Threshold rules
- Above 10: don't show (signals overstock)
- 5-10: 'Low stock'
- 1-4: 'Only X left!'
- 0: 'Sold out'
Implementation
Liquid template with conditional:{% if variant.inventory_quantity <= 5 and variant.inventory_quantity > 0 %}Only {{ variant.inventory_quantity }} left{% endif %}
Multi-location
Show total or ship-from location only. Ship-from more accurate for delivery estimate.
Overuse trap
If every product shows 'Only X left', customer stops trusting. Reserve for genuinely limited stock.
Frequently asked questions
When to show inventory count on Shopify options?
When variant inventory <= 5. Above threshold = don't show.
'Only X left' messaging — does it work?
Yes — 8-15% conversion lift on stock-limited products. Overuse loses effect.
Show total or per-location inventory?
Total simpler; per-location more accurate for delivery.
Does showing high inventory hurt?
Yes — signals overstock ('why so many left?'). Hide when high.
How to hide inventory count when high?
Conditional Liquid: show only if < threshold.
Different threshold per product?
Yes via metafield. High-turn products threshold 3, low-turn products threshold 10.
Multi-location display?
Show ship-from location only (accurate delivery). Or total (simpler).
Best inventory display app?
Native Dawn theme setting. Or Ultimate Countdown for urgency + inventory.
Related reading
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