Enable per-variant tracking
- Variant edit → Inventory → check 'Track quantity'
- Set current quantity
- Choose policy: stop selling at 0 OR continue selling
Multi-location inventory
Shopify Basic+ supports 4 locations, Plus supports unlimited. Set per-location inventory per variant. Ship-from logic picks the closest location.
Continue selling when out of stock
For preorders + made-to-order. Customer can order despite 0 inventory. Set expectation via product page copy ('Ships in 5 days').
Low-stock alerts
Shopify Flow: 'When variant inventory drops below 5, send email to purchasing team.' Automates reordering.
Frequently asked questions
How to track inventory per Shopify variant?
Variant edit → Inventory → check 'Track quantity' + set count. Shopify auto-decrements on order.
Should I track inventory or continue selling?
Track for physical goods (avoid overselling). Continue for made-to-order or preorders.
How to set inventory across multiple locations?
Variant → Inventory → each location shows separate count. Shopify picks ship-from based on customer address.
How to set low-stock alerts?
Shopify Flow → trigger on inventory change → email when below threshold.
Can I hide variants when out of stock?
Yes — theme setting or app. Or show as sold-out with strikethrough (better UX).
How to import variant inventory via CSV?
Variant Inventory Qty column in CSV. Or use Inventory tab bulk update.
What if I sell more than inventory allows?
Overselling triggers negative inventory. Refund customer or expedite restock. Prevent via 'Stop selling at 0' policy.
Does POS decrement Shopify inventory?
Yes. POS + online sales share inventory. Set correct location for POS.
Related reading
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