It is estimated that 43% of small eCommerce stores in the United States don’t track their inventory. In case you’re one of these store owners, you might want to take action right away.

Tracking your inventory is an essential part of being a business owner. As well as ensuring that you always have the products your customers want, you also need to make sure that you avoid overstocking or understocking any of the products you sell in your store. By using an inventory management system as part of your business operations, you will be able to keep an eye on your stock levels and never get caught off guard.

Our article will give you some tips on how to keep your sales funnel flowing by selling, hiding, and managing out-of-stock items.

How Does Shopify Inventory Management Work?

Simply put, inventory management is the process of tracking items you have in your Shopify store. 

As an example, if you own a clothing store and want to track your sales, revenue, and future projections, it is necessary to know how many products you will need to sell in order to track the success of your business.  

However, you must first know how much to buy before you know how much to sell. Inventory management plays a key role here.  

Uncertainty about how many clothing pieces you have or need can result in the following: 

• A shortage of products could lead to lost sales opportunities
• It is possible that you have extra clothing items that no one would buy
• A customer may be promised products, only to discover that you don’t have them in stock

Using inventory management will help you avoid all these scenarios. 

What Makes Shopify Inventory Management So Important?

Using a sufficient Shopify inventory management system, you can get rid of many problems, save money, and improve your online store’s user experience: 

• Avoid Spoilage for products that expire over time

• Track inventory, predict sales, and avoid deadstock 
• Plan ahead when your inventory will run out, so you can manage to order and sell
• Don’t waste money on warehouse storage that you might not need

• Provide a better customer experience

Out-of-Stock Inventory Management Tips for Shopify

• Install an inventory management app for your store

We are in an era where most things are done automatically. Shopify merchants as well don’t have to manage their stores’ inventory manually anymore. If you want to create a perfect inventory management system, lessen your tasks and save time for more important things like marketing, there are so many helpful Shopify inventory management apps out there on the Shopify app store depending on the process you want to make automatic. 

• Take out-of-stock products to the end of your collection page

Although you want to sell those out-of-stock products and make money from them– probably because they are the most popular items on your store– you don’t have to put them on display. The available products are in priority since your customers don’t need to wait so long for them to be restocked and shipped. So bring those out-of-stock items to the end of your product page. Customers can still see them but maybe before they get to the button of your page an available product catches their eyes and just like that you gain a successful sale.

• Add a “Sold Out” Badge to out-of-stock items

After you move the out-of-stock product to the end of your collection page, the next step is to add a Sold Out badge to those items to indicate that the item is not available. But don’t worry if you don’t know much about coding. To add this tag to your out-of-stock products you do not necessarily need to have coding skills. All you need to do is to take a look at the Shopify app store and find an app that will provide you with this option just with a few clicks. 

• Add a “Notify Me” button to sold-out product pages

Those products that go out of stock faster are those that are in demand the most. So you are probably planning to restock them soon. If so, let your customers know they can wait to purchase the item by adding a “Notify Me When Available” button to your website’s out-of-stock product pages. With this button, your customers can enter their email or phone number to receive an email/SMS or give you permission to send them a notification when the item is back in stock. Doing this not only you can save many sales but you also can predict the number of people who would buy that item and prevent overstocking.

• Notify customers when products are back in stock

When you restock the unavailable products you need to send an Email, SMS, or push notification to those customers who have registered to be notified. There are some Shopify back-in-stock alert apps that will send emails, SMS, and notifications to your customers automatically when the number of products in stock gets above a certain number. So you don’t have to go through it all by yourself and send tens and hundreds of emails manually. Also, keep in mind that the back-in-stock alert you send to your customers needs to be simple but catchy so it can bring your customers back.  

Wrap-up

The supply chain plays a big role in every business’s operational functions, which affects profitability in the long run. You’ve got to manage raw materials, end products, work in progress, and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Having control over how these products flow in and out of your business has tons of benefits. So go ahead and create an inventory management system that works best for your business and save yourself money, material, and time.

Author: Wail Amrani

Wail is a Shopify Expert & eCommerce Growth Consultant. Former digital marketing manager at Shopify I’m helping brands & retailers build 8-figure eCommerce. I’ve been leading digital growth for both online and retail brands for over 7 years.

There are many different order fulfillment solutions available for eCommerce businesses, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

In this article, we’ll compare ShipBob and Amazon FBA, two of the most popular options, to help you make a decision.

Without wasting any time, let’s dive straight in.

ShipBob Review

What is ShipBob?

ShipBob is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider that offers eCommerce order fulfillment services. They have warehouses located across the United States, which allows them to offer 2-day shipping to most parts of the country.

Is ShipBob effective shipping software?

