plans, or scalable pricing tiers.

Top Budget-Friendly Bookkeeping Software Options

Here are some of the best options for small ecommerce businesses that balance affordability and functionality:

doola Bookkeeping

Best For: Ecommerce entrepreneurs looking for simplicity and scalability.  

doola Bookkeeping is a comprehensive solution tailored for small businesses, including ecommerce. 

It integrates with multiple ecommerce platforms, offers automated transaction categorization, and provides real-time financial insights. 

The software is designed to grow with your business and comes at an affordable price point.

Highlights:

✔️ Syncs with popular ecommerce platforms

✔️ Automated tax and compliance tracking

✔️ User-friendly dashboard for managing cash flow

Wave Accounting

Best For: Businesses looking for a free option.  

Wave offers free accounting and bookkeeping tools perfect for startups or businesses on a tight budget. 

While it’s not ecommerce-specific, its invoicing and expense tracking features can handle basic bookkeeping needs.

Highlights:

✔️ Free for most features

✔️ Intuitive dashboard and reports

✔️ Basic integration options

QuickBooks Online

Best For: Businesses needing advanced features at a low cost.  

QuickBooks Online is a well-known name in bookkeeping, offering plans tailored for small businesses. Its ecommerce integrations and automation capabilities make it a solid choice.

Highlights:

✔️ Multi-channel sales tracking

✔️ Inventory management add-ons

✔️ Scalable plans

Xero

Best For: Businesses needing robust automation tools.  

Xero is known for its robust automation and user-friendly interface.

Although it’s slightly more expensive, it provides great value for the features it offers.

Highlights:

✔️ Strong reporting capabilities

✔️ Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation

✔️ Over 800 integrations

FreshBooks

Best For: Service-oriented ecommerce businesses.  

FreshBooks is ideal for e-commerce businesses that offer services or digital products. It provides easy invoicing, payment tracking, and expense management.

Highlights:

✔️ Customizable invoices

✔️ Expense tracking with receipt uploads

✔️ Affordable entry-level plans

Tips for Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Software for Your Small Business

Navigating the sea of bookkeeping tools can be overwhelming.

Use these tips to make the best choice:

Assess Your Business Needs

Are you managing multiple ecommerce platforms? Do you need inventory tracking?

Pinpoint your must-have features before exploring options.

Prioritize Integration

Seamless integration with your ecommerce platform and payment processors is non-negotiable.

Check compatibility before committing.

Test Before You Commit

Take advantage of free trials or demos.

Use these to assess usability, interface, and whether the software meets your expectations.

Factor in Scalability

Even if you’re just starting, think long-term.

The software you choose should support your growth, whether that means adding users or expanding to global markets.

Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Other ecommerce entrepreneurs can offer valuable insights.

Explore reviews and community forums to understand real-world pros and cons.

Why doola Bookkeeping Is the Best Choice for Small Ecommerce Businesses

doola Bookkeeping stands out among its competitors because it’s designed with ecommerce businesses in mind.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling, doola has the tools to simplify your bookkeeping and keep your finances in order.  

What Makes doola Bookkeeping Unique?

💡Ecommerce-friendly Integration: Sync sales data directly from your platforms, saving hours of manual entry.  

💡Automation that Works: From categorizing transactions to calculating taxes, doola automates the tedious parts of bookkeeping.  

💡Scalable Pricing: Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a multi-channel operation, doola’s pricing scales with you.  

💡Tax Compliance Made Easy: Say goodbye to tax season headaches. doola ensures your books are always tax-ready.

Ready to Simplify Your Ecommerce Finances With doola Bookkeeping?

If you’re looking for bookkeeping software that checks all the boxes for affordability, usability, and functionality, give doola Bookkeeping a try. 

Book a doola Bookkeeping demo to witness firsthand from our experts what the software can do for your business. Or sign up for a free trial.

FAQs

1. What is the primary benefit of bookkeeping software for ecommerce businesses?  

Bookkeeping software helps streamline financial management, reduces errors, and provides real-time insights into your business’s performance.

2. Can I use free bookkeeping software for my ecommerce business?  

Yes, free options like Wave can work for smaller businesses with basic needs, but they may lack advanced ecommerce-specific features.

3. How does doola Bookkeeping integrate with ecommerce platforms?  

doola Bookkeeping integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce, automatically importing your sales data.

4. Is bookkeeping software necessary for tax preparation?  

Absolutely. Bookkeeping software keeps your records organized, making tax preparation easier and ensuring compliance.

5. How much should I budget for bookkeeping software?  

Costs vary depending on features, but most budget-friendly options range from free to $50/month. Premium tools with advanced features may cost more.