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How to Enable Inventory Tracking on Shopify

Last updated: October 22 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Managing inventory is key to running a successful Shopify store, and enabling inventory tracking is the first step to staying organized. With this feature, Shopify allows you to keep tabs on stock levels, avoid overselling, and manage product availability efficiently.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable inventory tracking, making it easier to manage your business with precision. Don't wait, and get started now!

To enable inventory tracking on Shopify

Step 1: Go to Your Products

  • Log in to your Shopify admin.
  • In the left sidebar, click on Products.
  • Select All products.
Go to Your Products

Step 2: Choose the Product

  • Find the product you want to track inventory for and click its name.
Choose the Product

Step 3: Access Inventory Settings

  • Scroll down to the Inventory section.
Access Inventory Settings

Step 4: Enable Tracking

  • Check the box labeled Track quantity.
  • If you want to allow sales even when the product is out of stock, also check the Continue selling when out of stock box. (Not recommended for most cases)
Enable Tracking

Step 5: Set Initial Quantity (Optional)

  • If you're just starting to track inventory, enter the current number of items available in the Quantity field.
Set Initial Quantity (Optional)

Step 6: Save Changes

  • Click the Save button at the top right corner to apply your changes.

Notes:

  • Repeat for Variants: If your product has multiple variants, you need to enable tracking for each variant individually.
  • Inventory Updates: Manually update quantities after sales, returns, or new shipments to keep track accurate.
  • Stock Alerts: Consider setting up low-stock notifications in your Shopify settings to avoid running out of popular items.

FAQs

1. Can I enable inventory tracking for multiple products at once on Shopify?

Yes, you can use the bulk editor on the Inventory page to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple products. This can save you time if you have a large number of products to update.

2. If I enable inventory tracking for a product, will Shopify automatically update stock levels when I receive new shipments?

No, Shopify's inventory tracking won't update automatically when you receive new stock. You'll need to manually create an inventory transfer or adjust the inventory levels within the product's settings to reflect the new stock.

3. I have a product with variants. Do I need to enable inventory tracking for each variant separately?

Yes, each variant of a product has its own inventory. You need to enable individual tracking for each variant if you want to track their stock levels separately.

4. What happens if I disable inventory tracking for a product that's currently out of stock?

If you disable inventory tracking for an out-of-stock product, Shopify will automatically set the inventory quantity to 0. Customers won't be able to purchase the product until you manually update the inventory levels.

5. Can I still sell a product even if it's out of stock if I have inventory tracking enabled?

Yes, you can allow customers to purchase out-of-stock products by enabling the "Continue selling when out of stock" option in the product's inventory settings. However, this is generally not recommended as it can lead to negative customer experiences and potential fulfillment issues.

In conclusion

With inventory tracking enabled, you can gain better control over your stock levels and manage your store's product availability more effectively. Remember to follow our guide carefully to simplify your execution process and avoid potential errors while you enable inventory tracking.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.