Yes, ShipBob is effective shipping software. In fact, they are one of the most popular 3PL providers in the United States. They offer a wide range of features and services that can benefit any eCommerce business.

Once you connect your ecommerce store to the ShipBob platform, you can import your products and begin to send your inventory to ShipBob.

They will store your products in their many fulfillment centers until someone places an order. Once a customer places an order, they will ship from the nearest fulfillment center.

Even from just one fulfillment center, ShipBob can deliver on two-day shipping.

That sounds like everything you would expect from an order fulfillment solution, right?

ShipBob has a few other features that make them stand out from the competition.

Does ShipBob offer automation tools?

ShipBob enables you to automate and scale the creation of tailored packaging for unforgettable customer experiences.

You can add marketing inserts to any of your orders and use your own custom-branded boxes or mailers.

Is ShipBob useful for inventory management?

Yes, ShipBob’s inventory management features are top-notch.

You can see real-time inventory levels across all of their warehouses and get alerted when stock is running low. This can help you avoid stock-outs and keep your customers happy.

By strategically splitting your inventory across multiple locations, you can reduce the shipping zones and get your products to your customers even faster.

Even if all your inventory is stored at a single ShipBob warehouse, the solution can still confidently meet the two-day delivery target in many cases.

How good is ShipBob’s customer support?

The customer support offered by ShipBob is strong.

They have a team of knowledgeable and friendly merchant care representatives who are always willing to help.

You can contact ShipBob’s merchant care team by phone to discuss any issues or problems you may be having.

They also have an extensive FAQ support section that can be very helpful if you’re trying to troubleshoot an issue on your own.

How does this compare to other solutions?

ShipBob is a great option for ecommerce businesses that are looking for a swift and effective order fulfillment solution.

They offer all of the features and services that you would expect from a well-regarded 3PL provider.

Their inventory management features are top-notch, their customer support is strong, and they have a wide range of features that can benefit both small and large ecommerce business owners.

Is this solution good for small businesses?

Whether you are a Shopify ecommerce website owner or a big brand with multiple online stores, ShipBob can work for you.

Their fulfillment processes are streamlined and efficient, and they offer a wide range of features that can benefit any ecommerce business owner.

If you are looking for an order fulfillment solution that can scale your business, ShipBob is definitely worth considering.

Can ShipBob streamline the shipping process?

ShipBob can certainly streamline your shipping process.

They offer a wide range of features that can automate and optimize your shipping process.

Their inventory management features are particularly useful for streamlining the shipping process, as they can help you avoid stock-outs and keep your customers happy.

Overall, ShipBob is a great solution for ecommerce businesses that are looking for a swift and effective order fulfillment solution.

Distributed inventory can help you meet your customer’s needs faster and enable you to deliver consistent customer experiences, no matter where your customers are located.

Is ShipBob’s pricing competitive?

Yes, ShipBob’s pricing is relatively competitive. The standard fees attached to ShipBob’s services include:

• Receiving your inventory
• Warehousing your products
• Shipping each order

Some customers are particularly impressed with the international shipping fees and the speed at which pricing issues are resolved.

Amazon FBA Review

What is Amazon FBA?

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a program that allows businesses to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and Amazon will then pick, pack, and ship those products to the customer on behalf of the business.

It’s a pretty useful program for businesses of all sizes, as it can help them save time and money on shipping and fulfillment.

Businesses that use Amazon FBA can take advantage of Amazon’s massive customer base, as well as Amazon’s world-class logistics network.

Overall, Amazon FBA is a great option for businesses that want to focus on selling their products, and leave the fulfillment and shipping to Amazon.

Is Amazon FBA good for ecommerce businesses?

Yes, Amazon FBA is a great option for ecommerce businesses.

If you’re selling products on Amazon, then using FBA ensures that your products are eligible for Prime shipping, which can help you increase your sales.

Additionally, Amazon FBA can free up a lot of your time, as you won’t have to worry about packing and shipping orders yourself.

Overall, Amazon FBA is a great solution for businesses that want to focus on selling their products, and leave the fulfillment and shipping to Amazon.

Let’s face it, Amazon is the master of scale.

They truly know how to deliver exceptional customer experiences consistently on a global scale.

There’s often a bit of a learning curve when getting started with Amazon FBA, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great solution for both small ecommerce businesses and larger enterprises.

What are the fulfillment services like?

When you align yourself with Amazon’s immense fulfillment infrastructure, you open your business up to a world of possibilities.

Amazon has fulfillment centers all over the world, so you can reach customers in every corner of the globe.

Amazon’s logistics network is second to none, so you can be confident that your products will be delivered on time and in great condition.

How does order management work?

Order management with Amazon FBA is pretty straightforward.

