Auto Purchase Orders vs Report Toaster: Custom Reportsfor Shopify (2026)
Auto Purchase Orders and Report Toaster: Custom Reports are both 5-star rated Shopify apps in the Operations category, but they address very different needs. Auto Purchase Orders focuses on streamlining the procurement process by automating the creation, management, and tracking of purchase orders. Its key strengths lie in its direct integration with suppliers and vendors, enabling automated dropshipping POs, inventory management, and synchronization with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks. The app is tailored for merchants needing to efficiently manage inventory and automate the entire purchase order lifecycle. Report Toaster, conversely, is a powerful reporting and analytics tool. It allows merchants to create custom reports from real-time Shopify data, enabling them to gain deeper insights into their business performance. The app features a library of pre-built report templates, powerful customization options, and automated report delivery via various channels. It caters to merchants seeking comprehensive data analysis and reporting capabilities to improve decision-making and identify trends. While both apps aim to optimize operations, Auto Purchase Orders focuses on supply chain efficiency, whereas Report Toaster emphasizes data-driven decision-making.
At a Glance
Auto Purchase Orders
28 reviews
Report Toaster: Custom Reports
194 reviews
Detailed Overview
Auto Purchase Orders
Create, manage, email & track all purchase orders in one place. Receive inventory. Replenishment
Key Features
- Create dropship POs from Shopify order. Attach packing slip. Transfer inventory
- Split Shopify order across multiple suppliers or vendors. Receive inventory.
- Forward POs to suppliers via email. Reliable email delivery. Import POs from CSV
- Merge multiple Shopify orders into a single PO by supplier. Automate fulfillment
- Automation workflows. Multi-currency. PO template. Stocky alternative.
Report Toaster: Custom Reports
Advanced reports, using real-time data that you can report, customize, automate, export, and share.
Key Features
- Start with one of our 130+ report templates to create and save better reports
- Export and download reports as PDF or CSV to share via email or analyze in Excel
- Scheduled reports for automated delivery via email, SMS or Slack
- Share live sales report and inventory report links with staff or third-parties
- Use multi-store reporting to report and compare data from multiple shops
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Auto Purchase Orders5/5 Report Toaster: Custom Reports5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 28 | 194 |
Reviews Auto Purchase Orders28 Report Toaster: Custom Reports194 | ||
| Core Functionality | Purchase Order Automation & Inventory Management | Custom Reporting & Analytics |
Core Functionality Auto Purchase OrdersPurchase Order Automation & Inventory Management Report Toaster: Custom ReportsCustom Reporting & Analytics | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants needing PO management, dropshipping, and inventory tracking. | Merchants needing advanced sales reporting, data analysis, and customized insights. |
Target Merchant Auto Purchase OrdersMerchants needing PO management, dropshipping, and inventory tracking. Report Toaster: Custom ReportsMerchants needing advanced sales reporting, data analysis, and customized insights. | ||
| Integrations | Xero, QuickBooks, suppliers (via email/API) | Email, SMS, Slack, Excel |
Integrations Auto Purchase OrdersXero, QuickBooks, suppliers (via email/API) Report Toaster: Custom ReportsEmail, SMS, Slack, Excel | ||
| Automation | Automated PO generation, vendor communication, and inventory updates | Scheduled report delivery, automated data exports |
Automation Auto Purchase OrdersAutomated PO generation, vendor communication, and inventory updates Report Toaster: Custom ReportsScheduled report delivery, automated data exports | ||
| Key Feature: Dropshipping Support | Yes, auto-generates dropship POs | No |
Key Feature: Dropshipping Support Auto Purchase OrdersYes, auto-generates dropship POs Report Toaster: Custom ReportsNo | ||
| Key Feature: Customization | Customizable PO templates, metafield support | Customizable reports, calculated fields, multi-column sorting |
Key Feature: Customization Auto Purchase OrdersCustomizable PO templates, metafield support Report Toaster: Custom ReportsCustomizable reports, calculated fields, multi-column sorting | ||
| Value Proposition | Streamline procurement, reduce manual tasks, improve inventory control. | Gain data-driven insights, improve decision-making, optimize business performance. |
Value Proposition Auto Purchase OrdersStreamline procurement, reduce manual tasks, improve inventory control. Report Toaster: Custom ReportsGain data-driven insights, improve decision-making, optimize business performance. | ||
Our Verdict
If you need to automate your purchase order process, especially if you're managing a dropshipping operation or need to synchronize with accounting software, Auto Purchase Orders is the clear choice. Its focus on vendor management, inventory tracking, and dropshipping POs makes it ideal for merchants looking to improve supply chain efficiency.
However, if your priority is to gain a deeper understanding of your business performance through advanced reporting and analytics, Report Toaster is the superior option. Its extensive report templates, customization options, and automated delivery features empower merchants to track key metrics, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. If you only need basic reports, Shopify's built-in reports might suffice, but for advanced analysis, Report Toaster is well worth the investment.
Common Questions
Which app is better for a dropshipping business?
Auto Purchase Orders is better suited for dropshipping businesses due to its feature of automatically generating dropship purchase orders from Shopify orders.
Can both apps integrate with accounting software?
Only Auto Purchase Orders explicitly states integration with accounting software (Xero and QuickBooks). Report Toaster focuses on exporting data to formats compatible with other tools, such as Excel.
Which app is easier to set up and use?
While both apps have positive ratings, the complexity of advanced reporting suggests Report Toaster may have a steeper learning curve than the more focused Auto Purchase Orders. However, this is subjective and depends on the user's familiarity with reporting tools.
Does Report Toaster provide inventory management features?
No, Report Toaster focuses on reporting and analytics. It can report *on* inventory, but it doesn't directly manage inventory levels or processes. Auto Purchase Orders includes inventory management features via stock receiving and transfer.
Are both apps suitable for multi-store Shopify setups?
Report Toaster specifically mentions multi-store reporting, enabling you to compare data across multiple shops. Auto Purchase Orders doesn't explicitly state multi-store support, so it may be less suitable if you need centralized PO management across multiple Shopify stores.
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