Solve! Blank inventory issue in Shopify | For Print on demand business

The blank inventory issue

In on demand printing business owners bring blank products and list different designs which use same blank product. Each product comes in multiple variants, and update  stock quantities for each.

Challenge arises when we only have 10 blank covers and we have about 100 designs which use same blank to print due to which Shopify inventory reflects a much higher quantity. This discrepancy leads to overselling when stock runs out, causing fulfilment issues.

Inventory Challenges in Custom T-Shirt Printing

A similar issue occurs in our custom T-shirt printing business. Customers can personalize T-shirts just like phone case covers, with multiple sizes and designs available. However, our inventory is ultimately restricted by the number of blank T-shirts in stock. This creates a mismatch between available inventory and what is displayed in Shopify.

To address these challenges, we developed a Shopify app that dynamically synchronizes stock levels across all product variants when an order is placed.

Why We Built This App

• Prevent Overselling: Shopify allows us to list high stock numbers for each variant, but our actual inventory is limited to base covers or blank T-shirts.
• Automate Inventory Updates: Without this app, we would have to manually adjust stock every time an order is placed.
• Ensure Accurate Stock Management: When one variant is purchased, all corresponding variant quantities are updated automatically.
• Streamline Order Processing: By maintaining real stock levels, we eliminate unnecessary cancellations and backorders.
• Optimize Production Planning: Helps manage raw materials and printing resources more efficiently.
• Minimize Waste: Keeps inventory levels in check, reducing excess stock and potential losses.

Key Features

• Automatic Quantity Adjustment: When an order is placed, the app updates stock across all linked variants.
• Real-Time Inventory Sync: Ensures Shopify reflects actual stock availability for base covers or T-shirts.
• Bulk Product Handling: Manages multiple products and variants seamlessly.
• Reduces Manual Work: Eliminates the need for manual inventory tracking and adjustments.
• Customizable Inventory Rules: Adapts to different store setups and inventory management strategies.
• Multi-Product Linking: Connects various products that share the same base stock for precise tracking.
• User-Friendly Dashboard: Provides an intuitive interface for monitoring and managing inventory.

Why Use This App?

• Saves Time: Automates inventory updates, reducing manual effort.
• Prevents Errors: Eliminates overselling and stock mismanagement.
• Enhances Customer Experience: Avoids selling out-of-stock items, leading to better customer satisfaction.
• Improves Business Efficiency: Ensures smooth order fulfillment with accurate stock tracking.
• Supports Business Growth: Enables scaling operations through automated inventory management.
• Provides Better Insights: Offers data-driven insights on product demand and stock usage.

How to Use This App?

1. Login to the App: Access the app using your credentials.
2. Create Product Listings: Enter the product ID and select the variant type.
3. Create a Variant Group:
   • A Variant Group links multiple variants to a shared inventory pool.
   • Enter a group name.
   • Select the variants to include.
   • Save the group.
4. Test with an Order: Place an order to verify that the app correctly updates the inventory across all linked variants.

With this Shopify Inventory Management App, you can efficiently manage stock levels, prevent overselling, and improve overall business operations.