Two tools, two different problems
GhostSync and Stock Sync both update Shopify inventory from external sources, but they approach the problem from opposite directions.
Stock Sync's public docs describe scheduled updates from hosted feeds and mixed sources such as URLs, FTP servers, Google Sheets, and email attachments. It is designed for stores that want a broad sync layer across those sources.
GhostSync pushes from email. It watches for supplier emails with file attachments (CSV, Excel, PDF), parses them automatically, and applies inventory deltas to Shopify when the email arrives.
The right choice depends on how your suppliers actually deliver inventory data.
Feature comparison
| Feature | GhostSync | Stock Sync |
|---|---|---|
| Primary workflow | Supplier email attachments | Hosted feeds and mixed-source sync |
| Trigger model | Push-based on email arrival | Schedule-based according to public docs |
| File formats in public docs | CSV, XLSX, PDF | CSV, XLS/XLSX, XML, JSON, TXT, EDI, TSV, HTML Table |
| PDF parsing in public docs | Yes (qualifying plans) | Not listed |
| Setup posture | AI-assisted template generation for supplier files | Manual feed mapping and broader source configuration |
| Review and alerts | Preview mode plus drift, wipe-risk, partial-file, and duplicate protections | Preview sync, notifications, quantity rules, and update-halt controls are documented publicly |
| Multi-location | Yes (Enterprise plan) | Yes |
| Product data scope | Inventory quantities only | Broader product and inventory field sync |
When to choose GhostSync
GhostSync is the stronger choice when:
- Your suppliers email inventory files to you (the most common scenario for small and mid-size merchants)
- You receive PDF inventory documents that need parsing
- You want safety guardrails that block bad data before it reaches Shopify
- You want to see a preview of every sync before it goes live
- You need hands-free automation after initial setup — no manual uploads or feed management
GhostSync does one thing well: turning supplier email attachments into safe Shopify inventory updates. It does not try to sync product titles, prices, or images.
When to choose Stock Sync
Stock Sync is the stronger choice when:
- Your suppliers provide inventory data via a hosted URL, FTP, or Google Sheets
- You need to sync full product data (not just inventory quantities)
- You work with XML or JSON feeds from suppliers or distributors
- You want a mature tool with a longer App Store track record
- You want to compare broader feed-sync options on the current Shopify App Store pricing page
Stock Sync excels at feed-based workflows. If your supplier gives you a URL that always has the latest inventory data, Stock Sync will poll it on a schedule and update Shopify accordingly.
Can you use both?
Yes. GhostSync and Stock Sync solve complementary problems. If some suppliers email you files and others publish hosted feeds, you can run both tools side by side without conflict. GhostSync handles the email-based suppliers, Stock Sync handles the feed-based ones.
The only consideration is ensuring both tools are not updating the same SKUs from different sources, which could create conflicting inventory values. Assign each supplier to one tool.
How to read this comparison
Stock Sync has a materially longer public track record in the Shopify App Store. GhostSync is newer and narrower. If you need an established, broad feed-sync tool, Stock Sync may have the advantage.
If the core problem is messy supplier emails with attached files, GhostSync is built specifically for that workflow. If the core problem is syncing hosted feeds or broader product data, Stock Sync may be the better fit.