Choosing between Forthcast and Fabrikatör for your Shopify store? Here’s the quick takeaway:
- Forthcast offers a flat fee of $19.99/month, regardless of your revenue or store size. It’s ideal for predictable costs and straightforward forecasting tools.
- Fabrikatör starts at $79/month (billed annually) and scales with your revenue, reaching $599+/month for larger stores. It includes advanced features like bundle and multi-location inventory management, but costs increase as your business grows.
Key Points to Consider:
- Pricing: Forthcast’s flat-rate pricing ensures consistent costs, while Fabrikatör’s revenue-based model can lead to higher expenses as your store scales.
- Features: Fabrikatör offers more advanced tools for complex operations, like backorder handling and raw material tracking. Forthcast focuses on essential forecasting needs like SKU-level analysis and anomaly detection.
- Setup Time: Forthcast integrates with Shopify in about 5 minutes, while Fabrikatör’s setup takes longer and involves importing past sales data.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Forthcast | Fabrikatör |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | $19.99/month flat fee | $79–$599+/month (based on revenue) |
| Cost Predictability | High | Low (scales with revenue) |
| Setup Time | ~5 minutes | 15 minutes–a few hours |
| Target Users | Startups to growing stores | Brands with complex operations |
| Backorder Fees | None | $0.75 per backorder (after 50) |
If you want stable costs and simplicity, go with Forthcast. If your store requires more advanced tools and you’re prepared for rising costs, Fabrikatör might be the better fit.
Forthcast vs Fabrikatör Pricing Comparison for Shopify Stores 2026
Shopify and Inventory Planner integration | Demand Forecast | Inventory Planning | eCommerce stock
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Forthcast vs Fabrikatör: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of how Forthcast and Fabrikatör compare, focusing on their pricing models and key features.
Both platforms cater to demand forecasting for Shopify stores, but they differ significantly in their pricing approach and scalability. Forthcast offers a flat monthly fee, while Fabrikatör's pricing scales with your store's sales volume - starting at $79/month (billed annually) and going up to $599/month or higher.
Take a look at how they match up on the factors that matter most to Shopify merchants:
| Factor | Forthcast | Fabrikatör |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Flat-rate: $19.99/month | Revenue-based tiers: $79–$599+/month |
| Cost Predictability | High - cost remains constant | Low - cost increases with revenue growth |
| Setup Time | ~5 minutes (Shopify-native) | 15 minutes to a few hours |
| Target Users | Startups to high-volume stores | Growing brands to large enterprises |
| Scalability | Fixed cost as you grow | Built for complex operations |
| Usage Fees | None | $0.75 per backorder after the first 50 |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 14 days |
Pricing Models Compared
The pricing gap widens as your store grows. For instance, if your Shopify store makes $500,000 annually, Fabrikatör's SEED plan costs $79/month (billed annually) or $99/month (billed monthly). At $1.5 million in revenue, you'd move to the SCALE-UP tier at $149/month. If your store generates $2.5 million, you'd enter the GROWTH plan at $199/month.
Meanwhile, Forthcast stays at $19.99/month, no matter your sales volume. A store earning $2 million annually would pay about $149/month under Fabrikatör's SCALE-UP tier - totaling $1,788 annually - while Forthcast would cost only $240 per year. That’s a potential savings of $1,548 annually. Merchants on Reddit frequently highlight how crucial predictable costs are for managing sustainable growth.
Now, let’s consider how setup time and features play into the decision-making process.
Features and Setup Time
Though both platforms offer AI-driven demand forecasting, purchase order automation, and Shopify integration, the differences in their features and setup processes are worth noting. Fabrikatör includes extras like bundle planning, multi-location inventory management, and backorder handling (with a $0.75 fee per backorder after the first 50). It also provides a 30-minute onboarding session and requires 15 minutes to a few hours for setup.
Forthcast focuses on accuracy with features like anomaly detection, SKU-level analysis, and unconstrained demand forecasting (predicting what you could have sold, not just what you did sell). Its Shopify-native integration means setup takes just about 5 minutes.
Scalability by Business Size
Fabrikatör is designed for businesses with complex needs - think multiple warehouses, detailed bundle management, and high backorder volumes.
"Inventory management is consistently one of the first operational areas that needs upgrading as a brand scales".
For stores exceeding $2.5 million in revenue, Fabrikatör's Enterprise tier offers personal onboarding and free data migration.
