Forthcast vs Cogsy: Features & Pricing Compared (2026)

Choosing between Forthcast and Cogsy for inventory forecasting comes down to your business size, budget, and complexity of needs. Here's the key takeaway:

• Forthcast: At $19.99/month, it’s perfect for Shopify merchants seeking cost-effective, straightforward forecasting. It utilizes proven inventory forecasting methods to ensure accuracy. It offers unlimited SKUs, 6-month demand predictions, and a quick 10-minute setup. Best for smaller businesses or those focused on affordability.
• Cogsy: Starting at $199/month, it provides advanced features like 12-month forecasts, multi-location support, and backorder management. Ideal for growing DTC brands with complex operations and larger budgets.

Quick Comparison:

For smaller Shopify merchants, Forthcast’s simplicity and flat pricing make it a great choice. For larger, scaling brands, Cogsy’s advanced tools might justify the higher cost.

Forthcast vs Cogsy: Side-by-Side Comparison

Forthcast and Cogsy both focus on inventory forecasting for Shopify stores, but their pricing strategies and feature sets cater to different needs. Forthcast keeps things straightforward with a flat $19.99/month rate, while Cogsy offers a broader suite of tools starting at $199/month - nearly 10 times the cost. Let’s dive into how these platforms compare, especially in terms of setup and user experience.

Forthcast connects to your Shopify store in less than 10 minutes through a simple one-click authorization process. It automatically imports over 12 months of order history, generating AI-driven forecasts right away. On the other hand, Cogsy provides a 14-day free trial and an intuitive interface, though setting up specific configurations might require extra guidance initially.

When it comes to user feedback, Forthcast boasts a perfect 5.0/5 rating on the Shopify App Store, while Cogsy holds a solid 4.9/5 from 13 reviews. The table below outlines the main distinctions:

Cogsy justifies its higher price with advanced tools like backorder management, marketing event calendars, and seamless integrations with platforms like Amazon and ShipBob. It claims to save users around 20 hours per week and potentially boost revenue by up to 40% through preventing stockouts. Meanwhile, Forthcast prioritizes affordability by eliminating per-SKU fees and maintaining a fixed monthly cost. This makes it a great option for merchants who want to expand their product catalog without worrying about rising software costs.

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Forthcast Features and Benefits

Forthcast focuses on three essential functions to help Shopify merchants tackle inventory challenges: predicting what to order, determining when to reorder, and maintaining consistent costs. By leveraging machine learning, Forthcast analyzes sales history, seasonal trends, and other data to deliver SKU-level demand forecasts for up to 6 months in advance. This means merchants can make informed decisions about inventory needs, moving beyond guesswork and gut instincts.

The platform also refines its predictions by detecting stockout history and anomalies in demand. This process, called "true demand correction", ensures forecasts reflect actual customer demand, not just what was available at the time. For merchants selling kits or bundles, Forthcast tracks individual components separately, offering precise demand insights for bundled products. These features make Forthcast a powerful tool for accurate forecasting, straightforward pricing, and effortless integration.

AI-Driven Demand Forecasting

Forthcast automates key inventory tasks, calculating optimal safety stock levels and reorder points based on demand fluctuations and supplier lead times. It eliminates the need for manual spreadsheets by providing automated email updates and reorder alerts, helping merchants avoid costly stockouts. Additionally, the "Lost Sales" reports quantify the revenue lost during past stockouts, allowing merchants to prioritize which products to restock first when budgets are tight.

"Forthcast has been a great support for our inventory control with precise forecasting capturing promotional impacts. A compact solution that's delivered significant cash flow improvements." - vybey UK & EU

For merchants handling seasonal inventory, syncing at least 12 months of order history is recommended during setup to achieve maximum accuracy. Forthcast’s 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store (as of early 2026) highlights its ease of use and precise forecasting, particularly during promotional periods, as a major advantage over traditional spreadsheets. This level of precision not only prevents stockouts but also helps reduce unnecessary costs.

