How to Manually Sync Inventory between Two Shopify Stores?
It is possible to export CSV files from your Shopify store to create a duplicate of your store.
To duplicate your Shopify store manually, you can export the following CVS files:
- products
- orders
- gift card and discount codes
- financial data
- customers
You can transfer some store information using these files when you duplicate a store. But remember, other types of information must be entered manually in your Shopify admin.
There are also some limitations to transferring store information. For example, orders cannot be imported into a store through the Shopify admin. Still, you can do this through the Shopify API.
That's why you need to be aware that syncing inventory between two Shopify stores may require some technical knowledge. You'll need to use the API (application programming interface) or write some code yourself — two skills not everyone has.
So if you're not comfortable with this, don't worry too much, as there are plenty of other options available (which we'll get into below). You can also hire a Shopify expert to import orders into your new store, as Shopify does not support this.
Now let's see the steps to follow to duplicate your Shopify store to have a sync inventory:
Step 1: Make sure you log in to both stores as the store owner, and they are on the same plan.
Step 2: Choose the same theme and export product CSV files.
Step 3: Prepare your product media for export.
Step 4: Import the CSV files for your products' "Products" page in the Shopify admin.
These steps will help you manually have the same inventory in both stores.
There is another way to make this easier for you, which is using an app for it. So now, let's see some of the apps to sync inventory between multiple Shopify stores.
Apps to Use to Sync Inventory between Two Shopify Stores
If the process of syncing inventory between multiple Shopify stores overwhelms you, having a little help from apps does not hurt. That's why we picked some apps for you to choose the right fit for your business.
1. Multi‑Store Sync Power by EGNITION
Multi-Store Sync Power assists you in automatically synchronizing inventory across multiple stores.
Features:
- Automated inventory updates in linked stores when there is a new order, refund, or cancellation.
- Automated synchronization of fields and images in all stores when you create and update products once.
- Sync inventory on a location level rather than store level.
- Locate any unrelated products in your stores and see if any SKUs/Barcodes are incorrectly configured or if the synchronization process was skipped.
Cons:
- Some user reviews show that if not treated right, the app might put items out of stock, set the products offline, and delete inventory on their own.
- If your store has high traffic, you may experience app downtime.
Pricing:
There is a 7-day free trial available. The free plan allows you to have 0-25 products (per connected store). The basic plan is $5.99/month for stores with 26-100 products (per connected store).
Overall Shopify Rating: 4.4⭐️
2. Katana Manufacturing ERP by Katana Manufacturing ERP
Katana Manufacturing ERP helps you manage your inventory, sync stock, and schedule production.
Features:
- Stock control with live inventory data.
- Inventory and stock sync between multiple Shopify stores.
- Update manufacturing orders based on changes to sales orders in Shopify.
- Raw materials and product allocation for efficient sales order fulfillment.
Cons:
- Could have better reports for snapshots of workflow.
- At first, you might need help to accurately use the app.
Pricing:
There is a 14-day free trial. The essential plan starts at $99/month.
Overall Shopify Rating: 4.9⭐️
3. Syncio Multi Store Sync by Syncio
Syncio Multi Store Sync provides you with real-time inventory syncs, product attributes, and orders across multiple Shopify stores.
Features:
- Real-time inventory sync and adjustment using SKU or barcode.
- Sync and customize product descriptions, prices, tags, images, etc.
- Automated sync order information to source stores for fulfillment.
- Possible to connect to an unlimited number of Shopify stores.
Cons:
- You might experience some bugs.
- The basic plan might be pricey for small businesses.
Pricing:
There is a 14-day free trial available. The starter plan starts at $19/month, and note that order sync and product setting modules charge separately.
This plan allows you to import up to 100 products, sync inventory in real time, and connect to unlimited source stores.
Overall Shopify Rating: 4.7⭐️
4. LitCommerce Multichannel Sync by LitCommerce
LitCommerce Multichannel Sync provides easy marketplace integration. Plus, you can sync inventory between not only Shopify stores but also different e-commerce platforms using this app.
Features:
- Real time inventory and price sync between stores.
- Single-listing and multi-listing feature.
- Inventory update as soon as the transactions are made.
Cons:
Needs improvement overall.
Pricing:
There is a forever free plan available with up to 20 listings, unlimited listing channels, chat/email support. The basic plan starts at $29/month or $24.92/month billed at $299 once per year. The basic plan includes up to 500 listings, price and inventory sync, VIP chat/email support.
