Why Choose Emersoft’s Ingram Shopify Integration Over IndieCommerce?

Starting at $29 (Shopify Basic Plan)

$175 (IndieCommerce)

$1,500 (one-time, with annual billing)

Not transparent – unclear pricing makes it difficult to budget.

$250 (with annual billing)

Not transparent – hidden costs possible.

2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (Shopify Payments)

1% of sales (capped at $500/month) – scales up with sales, costing more as you grow.

Unlimited customization – Full control over design, layout, fonts, and colors to match your brand vision.

Severely limited customization – Must use IndieCommerce-approved templates with little creative flexibility.

Yes – Adapts to your evolving brand and scales with your business.

No – Forces a generic look that doesn’t reflect your unique bookstore personality.

Fully automated with Ingram CDF Lite integration – retains the backend automation IndieCommerce users like.

Basic automation – Works but is paired with an outdated frontend experience.

Extensive reporting features with integration to major accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero)

Limited – Standard reporting with fewer integrations.

Built-in SEO and marketing tools to drive traffic

Basic SEO only – No extra marketing tools to drive traffic.

Ideal for any bookstore owner looking to maximize online sales—with or without an existing physical store—by leveraging a flexible, robust, and scalable platform.

Exclusively for ABA member brick-and-mortar bookstores; limits your options if you want a truly modern online presence.

Extremely user-friendly with an intuitive interface; quick and hassle-free setup that requires no additional hires, saving time and money.

Can require technical setup and may involve additional costs for customization; not ideal for non-technical users.

Provides extensive theme customization and full branding control, allowing you to create a distinctive online store that truly reflects your identity without technical headaches.

Offers limited design flexibility with preset templates that may restrict your ability to fully represent your unique brand.

Delivers direct access to Ingram’s vast inventory via the Emersoft App, giving you full control over which titles to feature, how to price them, and how to manage promotions.

Grants access to a 14+ million book catalog but offers less control over product selection and pricing; you’re largely confined to predefined parameters.

Transparent pricing: a one-time setup fee (as low as $1,500 with annual billing) plus a clear monthly fee and an affordable Shopify subscription (starting at $29/month); high ROI potential through automated efficiency and scalability.

Fixed monthly fees combined with a 1% sales commission (capped at $500/month) can add up; ROI and overall costs are less transparent.

Seamless, fully automated order processing with Emersoft’s integration—orders are automatically fulfilled through Ingram CDF Lite, saving you time and reducing errors.

Basic automation capabilities that may still require manual intervention for order processing and fulfillment.

Offers extensive reporting features and integrates with all major accounting software (like QuickBooks and Xero), ensuring you get detailed financial insights and streamlined bookkeeping.

Provides standard reporting tools with limited integration options; may not fully satisfy accounting and financial tracking needs.

Backed by Shopify’s robust support network and the dedicated Emersoft team; the solution scales effortlessly as your business expands, with no need for extra technical hires.

May need additional technical support as your business grows, potentially incurring extra costs.

A superior, all-in-one solution that enhances profitability by combining ease of use, complete control, advanced reporting, and powerful automation—ensuring you make more money with less hassle.

Viable for existing ABA members but comes with inherent limitations that can restrict growth and profitability.