Flat-Rate Pricing with No Surprises

Forthcast offers a simple pricing model at $19.99/month, regardless of how many SKUs you manage - whether it’s 50 or 50,000. This flat fee avoids the "success tax" associated with percentage-of-revenue or per-SKU pricing models. There are no per-transaction fees, hidden costs, or penalties for expanding your product catalog.

Included in the plan are features like unlimited SKUs, 6-month demand forecasts, safety stock and reorder point calculations, purchase order management, and bundle tracking. Merchants can also take advantage of a 14-day free trial without needing to provide a credit card. For small-to-medium businesses looking to scale while keeping costs under control, this pricing model is a game-changer.

"No! Unlike other inventory apps, Forthcast doesn't charge per-SKU or limit your product count. Whether you have 50 SKUs or 50,000, the price stays the same at $19.99/month." - Forthcast

Quick and Easy Setup

Forthcast complements its transparent pricing with a fast and hassle-free setup process. Merchants can connect the app to their Shopify store with a one-click installation directly from the Shopify App Store. The platform automatically imports all products, current inventory levels, and 12+ months of historical order data, eliminating the need for manual input. Most stores can complete the setup and start accessing actionable AI insights in under 10 minutes.

Once the data sync is complete, Forthcast’s AI begins analyzing immediately, enabling merchants to make data-driven decisions from the very first day.

"Forthcast is super simple to use and has saved us a lot of headache." - Parenting Unlocked, Shopify Merchant

Cogsy Features and Limitations

Cogsy provides advanced demand planning tools tailored for growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. By analyzing historical sales and real-time inventory trends, the platform delivers predictive forecasts that help businesses shift from reactive ordering to a more proactive approach. One of its standout tools is the marketing events calendar, which allows merchants to account for upcoming promotional campaigns in their forecasts, ensuring they have enough stock during anticipated sales spikes. However, for smaller businesses, the platform's complexity can be a challenge.

Cogsy also streamlines purchase order creation, generating them in minutes based on precise restock recommendations. For merchants managing inventory across multiple warehouses, it optimizes stock levels at each location. Its backorder and pre-order management feature ensures that products are transitioned to these statuses when stock runs low, allowing businesses to capture revenue even during stockouts. Additionally, Cogsy supports long-term growth by helping brands plan production needs and negotiate better supplier terms. For example, some businesses have reduced down payments on purchase orders by as much as 50% using this feature.

"A total game changer in how our organization goes about our daily operations." - Mark Riskowitz, VP of Operations, Caraway

Pricing starts at $199 per month, scaling to $299 per month for businesses earning early seven-figure revenues and $799 or more per month for mid-to-high seven-figure operations. While the platform offers a 14-day free trial, the cost can be a significant investment for merchants with tight budgets. These foundational features set the stage for exploring Cogsy's more advanced demand planning tools.

Advanced Demand Planning Tools

Cogsy's forecasting engine uses predictive analytics to help merchants avoid stockouts and overstocking by analyzing demand trends and seasonal fluctuations. On average, the platform saves users 20 hours per week on inventory tasks and has helped brands boost revenue by up to 40% by maintaining optimal stock levels. Many scaling businesses report a 5–10% increase in revenue simply by reducing stockouts.

The production planning feature helps merchants optimize reorder points and communicate minimum order volumes to suppliers, unlocking working capital and improving cash flow management. This long-term visibility also strengthens supplier relationships. However, the accuracy of these forecasts hinges on clean, validated historical sales data, making it essential for merchants to ensure their data is in order before syncing with Cogsy.

"Working with Cogsy augmented our planning functions and helped us hit our revenue targets for 2022 with more ease and conviction." - Greg Davidson, CEO, Lalo

While these tools provide considerable advantages, they can also introduce complexity, particularly for smaller teams.

