Struggling with surplus inventory on Shopify? Forthclear is a simpler, cost-effective alternative to Surpluss. It charges no monthly fees - just a 5% platform fee on sales - and integrates directly with Shopify in minutes. Here’s why Forthclear stands out:

• Pricing: Forthclear has no upfront costs, while Surpluss charges $100–$500/month plus transaction fees.
• Setup: Forthclear offers a quick Shopify-native integration, while Surpluss requires manual setup.
• Ease of Use: Automated tools like dead stock detection and Stripe escrow simplify Forthclear’s process.

Quick Comparison:

For most Shopify merchants, Forthclear offers a low-risk, straightforward solution to liquidate surplus inventory. It’s especially useful for small to medium-sized stores with fluctuating stock. Meanwhile, Surpluss may suit larger enterprises with steady surplus and advanced needs.

Key takeaway: Forthclear saves you money, time, and effort while helping you recover value from unsold inventory. Ready to simplify your surplus management? Start with Forthclear today.

Forthclear vs Surpluss: Comparison Table

Forthclear operates as a pay-as-you-sell marketplace, catering specifically to Shopify merchants who need an efficient way to clear surplus inventory. On the other hand, Surpluss follows a subscription-based model, starting at $100 per month for basic features and climbing to $500 per month for enterprise-level options. With Forthclear, you only pay a flat 5% fee when you make a sale, while Surpluss requires ongoing monthly payments regardless of your sales performance.

Setup time is another key difference. Forthclear integrates directly with your Shopify store in just a few minutes via a native app, which automatically detects products that haven’t sold in over 60 days. Surpluss, however, involves a more manual and time-intensive setup process. This streamlined setup with Forthclear means you can act quickly to recover value from unsold inventory. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms to help Shopify store owners evaluate their options.

Main Differences Between Forthclear and Surpluss

The pricing model is where the two platforms diverge the most. Forthclear charges nothing upfront, making it a low-risk option for merchants testing liquidation strategies. Surpluss, by contrast, demands a minimum $100 monthly subscription fee just to access the platform. For a Shopify merchant clearing $10,000 in surplus inventory per month, Forthclear’s 5% fee totals $500, while Surpluss would cost at least $1,200 annually in subscription fees - before factoring in any transaction fees.

Forthclear also stands out with its native Shopify integration, which automatically syncs inventory and flags slow-moving products. This automation saves merchants hours of manual effort. Additionally, Forthclear uses a Stripe escrow system, holding buyer payments until delivery is confirmed or 14 days pass. This feature ensures secure transactions and peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. These differences make Forthclear a more streamlined and cost-effective option for Shopify merchants aiming to liquidate inventory while keeping overhead low.

Last updated: February 2026

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Pricing Breakdown: Forthclear vs Surpluss

Forthclear’s pay-as-you-sell model stands out by eliminating fixed monthly costs, unlike Surpluss. With Forthclear, there’s no upfront cost and no monthly fee - you only pay a flat 5% fee when a sale is completed. On the other hand, Surpluss operates on a subscription basis, with fees ranging from $100 to $500 per month, plus custom pricing for enterprise users.

Here’s an example: if a Shopify merchant sells $5,000 worth of surplus inventory in a month, Forthclear charges $250 (5% of $5,000). In contrast, a Surpluss user would pay at least $100 per month, and that cost could jump to $500 monthly for access to advanced features like analytics or priority support. Over a year, a merchant liquidating $60,000 of inventory would pay $3,000 with Forthclear, while Surpluss fees could range from $1,200 to $6,000, excluding any transaction-based charges. This pricing flexibility makes Forthclear a lower-risk option, especially for merchants navigating fluctuating sales.

"Free to list. We charge a 5% platform fee only when you make a sale. Buyers pay no additional fees." – Forthclear

The key advantage lies in Forthclear’s risk-free structure. Since fees are only applied to successful sales, merchants aren’t burdened with costs during slower periods. In contrast, Surpluss charges fixed fees regardless of sales performance, which can increase financial strain during downturns. For smaller Shopify stores, or those experimenting with liquidation strategies, this difference is critical. For instance, a merchant who doesn’t close any deals over two months would pay $0 with Forthclear, compared to $200 to $1,000 with Surpluss.

How Much Shopify Merchants Save with Forthclear

The savings are especially clear for small to medium-sized Shopify stores. By using Forthclear, merchants often save 50-80% on platform fees compared to Surpluss’s subscription model. If advanced features like analytics or priority support are required, Surpluss costs can climb to $6,000 annually, a 400% higher expense compared to Forthclear for similar transaction volumes.

