Shopify

What is Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that includes an integrated set of inventory management capabilities to help merchants track and control stock across online stores, retail locations, and third-party sales channels. The inventory features are built into Shopify’s admin console and extend into Shopify POS, the Shopify App Store, and the Shopify Fulfillment Network, allowing merchants to manage everything from product receiving through fulfillment and returns from a single platform.

Shopify’s inventory tools are intended for merchants who sell through multiple channels (online marketplaces, social commerce, in-person retail) and need centralized visibility and control over quantities, transfers, and incoming purchase orders. The system supports common retail workflows such as physical counts, barcode scanning with POS, automated stock updates via transfers and purchase orders, and integration with third-party inventory or warehouse management systems.

Because the inventory capability is part of Shopify’s broader commerce platform, it ties directly to product listings, pricing, orders, shipping, and reporting. That integration reduces the need to sync multiple systems manually and helps merchants connect inventory decisions to sales performance and fulfillment costs.

Shopify features

Shopify includes a range of inventory-related features that cover stock tracking, replenishment, multi-location support, and integration with apps and fulfillment services. These features are accessible in the Shopify admin and, for some capabilities, through Shopify POS and the API.

Important functional areas include:

• Stock level visibility: track quantities that are available, reserved for orders, incoming on purchase orders, damaged, or otherwise adjusted.
• Multi-location inventory: assign and view stock per location (warehouses, retail stores, third-party fulfillment centers) and control which locations fulfill particular channels or order types.
• Receiving and transfers: create and receive supplier purchase orders and move stock between locations using transfers that automatically update quantities.
• Sales-channel sync: keep inventory counts in sync across Shopify’s online store and external channels such as marketplaces and social platforms.
• Barcode and physical counts: perform cycle counts and full stock takes using barcode scanning through mobile devices or POS hardware.

What does Shopify do?

Shopify allows merchants to maintain a single truth for inventory that drives availability across product pages, checkout, and POS. When an order is placed, Shopify marks the relevant quantity as committed and adjusts available stock so customers see accurate availability in real time. That flow reduces overselling risk when selling across multiple channels.

For replenishment, Shopify supports creating purchase orders and tracking incoming inventory so merchants can estimate when stock will be available and plan sales or preorders accordingly. Transfers between locations are treated as inventory movements and automatically adjust on-hand counts when marked received.

Shopify also provides reporting and analysis tools—such as sales history, product performance, and ABC inventory-like reports—that help merchants identify slow-moving SKUs, high-turnover items, and reorder priorities. Those reports support decision-making for purchasing, promotions, and markdowns.

Integration options widen Shopify’s inventory capabilities: apps from the Shopify App Store add multi-warehouse management, advanced forecasting, serial/LPN tracking, kitting and bundling, and deeper warehouse workflows. The Shopify Admin API and Inventory APIs enable custom integrations to ERP, WMS, or third-party logistics (3PL) systems.

Shopify pricing

Shopify offers flexible pricing tailored to different business sizes, from individuals and small sellers to larger merchants and enterprises. Plans typically include monthly and annual billing options, and Shopify provides a separate enterprise offering (Shopify Plus) with custom pricing and negotiation for large-volume merchants. For the most current tier names, features, and billing options, consult Shopify’s official pricing information.

Shopify’s inventory functionality is included at varying levels across its plans. Basic inventory tracking—stock counts, transfers, and standard reporting—is part of most merchant plans. Advanced features such as Shopify POS Pro, the Shopify Fulfillment Network, and certain advanced reporting or automation capabilities may require higher-tier plans, add-ons, or transaction fees.

Many merchants evaluate inventory needs relative to other plan elements such as payment processing rates, POS requirements, staff accounts, and international selling features. For accurate comparisons and to determine whether a monthly or annual billing cadence yields savings for your business, review Shopify’s plan comparison.

Visit their official pricing page for the most current information.

How much is Shopify per month

Shopify offers monthly billing options and typically provides multiple plan tiers so merchants can pick a plan that matches their sales volume and feature needs. Monthly costs vary by plan and by optional add-ons such as Shopify POS Pro or third-party apps. For exact current monthly prices and any promotions, review Shopify’s plan matrix on their pricing page.

How much is Shopify per year

Shopify supports annual billing with potential savings compared with monthly billing depending on the current promotions and plan. Annual contracts can reduce per‑month cost for merchants willing to commit a year in advance; the actual savings percentage varies by plan and Shopify’s current offers. Check Shopify’s pricing page to see current annual rates and the effective savings for yearly billing.

How much is Shopify in general

Shopify pricing ranges from entry-level plans for individual sellers to custom enterprise agreements for high-volume retailers. The general range covers low-cost starter options for simple storefronts up to enterprise-level subscriptions and services that include advanced support and bespoke integrations. Because inventory and fulfillment needs differ widely across merchants, total cost of ownership should include plan fees, POS hardware, third-party apps, fulfillment costs, and any payment processing fees.

Visit their official pricing page for the most current information.