Overall Shopify Rating: 4.6⭐️
Why Have More than One Shopify Store?
Let's cover some of the reasons to create multiple Shopify stores for your business.
Create Niche Stores
One of the benefits of creating multiple Shopify stores is being able to have separate niche stores.
For example, if you sell dog food and cat food, you're going to need two entirely different types of packaging—one for dogs and one for cats—and two different kinds of shipping options.
Plus, your marketing strategies will also need to be completely different for each product line.
But instead of selling dog food and cat food from the same store, you can create separate stores for each. This way, you sell dog-related stuff like clothes, toys, and food from one store and cat-related things from another store.
You can use the same packaging for both products in this case as there won't be any misunderstandings, as well as the same shipping options and marketing strategies.
The same goes with an accessories store, too. If you are selling sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, and similar stuff, you can as well create another Shopify store for your jewelry line solely to help it grow on its own.
Reach a Bigger Audience
If you're a Shopify store owner, you've probably thought about expanding your business to an international market. It's a great idea!
However, when people from different cultures shop online, they have very different expectations about how things should work—and if your site doesn't match those expectations, then customers may leave without even making a purchase.
So, how do you ensure that your brand is recognizable and consistent in each country? How do you keep track of what's selling well and where? How do you even know how to approach the different markets?
The good news is that there are ways to make this process easier, including creating multiple Shopify stores.
Creating multiple Shopify stores for different countries can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of doing business internationally.
For example, suppose your company has different target audiences in different countries or languages. In that case, it might be better for each store to use languages that are native to their customers.
You could also set up each store with its own payment gateway account so that your customers don't have trouble paying for products.
By creating multiple Shopify stores, you'll also be able to keep track of which products are selling well and where and adjust prices accordingly, which can help with figuring out what kinds of products should be offered in each country.
Appeal to Different Budgets and Customer Segments
One of the biggest challenges for retailers today is staying relevant in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
We're all competing for attention and sales with thousands of other sellers, and it can feel like a struggle to get your product in front of the right customer at the right time.
One solution? Create multiple Shopify stores!
Why do this? Because it allows you to:
- Reach more customers who are interested in a specific product or price point.
- Appeal to customers who want something different than what they've seen before.
- Get more sales with less work because you're reaching more potential customers who are already interested in what you offer.
For example, if you have a ton of customers who are looking for high-quality products but don't want to pay a fortune for them, you could create a store for them where all products are under $100.
Suppose you have another group of customers who would be willing to spend more money on their purchases because they know it will last longer and be more durable.
In that case, you could create another store that sells high-end items priced at $150 or more.
This way, you can appeal to two different groups of customers without having to sacrifice any potential sales by separating them into two different stores.
Test Your Campaigns
Promotional campaigns are pricey, and we need other ways to test our campaigns before making money rain. Having two or more Shopify stores come to the stage at this point.
Instead of launching the campaigns on your main website directly, you can create a separate Shopify store where you can try their effect in the first place to make sure you have the right campaign for your store.
Before You Leave…
If you have multiple Shopify stores, using sync inventory between your stores might be time-saving. Syncing inventories in one place makes managing your stores much easier.
We have covered two different ways to do this: Manually duplicating your store and using third-party apps for it. You can choose the one that suits your business better in light of the detailed information below.
Do you have multiple Shopify stores? How do you sync inventory between two Shopify stores?
Meet me in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I have Multiple Shopify Stores with the Same Email Address?
The short answer is "Yes." You can have multiple Shopify stores with the same email address, and after you log in to your Shopify admin, you can navigate between them.
2. Is it Challenging to Have Multiple Shopify Stores?
Having multiple stores on Shopify has its own challenges, like SEO issues, different time zones, different customer needs, and tracking inventory (if you don't sync inventories).
3. Why should I Sync my Shopify Stores?
Manually updating inventory in multiple stores is more than one can handle. Plus, syncing the inventories of all your Shopify stores will make managing sales easier as you'll be in control of all stock information.
4. What are Some Tips to Manage Multiple Shopify Stores?
Some fundamental tips to manage multiple Shopify stores efficiently include:
- Making sure to optimize each site.
- Sync inventory and centralized order management.
- Analyzing business data regularly.