Forthclear also simplifies inventory management with its automated dead stock detection, which flags unsold items after 60 days, reducing the need for manual tracking. Additionally, its Stripe escrow system ensures payment security by confirming delivery before applying the 5% fee. This transparent pricing approach aligns with Forthclear’s goal of reducing liquidation costs for merchants.

Last updated: February 2026

Feature Comparison for Shopify Stores

Forthclear is specifically designed for Shopify merchants looking to liquidate surplus inventory quickly and efficiently, with a focus on cost savings and simplicity. Its one-click Shopify app scans your store and flags products unsold for over 60 days as "dead stock." This automatic detection replaces the need for manual inventory audits, allowing merchants to list slow-moving items in just minutes. On the other hand, Surpluss uses AI-driven analytics, which require more setup and interpretation. This can be time-consuming for smaller merchants who may need to spend additional effort understanding the data.

This simplicity extends to Forthclear's listing process. Its bulk upload tool supports CSV and Excel files while featuring an auto-image search that retrieves product photos automatically, reducing the need for manual data entry. While Surpluss does offer cross-border liquidation capabilities, it lacks the same automation, meaning merchants may spend more time preparing listings. For Shopify stores managing large inventories, Forthclear's streamlined tools save considerable operational time.

Forthclear also prioritizes secure transactions. It uses a Stripe-powered escrow system to hold buyer funds until delivery is confirmed or 14 days have passed, protecting sellers from payment fraud. In comparison, Surpluss does not provide detailed information about its payment protection measures, leaving merchants with less clarity. Additionally, Forthclear includes built-in tariff estimates for international orders, helping merchants accurately price cross-border deals. Next, we’ll explore Forthclear's Shopify integration features and then take a closer look at Surpluss's approach.

Forthclear's Shopify Integration Features

Forthclear goes beyond basic inventory management with features like a tiered pricing tool that allows merchants to create volume discounts directly within the platform. This enables customizable discount offers for bulk orders. The platform also includes a built-in messaging system, making it easier for buyers to request custom quotes and for sellers to counter-offer - all without leaving the platform. This streamlines negotiations and helps close deals faster compared to traditional email-based methods.

"ForthClear has revolutionized how we handle excess inventory. The secure payment system and quality suppliers have made our sourcing process incredibly efficient." – Gordon Belch, Co-founder, vybey

These features are particularly beneficial for merchants handling seasonal products or items with expiration dates, as the platform flags inventory before it becomes unsellable.

Surpluss Features and Drawbacks

Surpluss positions itself as a high-level solution with AI-driven analytics and comprehensive transaction management for cross-border liquidation. These features cater to larger businesses with dedicated inventory teams capable of analyzing complex data. However, this complexity is often a disadvantage for smaller Shopify merchants, who may find the platform's learning curve and interface overwhelming.

The pricing structure adds to the challenge. Surpluss charges monthly fees ranging from $100 to $500, regardless of whether inventory is successfully liquidated. For merchants with irregular surplus volumes, these fixed costs can become a financial burden during slower periods. Forthclear addresses these concerns with its straightforward design and pay-as-you-sell model, offering a more predictable and accessible option for most Shopify merchants.

How to Choose Between Forthclear and Surpluss

Deciding between Forthclear and Surpluss comes down to factors like the size of your business, how flexible your budget is, and how complex your operations are. Forthclear is ideal for Shopify merchants with fluctuating surplus stock, offering a free-to-list model with a 5% fee applied only to completed sales. This approach minimizes risk during slower periods. On the other hand, Surpluss caters to larger, enterprise-level businesses with monthly budgets between $100 and $500, providing AI-driven analytics and multi-channel inventory management.

Budget considerations play a big role. Forthclear’s pay-as-you-sell structure ensures you only pay when sales happen, making it a safer option for businesses with seasonal or inconsistent surplus. In contrast, Surpluss charges a fixed monthly fee, regardless of sales volume. For instance, a Shopify store with occasional surplus might face a $500 monthly fee with Surpluss, even if liquidations happen only twice a year. Meanwhile, Forthclear’s 5% sales fee applies only when transactions are completed, offering more financial flexibility.

These differences in cost structure and features are key to making the right choice. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Decision Guide for Shopify Merchants

Forthclear might be the better option if:

• You run a small to medium-sized Shopify store and need a cost-effective way to clear overstock.
• Automated tools and secure Stripe-powered escrow protection are priorities.
• You sell internationally and appreciate built-in tariff estimates for cross-border sales.