What is Shopify used for

Shopify is used primarily to create and operate online stores, manage product catalogs, accept payments, and process orders. Inventory management is a core part of that workflow: merchants use Shopify to define SKUs, set stock quantities, and control availability across online and offline channels so listings show accurate in-stock or out-of-stock status.

Retailers with physical stores use Shopify POS in combination with Shopify’s inventory features to reconcile in-store sales with online orders, run barcode-driven stock counts, and perform location transfers. This supports omnichannel selling strategies where fulfillment may come from stores, dedicated warehouses, or third-party providers.

Beyond direct sales, Shopify is also used to connect to marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and social commerce platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Commerce), syncing inventory so merchants reduce overselling and maintain consistent pricing and availability. Integration with apps and APIs allows businesses to scale inventory operations by adding WMS features, third-party logistics, or custom automation.

Pros and cons of Shopify

Shopify provides a comprehensive commerce platform with built-in inventory controls and broad channel connectivity, but there are trade-offs depending on business complexity and scale.

Pros:

• Centralized inventory visibility across online store and physical locations helps reduce overselling and simplify order routing.
• Integrated receiving, transfers, and purchase order workflows allow merchants to handle basic replenishment without separate WMS software.
• Native tie-ins with Shopify POS and the Shopify Fulfillment Network reduce integration overhead for merchants who want an end-to-end solution.
• Large app ecosystem and APIs enable extension into advanced inventory features such as multi-warehouse allocations, serialized tracking, bundling, and forecasting.

Cons:

• For highly complex warehouse operations (advanced wave picking, multi-bin LPN tracking, high-volume shipping optimization), Shopify’s built-in tools may be insufficient and require a dedicated WMS integration.
• Some advanced inventory and fulfillment features require paid add-ons or higher-tier plans, which increases total cost as business needs grow.
• Merchants with legacy ERP systems may face integration work to reconcile inventory transactions and accounting flows.
• Rate limits and API constraints can require architectural work for very large catalogs or high-frequency inventory updates.

Shopify free trial

Shopify typically provides a trial period so new merchants can evaluate the platform, set up products, and test inventory workflows before committing to a paid plan. Trial availability, length, and conditions vary by promotion and region, and Shopify sometimes offers extended trial periods as part of limited-time campaigns.

During the trial, merchants can import product data, test barcode and POS flows, create transfers and purchase orders, and connect a storefront to third-party sales channels in view-only or test modes where applicable. The trial helps merchants validate that Shopify’s inventory model matches their operational needs, including multi-location capabilities and app integrations.

When a trial ends, merchants choose a plan and migrate to live payment processing and full inventory synchronization. If you want to experiment with advanced inventory features such as Shopify POS Pro or the Shopify Fulfillment Network, confirm whether those features are available during the trial or require an upgrade.

Is Shopify free

No, Shopify is not completely free for full production use. Shopify offers trial periods and a very low-cost Starter option for social selling, but ongoing store operations require a subscription plan. Costs will depend on the plan level, add-on services (POS Pro, fulfillment), transaction fees, and any third-party apps used.

Shopify API

Shopify provides a comprehensive set of APIs and developer tools for integrating inventory workflows with external systems. The Admin API (GraphQL and REST) exposes product, inventory, location, and order resources so developers can read and write inventory quantities, create transfers, and respond to order lifecycle events.

Specialized inventory endpoints support operations like adjusting inventory levels, querying availability by location, and creating inventory transfers. Webhooks allow apps to receive real-time notifications when inventory or orders change so external services can react without polling.

Developers and integrators should consult the Shopify developer documentation for details on authentication, rate limits, and the recommended GraphQL queries to minimize API usage. For integration reference and examples, see the Shopify developer documentation.

10 Shopify alternatives

Paid alternatives to Shopify

• BigCommerce — Hosted commerce platform with native multi-storefront support and strong B2B features; good for merchants who want built-in enterprise capabilities without many apps.
• Wix eCommerce — An all-in-one website builder with e-commerce that suits small merchants who prioritize design templates and simple inventory needs.
• Squarespace Commerce — Template-driven platform that combines content and commerce, suitable for creators and small retailers with modest inventory complexity.
• Square Online — Seamless integration with Square payments and POS, useful for small retailers and foodservice merchants who rely on Square’s in-person ecosystem.
• Volusion — Hosted e-commerce solution with basic inventory management and marketing tools for small to mid-sized merchants.
• 3dcart (Shift4Shop) — Feature-rich hosted platform with extensive built-in capabilities including inventory controls and shipping rules.
• Commerce Layer — Headless commerce platform that focuses on multi-market and API-first architectures and can be paired with external inventory systems.

Open source alternatives to Shopify

• WooCommerce — WordPress-based e-commerce plugin that gives full control over inventory and catalog but requires hosting and extensions for advanced WMS features.
• Magento Open Source (Adobe Commerce) — High‑flexibility platform with robust inventory and multi‑warehouse capabilities when extended, suited to developers and large catalog operations.
• PrestaShop — Open source e-commerce with modular architecture and a large community of modules for inventory, shipping, and supplier workflows.
• Saleor — GraphQL-first headless e-commerce platform ideal for teams that want modern APIs and custom inventory workflows.
• Odoo — Open source ERP with integrated inventory, procurement, and accounting modules that offer full warehouse management when configured.