On the other hand, Forthcast is ideal for high-growth startups focused on keeping costs steady. Its flat-rate pricing is especially appealing for merchants aiming to grow without worrying about fluctuating software expenses. With over 90% of Shopify merchants selling across multiple channels, both platforms support multi-channel syncing, but only Forthcast guarantees consistent pricing as you expand.
Next, we’ll explore how these differences influence your decision-making process.
How to Choose Between Forthcast and Fabrikatör
Deciding between these two platforms boils down to three key considerations: how predictable you want your costs to be, how quickly you need to get up and running, and which features are most important as your business grows.
Pricing Structure: Flat-Rate vs. Revenue-Based
The pricing model you select has a direct impact on your overall expenses. Forthcast offers a flat rate of $19.99/month, keeping your costs steady whether your annual revenue is $100,000 or $10 million. On the other hand, Fabrikatör uses a revenue-based pricing model, starting at $99/month for stores earning less than $500,000 annually. As revenue increases, so do the costs - $149/month for stores at $1.5 million and $199/month at $2.5 million.
For example, a store generating $2 million in revenue would pay $1,788 annually with Fabrikatör, compared to just $240 with Forthcast - a difference of $1,548. Fabrikatör also charges $0.75 per backorder after the first 50 free, which can further increase costs for high-volume businesses.
"Although it is pricier, it's an outstanding investment. Fabrikatör helps us stay ahead of stockouts, and build purchase orders quickly." – Bushel + Peck
Flat-rate pricing simplifies budgeting and avoids unexpected fees, making it ideal for startups and growing businesses. However, if you're managing a larger operation with complex inventory needs, Fabrikatör's advanced features might justify the higher price tag.
Beyond pricing, the ease of setting up and migrating between these platforms is another factor to consider.
Migration and Setup Process
Both platforms are designed for easy integration with Shopify, requiring no coding or custom development. Forthcast offers a Shopify-native one-click setup, while Fabrikatör’s setup process involves importing 12 months of historical sales data, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. Fabrikatör also provides a 30-minute onboarding call to help new users get started faster.
If you're switching from Fabrikatör to Forthcast, the process is straightforward. You simply connect your Shopify account, and Forthcast syncs your inventory data automatically. However, businesses with high backorder volumes should note that Fabrikatör’s backorder management has no direct equivalent in Forthcast’s simpler feature set.
Once you’re set up, the features each platform offers can make a big difference in how well they support your growth.
Features for Growing Stores
Accurate forecasting becomes increasingly important as your business scales. Studies show that AI-driven forecasting can reduce errors by 30–50% compared to manual spreadsheets. Both platforms use AI to predict demand, but their capabilities differ.
Forthcast focuses on core forecasting needs, offering tools like anomaly detection, SKU-level analysis, and unconstrained demand forecasting. This last feature estimates what you could have sold if stockouts hadn’t occurred, which is critical since 69% of customers will turn to competitors when their preferred product is unavailable. Additional features include automated reorder alerts, purchase order management, and service level customization to match your risk tolerance.
Fabrikatör, on the other hand, is more comprehensive, acting like a "Virtual Head of Operations." It includes advanced tools such as bundle planning, multi-location inventory management, raw material tracking, and freight planning. For businesses managing 50+ SKUs across multiple warehouses or relying on pre-orders and backorders to handle long supplier lead times, these features are invaluable. Fabrikatör also updates its forecasts in real time and can reduce "Where Is My Order" inquiries by up to 40% with automated customer notifications.
If you prioritize quick setup, predictable costs, and essential forecasting tools, Forthcast is the better choice. For businesses with more complex operations and the budget to support rising costs, Fabrikatör offers advanced functionality to meet those needs. Start your free trial today to see which platform fits your business best.
Pricing Breakdown: Forthcast vs Fabrikatör
Understanding the costs of each platform is essential for accurate budgeting and avoiding surprises. Here's a closer look at what you'll pay with Forthcast and Fabrikatör.
Forthcast Pricing: $19.99/Month Flat Rate
Forthcast keeps things straightforward with a flat fee of $19.99 per month, regardless of your store's revenue or the number of SKUs you manage. This fee covers features like AI-powered demand forecasting (up to 6 months ahead), automated reorder alerts, purchase order management, anomaly detection, SKU-level analysis, and priority support. There are no hidden charges - no per-SKU fees, no revenue-based increases, and no surcharges for backorders.
The platform also offers a 14-day free trial with month-to-month billing and no long-term contracts. Whether your annual sales are $100,000 or $10 million, the cost remains $19.99 per month.
Now, let’s dive into Fabrikatör’s revenue-based pricing tiers.
