QuickBooks Desktop Sync vs Simple Affiliatefor Shopify (2026)
QuickBooks Desktop Sync and Simple Affiliate, while both listed under the 'Finances' category on Shopify, cater to vastly different needs. QuickBooks Desktop Sync aims to streamline accounting processes for merchants using QuickBooks Desktop by automating the synchronization of sales, inventory, and customer data. This reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and saves time. In contrast, Simple Affiliate focuses on expanding a merchant's reach and driving sales through affiliate marketing programs. It offers tools to manage affiliates, track performance, and automate commission payouts, fostering a network of brand advocates. The primary difference lies in their focus: QuickBooks Desktop Sync optimizes internal financial management, while Simple Affiliate concentrates on external sales growth via partnerships. QuickBooks Desktop Sync appeals to businesses seeking efficient and accurate accounting integration, particularly those already invested in the QuickBooks Desktop ecosystem. Simple Affiliate targets merchants looking to leverage the power of affiliate marketing to acquire new customers and increase revenue. The choice between the two hinges on whether the immediate need is improved financial operations or expanded marketing efforts.
At a Glance
QuickBooks Desktop Sync
26 reviews
Simple Affiliate
82 reviews
Detailed Overview
QuickBooks Desktop Sync
Connect with QuickBooks Desktop. Sales and inventory sync in minutes with Shoplink Integrator!
Key Features
- Instantly sync Shopify sales, inventory, and customers to QuickBooks Desktop
- Works with QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise
- Eliminate manual data entry errors and save hours every week
- Customize mapping for multiple locations, taxes, and discounts
Simple Affiliate
Drive Sales With an Automated Affiliate Platform to Manage Influencer & Referral Marketing Programs
Key Features
- New Customer Accounts: Register & sign in directly from your store
- Track Sales & Payouts: Affiliates can track commission rates & total sales
- Flexible Reward Structures: Based on products, variants, categories, codes, etc.
- Manage Taxes: All 1099 tax forms are easily handled, automated & consolidated
- Reward Payout: Manually or auto-pay sales commissions based on your preferences
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating QuickBooks Desktop Sync5/5 Simple Affiliate5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 26 | 82 |
Reviews QuickBooks Desktop Sync26 Simple Affiliate82 | ||
| Primary Function | QuickBooks Desktop Integration | Affiliate Marketing Management |
Primary Function QuickBooks Desktop SyncQuickBooks Desktop Integration Simple AffiliateAffiliate Marketing Management | ||
| Target Merchant Type | Businesses using QuickBooks Desktop | Businesses seeking to expand sales through affiliates |
Target Merchant Type QuickBooks Desktop SyncBusinesses using QuickBooks Desktop Simple AffiliateBusinesses seeking to expand sales through affiliates | ||
| Key Benefit | Automated accounting, reduced errors, time savings | Increased sales, brand awareness, customer acquisition |
Key Benefit QuickBooks Desktop SyncAutomated accounting, reduced errors, time savings Simple AffiliateIncreased sales, brand awareness, customer acquisition | ||
| Integration Focus | QuickBooks Desktop | Shopify Store (Affiliate Program) |
Integration Focus QuickBooks Desktop SyncQuickBooks Desktop Simple AffiliateShopify Store (Affiliate Program) | ||
| Pricing data | Not included | Not included |
Pricing data QuickBooks Desktop SyncNot included Simple AffiliateNot included | ||
| Ease of Use Claim | Easy and reliable connection, Designed for growing businesses | Setup is easy and customized to fit your brand with support to assist all the way |
Ease of Use Claim QuickBooks Desktop SyncEasy and reliable connection, Designed for growing businesses Simple AffiliateSetup is easy and customized to fit your brand with support to assist all the way | ||
| Value proposition | Keeps your accounting accurate and up-to-date, so you can focus on what matters most: running your store. | Running an affiliate marketing program has been made simple with features that build loyalty |
Value proposition QuickBooks Desktop SyncKeeps your accounting accurate and up-to-date, so you can focus on what matters most: running your store. Simple AffiliateRunning an affiliate marketing program has been made simple with features that build loyalty | ||
Our Verdict
For a merchant deeply embedded in the QuickBooks Desktop environment, QuickBooks Desktop Sync is the clear choice. Its purpose-built integration will significantly streamline accounting processes and reduce the risk of errors. However, if the priority is driving sales through a network of affiliates, Simple Affiliate provides the necessary tools to create, manage, and optimize an affiliate marketing program.
While both apps boast a perfect rating, Simple Affiliate has a significantly higher number of reviews, potentially indicating broader adoption or a longer presence in the Shopify App Store. Ultimately, the best app depends entirely on the specific needs and goals of the Shopify merchant. A growing store would likely benefit from the accounting side of QuickBooks Desktop Sync. Conversely, a store looking to quickly scale sales through affiliates will find Simple Affiliate to be more valuable.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up?
Both apps claim to offer easy setup, but without specific data on setup time or user feedback on ease of use, it's impossible to definitively say which is easier. Simple Affiliate highlights custom setup for individual brand. QuickBooks Desktop Sync focuses on instant syncing to QuickBooks desktop.
Which app is better for a small business?
It depends on the business's needs. If the small business is using QuickBooks Desktop for accounting, QuickBooks Desktop Sync is likely more valuable. If the small business is looking to grow its sales through affiliate marketing, Simple Affiliate is the better choice.
Does Simple Affiliate integrate with QuickBooks Desktop?
Based on the provided descriptions, Simple Affiliate does *not* directly integrate with QuickBooks Desktop. It focuses on affiliate marketing program management within the Shopify store itself.
Which app has better customer support?
Neither app provides specific information on customer support response times or support channel availability in their descriptions. Therefore, it is impossible to determine which has better customer support based on this information.
If I only have time for one app, which should I choose?
Prioritize based on your biggest challenge. If inaccurate accounting is a bottleneck, choose QuickBooks Desktop Sync. If generating leads and increasing revenue is the key challenge, Simple Affiliate is the better choice.
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