Frequently asked questions about Shopify

What is Shopify used for?

Shopify is used to build and operate online stores and to manage commerce operations including inventory, orders, and payments. Merchants use Shopify to list products, control stock levels, process sales across channels, and route orders to the right fulfillment location. The platform combines storefront hosting, payment processing, point-of-sale, and integrations with apps and logistics partners.

How does Shopify handle multi-location inventory?

Shopify supports multi-location inventory by tracking quantities per location and allowing merchants to assign fulfillment priorities. You can create locations that represent warehouses, retail stores, and third-party fulfillment centers, then move stock between them using transfers or receive inventory from suppliers against purchase orders. Shopify’s location-based approach lets the platform choose fulfillment locations based on availability and predefined rules.

Does Shopify integrate with marketplaces like Amazon and eBay?

Yes, Shopify integrates with major marketplaces and social channels to sync listings and inventory. Built-in channel connections and marketplace apps allow products to be listed on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Facebook/Instagram, TikTok, and other channels while keeping inventory counts synchronized through Shopify’s catalog and order processing.

Can Shopify manage barcode scanning and physical stock counts?

Yes, Shopify supports barcode scanning and inventory counts through Shopify POS and mobile workflows. Merchants can use barcode labels and handheld scanners to perform cycle counts or full physical inventories; counts update quantities in the admin so online availability reflects the physical stock.

Is Shopify suitable for B2B inventory management?

Yes, Shopify can be used for B2B sales but may require apps or customizations for advanced B2B workflows. Shopify supports draft orders, wholesale channels, customer-specific pricing, and purchase orders, and many organizations extend this with apps for tiered pricing, purchase approvals, and account management for larger buyers.

Why would I use the Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN)?

Merchants use SFN to outsource storage, picking, packing, and shipping to a network of fulfillment centers with predictable 2–3 day delivery options. Outsourcing reduces the operational burden of running warehouses, but merchants should compare SFN storage, pick-and-pack, and return fees to third-party logistics providers to evaluate total costs.

When should I upgrade to Shopify POS Pro for inventory management?

Upgrade to Shopify POS Pro when your retail operations require advanced in-store inventory workflows and staff management features. POS Pro adds things like advanced reporting, receiving on POS, and in-store staff permissions that benefit multi-location retail operations; evaluate it when your stores need scheduled receiving, complex exchanges, or deeper analytics.

Where can I find Shopify developer resources for inventory APIs?

Shopify provides extensive developer resources including API references and tutorials on the Shopify developer site. The documentation covers the Admin API, Inventory API, webhooks, authentication, and GraphQL examples for performing inventory reads and writes; consult the Shopify developer documentation for details and code samples.

How much does Shopify cost for inventory features?

Shopify offers flexible pricing plans that include inventory features across tiers and optional add-ons for more advanced capabilities. Basic inventory tracking is included in standard plans, while some features like Shopify POS Pro or the Shopify Fulfillment Network may incur additional monthly or usage fees. For current plan pricing and which inventory features are included at each level, visit their official pricing page.

Can I connect Shopify to my existing ERP or warehouse management system?

Yes, Shopify can be integrated with ERPs and WMS solutions using the Admin API, third-party middleware, or apps from the Shopify App Store. Most integrators use Shopify’s APIs and webhooks to synchronize stock levels, orders, and shipping statuses between systems; for complex mapping and high-volume transactions, work with an integration partner to design a scalable solution.

shopify careers

Shopify’s careers pages list roles across product, engineering, merchant services, design, and operations teams. Positions range from developer and data roles focused on API and platform work to merchant success and fulfillment operations roles that relate directly to inventory systems and logistics.

Larger engineering roles often require experience with distributed systems, APIs, and commerce-specific challenges such as high-volume inventory synchronization and order routing. Non-engineering roles include account management, onboarding specialists, and program managers who help merchants adopt inventory and fulfillment workflows.

For up-to-date openings and role descriptions, visit Shopify’s careers site and search for teams related to product, logistics, or merchant success.

shopify affiliate

Shopify operates partner and affiliate programs that let developers, agencies, and content creators earn commissions for referring merchants or building stores on the platform. Partners can also build and distribute apps in the Shopify App Store and list themes in the Theme Store.

Affiliates and partners often focus on merchant acquisition and integration services, including custom inventory implementations or building apps that extend Shopify’s inventory capabilities. Program details, commission structures, and eligibility criteria are published in Shopify’s partner portal.

Where to find shopify reviews

Merchant and third-party reviews of Shopify can be found on comparison sites, software review platforms, and independent blogs that evaluate e-commerce platforms. Look for reviews that focus on inventory and fulfillment workflows specifically to get practical insight into how Shopify performs for stock management and multichannel selling.

Useful sources include platform comparison pages, user testimonials on the Shopify website, and developer or merchant case studies that describe real-world inventory implementations. Also review the Shopify App Store pages for inventory-related apps to see user ratings and feedback about extensions you may need.