Fabrikatör Pricing: 6 Revenue-Based Tiers
Fabrikatör's pricing scales with your store's annual revenue, divided into six tiers. The entry-level tier starts at $99/month for stores earning up to $500,000 annually. If you opt for annual billing, you’ll save 20%, bringing the cost down to $79/month (billed as $950 upfront).
As your revenue grows, so does your subscription cost. For instance:
- Stores generating $1.5 million annually pay $149/month on a monthly plan or $119/month ($1,430 annually) with annual billing.
- At $2.5 million in revenue, the price increases to $199/month monthly or $159/month ($1,910 annually).
- The highest tier, for stores earning $10–20 million, costs $749/month on monthly billing or $599/month ($7,190 annually).
In addition to subscription fees, Fabrikatör charges $0.75 per backorder after the first 50. For stores handling a high volume of backorders, these fees can add up quickly. All tiers include unlimited SKUs and users, demand forecasting, bundle planning, and live chat support. However, onboarding and training calls are only available to merchants on plans costing $280/month or more.
Fabrikatör also provides a 14-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With a 4.9/5 rating on the Shopify App Store from 106 reviews, users often highlight its responsive customer support and ability to prevent stockouts.
Try the free trial today to determine which platform aligns with your budget and business needs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pricing Model for Your Store
Forthcast offers a flat-rate of $19.99/month, no matter your revenue, while Fabrikatör uses revenue-based tiers starting at $79/month (billed annually) and scaling up to $599/month or more, plus $0.75 per backorder after the first 50.
For Shopify stores experiencing rapid growth, flat-rate pricing can help maintain profit margins during crucial scaling periods. For example, when your revenue doubles after a major shopping event or a product launch, your software costs stay constant - shielding you from unexpected cost increases. This predictability makes budgeting and growth planning much easier.
Transparent pricing also plays a key role in long-term financial strategies. It lets you calculate customer acquisition costs and lifetime value without worrying about fluctuating software expenses cutting into your profits. This is critical, considering poor inventory management already costs retailers an estimated $1.6 trillion worldwide each year. Using AI-driven forecasting tools can significantly reduce errors compared to manual methods like spreadsheets.
If your store is poised for rapid growth and you want to keep operational costs stable, flat-rate pricing can help protect your margins. On the other hand, if your store has more modest needs and you prioritize features like backorder automation, a revenue-based model might be suitable - though it comes with variable expenses. Make sure to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including any additional fees, before deciding.
Start your free trial today to find the pricing model that best supports your store's profitability goals.
FAQs
How does Forthcast pricing compare to Fabrikatör?
Forthcast keeps things simple with a flat rate of $19.99/month, offering a 14-day free trial and month-to-month billing - no hidden fees for SKUs or usage. On the other hand, Fabrikatör starts at $79/month and uses revenue-based pricing, which means your costs can climb as your store grows. With Forthcast’s straightforward pricing and included priority support, Shopify merchants can enjoy a more predictable and budget-friendly option.
What is Fabrikatör's biggest drawback?
Fabrikatör's main downside lies in its revenue-based pricing model. As your store grows, so do your costs - even if you're only using the most basic features. This approach can make budgeting tricky for businesses that are scaling up. Another limitation is its exclusive focus on Shopify and Shopify Plus, which restricts options for merchants using other e-commerce platforms. Additionally, some users mention that the higher pricing tiers can get expensive as their stores expand.
How hard is it to migrate from Fabrikatör to Forthcast?
Migrating from Fabrikatör to Forthcast is straightforward and fast. Forthcast integrates with your Shopify store in just a few minutes, ensuring an easy transition. The setup process is designed to be user-friendly, accommodating all skill levels and reducing technical hurdles. Feedback from users emphasizes the platform’s quick onboarding and minimal disruption, making it an effortless option for Shopify merchants.
Does Forthcast offer features that Fabrikatör doesn't?
Forthcast keeps things simple with flat-rate pricing at just $19.99/month. You also get a 14-day free trial to test it out, and there are no extra fees tied to the number of SKUs or your store's revenue. Plus, it offers a Shopify-native one-click setup, priority support across all plans, and flexible month-to-month billing - no long-term commitments required.
On the other hand, Fabrikatör uses revenue-based pricing, starting at $79/month. As your store grows, costs can climb, even with basic usage.
Is Forthcast good enough for growing Shopify stores?
Forthcast is built with growing Shopify stores in mind. It provides demand forecasting and inventory management tools that can scale with your business, no matter its size. With straightforward flat-rate pricing and an easy setup, it’s a dependable option for merchants aiming to expand while avoiding surprise expenses.
