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When do you need to sync product information across multiple stores?
Retailers and suppliers
If you’re in a retailer-supplier partnership, it can be a real headache to update any shared products manually. Say you’re a supplier and need to change the description of a shared product. You may end up spending half your time chasing up connected sellers just to keep that product description in sync across multiple storefronts. Even then, you’re relying on the discretion of your partner store to make that change.
If you’re the retailer, you could quickly run into trouble like overselling or providing customers with false information if you’re not effectively up-to-date with your supplier’s stock information.
Multi-stores
If you have a central fulfillment warehouse with multiple expansion locations, you’ll also need to manage product information across multiple storefronts. Much like retailers and suppliers, there is a lot of room for error in this juggling act. Say stock numbers end up out of sync or product details are inconsistent among locations, it could result in angry customers or lost sales.
How cross-store product syncing works for Shopify
The good news is, there’s a solution that can save your time and reputation. It’s product syncing automation through a third-party app like Syncio. Syncio syncs and automates inventory updates across an unlimited number of stores.
It works in three steps:
- Store connection: This is the foundation. Once stores are connected, they can start flowing inventory.
- Inventory sync: Next, the Destination Store (the seller) chooses which products they’d like to sync from the Source Store (the supplier). As soon as they click “sync”, the products will be connected. When a change to inventory (like a sale) is made by one store, it will automatically update on both sides.
- Product sync configuration: Seller stores can fully customize which product details they would like to keep in sync, through settings. Our system monitors these product information fields for any changes from the supplier, and will automatically apply these to the seller’s store as well.
If you toggle on “price sync” for instance, anytime the supplier adjusts the product’s price, the price will automatically update on the seller’s store too.
Why use Syncio to manage product information across multiple stores?
Syncio gives stores a birds-eye view into connected inventory, and real-time product updates guaranteed. What makes Syncio unique from other stock syncing apps is its level of customization. While there are other tools out there to automate stock levels, none match the volume of detailed product sync options that Syncio provides. Syncio allows you to truly customize which information you sync depending on your store’s needs.
Is it possible to automatically sync product details from one Shopify store to another?
Yes, it is possible to automatically sync product details from one distinct Shopify store to another. You’ll need to use a third-party inventory syncing app like Syncio. Syncio has a Product Settings Add-On. When enabled, the Add-On allows you to keep product information (like product descriptions, images, tags etc) in sync across both connected stores.
Both stores need to install Syncio and connect their stores on the app.. Then, the Destination Store (ie. the retailer) can choose which products and product information to sync from the Source Store (ie. the supplier).
Once configured, any change that is made to products on the Source store (whether that’s product cost, title, description or status) will automatically reflect on the Destination Store. Any change to stock numbers due to sales, will reflect on both stores. No manual updates needed.
Note that the product information sync will only apply to future updates, not retroactive ones, and only for the specific fields that you’ve selected.
Is it possible to automatically sync product information across Shopify multi-stores?
Yes, you can automatically sync product information from a central fulfillment store or warehouse to any expansion stores using the same process with Syncio. In this scenario, the expansion store that is selling the product to customers needs to initiate the sync.
Once both stores have installed Syncio and the Product Settings Add-On has been enabled by the seller, any change made to the central warehouse’s stock will sync to all connected expansion stores. Meaning consistency across locations without the hard manual work.
How to sync product information across multiple Shopify stores with Syncio
Step one: Enable the Product Settings Add-On (Destination Store only)
The Product Settings Add-On feature is what allows you to choose which product information fields to sync. This can only be enabled by the Destination Store. This is the retailer, dropshipper, marketplace or expansion store where customers make the purchase.
You can enable the Product Settings Add-On when you first install Syncio and pick your plan. Or you can add it later by navigating to your Syncio dashboard and selecting “Settings” > “Plan and billing” > “Manage”. Then toggle the Product Settings-Add On “On” and click “Next”.
Step two: Connect the stores
Before you can share and sync products, both stores need to install Syncio and connect with each other in the app.
You can do this by sharing the Unique Key found in your Syncio dashboard with your partner store. Suppliers can connect with as many retailers as they like, and vice versa. Multistores can connect their warehouse/fulfillment store to each of their expansion stores. There is no limit to how many stores you can connect with.
Step three: Sync products between stores
To keep inventory updated, you must first sync the products you want to share from your Source Store to your Destination Store.
You can do this one-by-one by selecting the checkbox next to an individual product and clicking “sync”. Or you can filter and bulk select and sync multiple products at once.
Step four: Customize your product sync (Destination store only)
Now it’s activated, the Product Settings tab will be accessible on your left-hand side navigation panel. Click into this to choose which product information you’d like synced in “Product Settings”. You can choose which of the following on-going syncs you want to toggle ON:
- Product Title
- Online Store Sales Channel
- Product Description
- Product Type
- Price Sync
- Cost Per Item
- Product Tags
- Vendor
- Synced products unpublished by default
- Weight
- Variant Name
- Auto Add Product Variant. Note: The new variant created must contain a unique SKU before saving, or Syncio will not be able to add the variant. To automatically sync variant images, combine this with the image sync.
- Auto Remove Deleted Product Variant
- Product Variant Title
- HS Code and Country of Origin
- Sync URL Handler. Note: This setting can enable easier bulk management of inventory via CSV files.
- Product Images
- Draft/Active Status
You also have these options for one-time only initial syncs:
- Synced Product Unpublished by Default
- Import SEO Metafields
There’s also a new feature to sync behaviors. Here you can choose to “Hide Sync Product by Default” and “Keep Deleted Products as Draft”
Just remember to click “Save” before you exit settings.
Step five: Update product information without the stress
Now whenever a product’s information is edited on the Source Store, the change will automatically reflect on the Destination Store too. This ensures products have the latest updates without you having to lift a finger.
Getting started with syncing product details
Syncio can transform a fiddly time-consuming process into a seamless, real-time automation. We take care of the behind-the-scenes updates so that your store can do what you do best: focusing on making great products and sales.
Need more info to get started? We've put together an in-depth setup guide that shows you exactly how to enable and configure the Product Settings Add-On in Syncio. If you run into any roadblocks or have any questions along the way, reach out to us at support@syncio.co. We're happy to help!
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