Complexity for Small Teams

Cogsy is best suited for brands earning over $500,000 annually that have dedicated operations teams. For smaller merchants, the platform's feature set - such as marketing event calendars, multi-location inventory management, and new product planning - can feel overwhelming, especially for solo founders or businesses with simpler inventory needs. While these tools are powerful, they require active management by a team member to fully leverage the platform's insights. It’s not a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution.

To help users get started, Cogsy offers personal walkthroughs to navigate the platform's features, highlighting its depth and the importance of guided setup. However, for merchants transitioning from spreadsheets, the learning curve can be steep as teams adapt to its advanced capabilities.

At $199 per month, the starting price is a considerable expense for smaller businesses. Additionally, the platform can be time-intensive for teams without dedicated operations staff. Merchants with messy historical data may also need to invest time in cleaning their records to ensure accurate forecasting.

Pricing Breakdown: Forthcast vs Cogsy

When comparing the pricing of Forthcast and Cogsy, the differences in cost and value become clear. Forthcast offers a straightforward flat rate of $19.99/month, which includes unlimited SKUs, 6-month forecasts, safety stock calculations, and purchase order management. There are no extra fees or per-SKU charges, making it easy to budget.

Cogsy, on the other hand, starts at a much higher price point. Its "All in one" plan begins at $199/month - about ten times the cost of Forthcast. This plan includes features like demand planning, multi-location support, replenishment alerts, and backorder management. For businesses requiring custom solutions or experiencing rapid growth, Cogsy provides a "Let's talk" pricing option. Both platforms, however, offer month-to-month billing without long-term commitments.

For merchants, the cost difference is significant. Opting for Forthcast over Cogsy's base plan saves $179.01 per month or $2,148.12 annually. This makes Forthcast particularly appealing to smaller businesses or those with growing product catalogs, as its predictable pricing avoids the risk of increasing costs as inventory scales. While Cogsy users report impressive benefits, such as a 40% average revenue boost and saving 20 hours weekly on inventory tasks, the higher price may not be feasible for smaller operations.

For Shopify merchants focused on keeping costs manageable, Forthcast stands out as the budget-friendly choice. Its affordability and transparent pricing make it a practical solution for reliable forecasting without the hefty price tag of enterprise-level tools.

Last updated: February 2026

How to Choose Between Forthcast and Cogsy

Deciding between Forthcast and Cogsy comes down to your budget, the complexity of your operations, and your growth objectives. Whether you're looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly option or a more advanced planning solution, your choice should align with your business's specific needs.

Best for Cost-Sensitive Merchants

If keeping costs predictable and setup quick is your priority, Forthcast might be the better fit. Tailored for small-to-medium businesses, it replaces manual spreadsheets with AI-powered forecasts. With features like seasonal inventory planning, safety stock calculations, and purchase order management, Forthcast delivers essential tools without hidden fees or complications. Many merchants have reported smoother operations and faster implementation thanks to its user-friendly design.

Best for Advanced Planning Needs

For businesses with more complex demands, Cogsy offers tools designed for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands managing multiple sales channels. Its advanced features include backorder management, 12-month growth planning, and marketing calendars that adapt forecasts based on upcoming promotions. Merchants using Cogsy have noted significant benefits, such as a reported 40% revenue increase and saving up to 20 hours per week on inventory tasks. If your business involves multi-location inventory or vendor management, Cogsy's extensive capabilities could justify the higher price tag.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what fits your business model best. Check out the comparison table and FAQs for more detailed insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions Shopify merchants have when comparing these two inventory forecasting platforms. These insights aim to clarify pricing, usability, and functionality to help make an informed choice.

How does Forthcast pricing compare to Cogsy?

Forthcast charges a flat rate of $19.99/month, which includes unlimited SKUs and access to all core features. On the other hand, Cogsy’s pricing starts at $199/month for its comprehensive "All in one" plan. Both platforms provide a 14-day free trial, but for most Shopify stores, Forthcast can cut ecommerce tool costs by 50–80%. This straightforward pricing structure makes financial planning easier, especially as your product catalog expands.