Surpluss could be the right fit if:

• You manage an enterprise-level operation with a dedicated inventory team and a monthly budget over $100.
• Advanced AI analytics and a more sophisticated platform align with your business needs.
• Your surplus stock is consistent enough to justify fixed monthly fees and detailed data insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Forthclear, highlighting its affordability and practical features for Shopify merchants managing surplus inventory. With its simple pricing and user-friendly tools, Forthclear helps Shopify store owners save money and streamline operations.

How does Forthclear pricing compare to Surpluss?

Forthclear offers a no-upfront-cost model, charging a flat 5% fee only on completed sales. On the other hand, Surpluss uses a subscription model with pricing tiers ranging from custom plans to $100/month for advanced features and $500/month for enterprise services. For most Shopify stores, switching to Forthclear can cut ecommerce tool expenses by 50–80%.

What is Surpluss's biggest drawback?

A common issue with Surpluss is its complexity, which can make it harder to navigate and manage. Forthclear simplifies this with flat-rate pricing and a Shopify app that installs in minutes. It automatically identifies products unsold for over 60 days, eliminating the need for manual inventory checks.

How hard is it to migrate from Surpluss to Forthclear?

While the migration process is moderately challenging, it’s quick and efficient. Shopify merchants can install the Forthclear app directly from the Shopify App Store, which connects to their store within minutes and identifies unsold inventory. For bulk transfers, merchants can upload products using CSV or Excel files. The Auto Image Search feature even locates product photos, reducing manual effort. Most stores complete the transition within 24 hours, aided by dedicated migration support.

Does Forthclear offer features that Surpluss doesn't?

Yes, Forthclear includes several features tailored for Shopify merchants, such as:

• One-click app installation
• Automatic detection of unsold inventory
• Stripe-powered escrow protection, ensuring funds are held until delivery is confirmed
• Month-to-month billing with no long-term contracts
• Built-in tariff estimates for international transactions
• Bulk pricing management for tiered discounts (e.g., "Buy 50+ get 20% off")
• Priority customer support

Is Forthclear good enough for growing Shopify stores?

Absolutely. Forthclear is built to grow alongside businesses, from startups to large enterprises. Unlike Surpluss, which charges $100–$500 monthly regardless of sales, Forthclear sticks to its 5% platform fee, no matter how many SKUs or transactions you manage.

"ForthClear has revolutionized how we handle excess inventory. The secure payment system and quality suppliers have made our sourcing process incredibly efficient." – Gordon Belch, Co-founder, vybey

Forthclear also supports international growth with cross-border tools and access to verified buyer networks, making it a trusted choice for surplus inventory management.

Last updated: February 2026

Why Forthclear Works Better for Most Shopify Stores

Forthclear stands out with its transparent pricing, quick setup, and seamless integration with Shopify's native automation features. Unlike Surpluss, which charges merchants anywhere from $100 to $500 per month regardless of sales volume, Forthclear operates on a no-risk, pay-as-you-sell model. With no upfront costs, it simply takes a flat 5% fee on completed sales. This approach significantly lowers financial risks for store owners juggling unsold inventory, as explained in earlier comparisons.

The platform also simplifies inventory management with its auto-detection feature, which identifies unsold products with minimal effort. Manual audits are reduced to a single click. Plus, installation through the Shopify App Store is fast and hassle-free. Its auto-image search tool further streamlines the process by automatically finding product photos, making bulk uploads a breeze.

For businesses in growth mode, Forthclear scales effortlessly. Whether you're clearing 50 SKUs or 5,000, the flat 5% fee remains constant. In contrast, Surpluss ties merchants to subscription tiers that increase with usage. Forthclear also ensures secure transactions with a Stripe-powered escrow system, adding an extra layer of protection.

"Easy to get started and offload some of our products that were nearing expiry date. Very helpful that ForthClear helps to find buyers in the process." – Hylke Reitsma, Co-founder, vybey

Forthclear is also equipped for cross-border sales, offering integrated tariff estimates for international shipping and bulk pricing tools. This eliminates the need for additional software, making global expansion smoother and more efficient.

If unsold inventory is a problem for your store, Forthclear offers a straightforward solution with simple pricing, fast setup, and automated tools that fit seamlessly into your Shopify workflow. Get started today and turn surplus stock into revenue at forthclear.io.

Last updated: February 2026

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