Managing inventory across multiple locations doesn’t have to be complicated. Shopify Plus provides tools to help you keep stock levels accurate, streamline fulfilment, and improve customer satisfaction. Here’s how you can make it work:
- Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock across warehouses, retail stores, and fulfilment centres in real time to prevent overselling and stockouts.
- Set Up Locations: Add warehouses, stores, or fulfilment centres in the Shopify admin panel and assign stock levels to each.
- Prioritise Locations: Decide which location handles orders based on proximity or regional demand.
- Use Apps: Leverage inventory apps for stock transfers, demand forecasting, and automated reordering.
- Sync Across Channels: Keep inventory consistent across your online store, physical locations, and marketplaces.
- Detailed Analytics: Use Shopify Analytics to track sales trends, stock turnover, and location-specific performance.
- Automate Stock Management: Set low-stock alerts, automate reordering, and transfer stock based on demand.
With these tools, you can centralise inventory management, reduce costs, and ensure products are always where customers need them.
Set Up Multi-Location Inventory
Create and Configure Locations
Begin by setting up your locations in the Shopify Plus admin panel. Go to Settings > Locations and add each warehouse, store, or fulfilment centre. Include essential details like the address, contact information, operating hours, handling capabilities, and tax settings. After that, head to Products > Inventory to assign stock levels and set tracking preferences for each location.
Set Location Priorities for Orders
Decide which location will handle orders to keep shipping and delivery efficient. You can configure this by:
- Navigating to Settings > Locations > Priority
- Arranging locations in the order of preference
- Setting up specific regional rules for different areas
For instance, if you have warehouses in Sydney and Perth, you can prioritise Sydney for east coast orders and Perth for west coast deliveries. To make this process smoother, consider integrating inventory tools that automate and synchronise these priorities.
Use Inventory Management Apps
Choose apps that offer features like:
- Real-time stock updates
- Automated reorder points
- Management of stock transfers between locations
- Demand forecasting
- Barcode scanning capabilities
- Rules for stock allocation and location hierarchy
Regularly evaluate how each location performs in terms of fulfilment speed and shipping costs. For expert advice, you can work with a certified Shopify Plus agency like Alinga to optimise your setup further.
Control Multiple Location Stock
Easily manage inventory across multiple locations using Shopify Plus’s reliable tools and detailed tracking features.
Monitor Inventory Levels
Shopify Plus offers real-time insights into your inventory:
- Available stock: Items ready for sale.
- Committed stock: Products reserved for pending orders.
- On-hand stock: Total physical inventory across all locations.
Streamline Bulk Stock Updates
Simplify updates for large inventories with bulk editing tools:
- Inventory Bulk Editor: Adjust stock levels, tracking settings, and SKUs across multiple locations in one go.
- CSV Import/Export: Export inventory data, make changes in a spreadsheet, and re-import updated information seamlessly.
These tools ensure your updates are reflected across all locations quickly and efficiently.
Maintain Accurate Stock Across Channels
Keeping inventory accurate across all sales channels is essential for smooth order fulfilment. Shopify Plus automatically syncs stock between your online store, physical locations, and connected marketplaces, reducing the risk of overselling.
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Balance Stock Across Locations
Effectively managing inventory across multiple locations requires careful planning and the right tools. Shopify Plus provides features designed to help you distribute stock efficiently.
Track Sales with Shopify Analytics
Shopify Analytics gives you access to detailed insights that support smarter inventory decisions. The analytics dashboard includes location-specific metrics like:
- Sell-through rates for each location
- Days of inventory remaining
- Stock turnover ratios
- Regional sales trends
These metrics let you identify top-performing products and adjust stock levels accordingly. You can also use this data to automate stock rebalancing processes.
Set Up Stock Automation
Automating inventory management helps prevent stock shortages and ensures balanced levels across locations:
- Custom Low-Stock Alerts
Set alerts for when stock falls below specific thresholds. For fast-selling items, use lower thresholds, while seasonal items may require higher ones. - Automatic Reordering
Use Shopify Flow to automate purchase orders whenever stock hits a reorder point, ensuring products remain available. - Transfer Rules
Automate stock transfers between locations based on sales trends, warehouse space, seasonal demand, and shipping costs. This ensures each location has the right inventory to meet local demand efficiently.
Key Multi-Location Stock Tips
Boost your inventory management with these practical multi-location stock strategies.
Centralise Inventory Management
Simplify your operations by using a single platform like Shopify Plus’s dashboard. This allows you to track stock levels in real time across all locations, helping you avoid overselling or running out of stock.
Conduct Regular Stock Audits
Perform routine stock checks to ensure your physical inventory matches your digital records. Resolve any mismatches as soon as they arise to maintain accuracy.
Streamline Delivery Options
Allocate stock strategically to minimise shipping times and costs. For example, fulfil Brisbane orders from the closest warehouse to ensure quicker delivery and better customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Effective management of inventory across multiple locations is key to scaling eCommerce operations. Shopify Plus offers tools to help businesses maintain accurate stock levels, simplify fulfilment, and improve customer satisfaction across different locations.
With its centralised dashboard and tools, the platform ensures real-time updates, avoids overselling, and improves delivery processes throughout Australia. These features support business growth while enhancing the shopping experience for customers.
For expert help with Shopify Plus, consider working with Alinga. With two decades of experience, they specialise in creating tailored eCommerce strategies that deliver results.
“We use proven strategies, tailored design, & innovative technologies to make beautiful and conversion optimised eCommerce experiences on Shopify Plus.” – Alinga
Do you need support with your eCommerce plans? Alinga, a leading eCommerce expert, is here to help businesses excel online. We offer IT expertise and innovative concepts for all projects, assisting from the beginning to completion and beyond. Let Alinga boost your online presence if you’re new or are looking to enhance your online business. Be in touch with us now to get started!
