Already using Xero? Here’s how to add stock control without changing systems

If you’re using Xero to manage your finances, you already understand the value of simplicity and clarity in your business systems. Xero is a fantastic tool for small to mid-sized businesses — intuitive, cloud-based, and great at handling everything from invoicing to VAT returns.

But as your business grows, you might start to notice the cracks. Especially when it comes to managing stock, processing orders, or keeping your sales and purchasing in sync with what’s actually happening in the warehouse.

That’s because Xero wasn’t built to be an ERP. It’s a financial system — not a stock management platform. And that’s exactly why many merchants look for a stock control system that integrates with Xero.

Enter: Merchanter.

What Xero does well — and what it doesn’t

Xero excels at:

• General accounting and bank reconciliation

• Payroll and expenses

• VAT and Making Tax Digital

• Real-time financial reporting

• Collaboration with your accountant

  
  

What it doesn’t do is manage day-to-day trading operations like:

• Tracking stock in real time

• Managing stock by pack, batch, or bin

• Creating multi-line quotes or milling processes

• Reordering stock based on sales trends

• Generating purchase orders from sales

• Handling document workflows or CRM

  
  

And let’s be honest - you don’t want to replace Xero. You just want something that works with it, to cover everything it doesn’t.

Why businesses need Xero stock integration

Trying to run stock and sales using spreadsheets, workarounds, or separate tools can lead to:

• Overselling or understocking

• Re-keying data into Xero manually

• Missed customer orders

• Delays between sales and invoicing

• Increased admin and errors

  
  

A proper Xero stock control integration means:

• Less double entry

• More accurate records

• Faster turnaround times

• Fewer mistakes

• Happier customers

• A much easier life for your team

  
  

How Merchanter + Xero work together

Merchanter is a cloud ERP and stock control system designed specifically for merchants, importers, and stockists. It connects seamlessly with Xero, so you can continue using your finance system while upgrading everything else.

Here’s how the integration works:

• Sales invoices and purchase invoices created in Merchanter sync automatically to Xero

• Payments reconciled in Xero update customer accounts in Merchanter

• Customer and supplier records match via email address

• Live reporting is available across both systems, with no need for manual exports

• Stock levels update in real time, based on sales, returns, and reordering

  
  

You get the benefit of two best-in-class systems — with none of the friction.

Who is this for?

If you:

• Already use Xero for your accounts

• Sell products online, by phone, or over the trade counter

• Deal with stock that needs careful management (timber, steel, plumbing, etc.)

• Want to cut admin and reduce errors

• Need one system to manage all your orders and stock

  
  

…then Merchanter could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What makes Merchanter different?

• Built for merchants – not just generic inventory

• Supports packs, lengths, weights, and complex units

• Smart pricing by customer, quantity, or delivery method

• Multi-branch control with real-time stock levels

• Live alerts for low stock, credit issues, or margin drops

• Flexible sales and purchasing workflows

• Friendly UK-based support and clear pricing

  
  

And most importantly — you get all of this without giving up Xero.

Try Merchanter for yourself

Want to see how it works? We’ve made it easy to try Merchanter for yourself — no pressure, no jargon, just a hands-on look at how it all fits together.

👉 Request a demo login and get access straight to your inbox. Explore in your own time and see why one customer said:“Blimey - This is much more impressive than I expected!”