What is Cogsy's biggest drawback?

The primary complaint about Cogsy is its complexity. While it boasts advanced tools like a 12-month forecasting horizon and marketing event calendars, some users find the interface challenging and wish for more flexibility in managing purchase orders. Forthcast, by contrast, emphasizes simplicity with its flat-rate pricing and a quick 5-minute setup process. For merchants seeking an easy-to-use, low-maintenance solution, Forthcast might be the better option. Its design reflects a focus on efficiency and affordability for Shopify users.

How hard is it to migrate from Cogsy to Forthcast?

Migration is considered moderately easy. Forthcast connects to your Shopify store within minutes - just install the app and authorize the integration. The platform automatically imports your products, inventory, and over 12 months of order history to generate forecasts powered by AI. Forthcast’s support team is available to assist with data migration, and most stores complete the switch within 24 hours. Keep in mind that Forthcast requires at least 6 months of order history for basic forecasting, with 12+ months recommended for the best accuracy. Having your historical data ready can make the transition even smoother.

Does Forthcast offer features that Cogsy doesn't?

Yes. Forthcast stands out with its flat-rate pricing of $19.99/month (no per-SKU or percentage-based fees), Shopify-native one-click setup, month-to-month billing with no annual contracts, and priority support included for all users. While Cogsy supports a broader range of integrations (e.g., Amazon, ShipBob, and ShipHero) and provides longer 12-month forecasts, Forthcast focuses on essential inventory management needs. These include 6-month demand forecasting, safety stock calculations, and bundle tracking - features tailored for Shopify merchants who want simplicity without paying for extras they might not use.

Is Forthcast good enough for growing Shopify stores?

Yes. Forthcast is designed specifically for Shopify merchants and adapts to businesses of all sizes. Unlike Cogsy, its pricing remains $19.99/month regardless of the number of SKUs or transactions processed. The platform combines statistical analysis and machine learning to select the best forecasting method for each SKU dynamically. With a 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store, users have highlighted its ability to improve cash flow through accurate forecasts that account for promotional impacts. For Shopify-focused operations that prioritize cost-effectiveness and core functionality, Forthcast provides a scalable and budget-friendly solution.

For more help in choosing the right platform for your business, check out the decision framework in "How to Choose Between Forthcast and Cogsy."

Last updated: February 2026

Conclusion

Choosing between Forthcast and Cogsy ultimately comes down to what your business needs and how much you're ready to spend. Forthcast keeps things simple with a flat $19.99/month rate, offering unlimited SKUs, 6-month AI-powered forecasting, and a setup process that takes less than 10 minutes. This makes it a solid choice for Shopify-exclusive merchants who want accurate demand predictions without the hassle of complex setups or rising costs.

Cogsy, on the other hand, starts at $199/month and is packed with advanced operational tools like multi-location support, backorder management, and marketing event calendars. It's designed for scaling direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands selling across multiple channels. Businesses using Cogsy often report saving up to 20 hours a week on inventory management and seeing up to 40% more revenue through better stock optimization.

For larger operations with complex needs - like managing multiple warehouses or selling on platforms beyond Shopify - Cogsy's feature-rich approach might be worth the higher price tag. But for Shopify merchants focused on simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Forthcast stands out. Its streamlined design, precise forecasting for promotions, and ability to improve cash flow have earned it a perfect 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store, with users highlighting its ability to deliver "significant cash flow improvements" (vybey UK & EU).

Both platforms offer 14-day free trials, so you can test their forecasting accuracy and how well they integrate with your workflow. Whether you need simple stockout prevention or robust multi-channel support, trying both tools will help you decide which one aligns best with your business needs.

Why not start with Forthcast's free trial today and see how it can simplify your inventory forecasting?

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