You just need to send your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and then Amazon will take care of the rest.

When a customer orders one of your products, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship the product to the customer on your behalf.

You can also use Amazon’s platform to track your inventory levels, so you always know what products you have in stock.

What is the minimum inventory for Amazon FBA?

There is no minimum inventory for Amazon FBA.

You can send as little inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers as you want.

How do I find my maximum inventory level on Amazon?

To find your maximum inventory level on Amazon, visit your Inventory Dashboard and then navigate to the Inventory Performance tab.

Scroll down to click on your Restock Limit and look for your Utilization Quantity and Restock Limit.

In Amazon Seller Central, this is known as the Maximum Inventory Level.

What are the shipping costs?

The Amazon FBA individual plan costs $0.99 per unit sold, and the professional plan costs $39.99 per month, regardless of how many units you sell.

Amazon FBA fulfillment fees include picking and packing your orders.

These fees depend on the product dimensions and the shipping weight.

Amazon offers several useful charts on their website detailing how the FBA fulfillment fees break down.

How does this shipping solution compare to others?

Amazon FBA is a great shipping solution for businesses of all sizes.

It’s especially beneficial for businesses that want to take advantage of Amazon’s massive customer base and world-class logistics network.

Overall, Amazon FBA is a great option for businesses that want to focus on selling their products, and leave the fulfillment and shipping to Amazon.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes down to consistently delivering incredible customer experiences, Amazon FBA is well-equipped to do just that.

The ecommerce giant has mastered the art of order fulfillment on a global scale.

Sure, ShipBob can’t quite match Amazon’s size and scale – but it’s certainly capable of supporting ambitious ecommerce businesses in their efforts to reach new heights.

At the end of the day, it really just comes down to figuring out which order fulfillment solution is the best fit for your business.

Both Amazon FBA and ShipBob offer great features and benefits.

It’s up to you to decide which one is right for your ecommerce business.

Author: Wail Amrani

Wail is a Shopify Expert & eCommerce Growth Consultant. Former digital marketing manager at Shopify I’m helping brands & retailers build 8-figure eCommerce. I’ve been leading digital growth for both online and retail brands for over 7 years.

Logistics seeks to meet the increase in consumer expectations with the lowest cost by controlling the movement of goods and information throughout the logistics system, from suppliers to end-users. Logistics management can be a significant source of competitive advantage. The foundation for market success varies, but simple models based on three C – customers, companies, and competitors – are enough for competitive advantage. For Australian businesses, gaining this edge often means partnering with a specialist like Ontime Delivery Solutions, who provide bespoke Delivery Fleet Solutions by embedding a permanent team of drivers and vehicles into a company’s operations, allowing them to focus on their core business rather than complex logistics.

The ability of the organization to separate itself from its competitors in the eyes of customers is a source of competitive advantage, followed by the ability to operate at a lower cost and thus with higher profits. SmartKargo e-commerce logistics solutions allow retailers and e-commerce brands to remain nimble in changing ecosystems. Here are some ways in which logistics can help companies get a competitive advantage:

1. Lower shipping costs

Partnering with Airlines offers solutions that help e-commerce businesses avoid stocking products in the warehouse because inventory continues to move. The biggest feature of this service is to reduce time and shipping costs by taking from the seller and sending it to the recipient. ‘Middle Mile’ is an idea where the supply chain process is accelerated, the warehouse costs are reduced, and shipping costs are really lowered.

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2. Delivery speed 2x

E-commerce companies can collaborate with e-commerce delivery partners to provide e-commerce products in one to two days, which is simple for them because their airline partners have flown to all the main population centers of the country. This allows businesses to compete with large boys delivery models, allowing them to focus on offering fantastic online experiences for their most valuable consumers. This is an extraordinary offer that gives you premium air velocity.

3. Superior technology

Buyers or customers now understand technology. They do business using smartphones, tablets, PCs, and even kiosks. Make internet infrastructure sensing and smart so that customers can quickly make purchases and payments. The logistics business can help retailers plan better and respond to complex difficulties in the time of recording by combining sophisticated analytics, AI-embedded machines for route optimization, shipping without touch, automation of end to end, as well as by providing in-depth blog about logistics with the latest industry news and crucial solutions. Additionally, integrating retail safety software solutions can help retailers ensure workplace compliance, monitor operations in real time, and enhance overall safety while improving logistics efficiency. By incorporating Generative AI Development Services, businesses can further enhance their logistics systems, enabling smarter decision-making and better customer experiences.

4. Reliability & safety in shipping goods

After the product is stored, the company must protect it from loss and damage caused by dust, dirt, heat, wind, and humidity. They must make adjusted arrangements based on the nature of the content, such as things that must be stored at specified temperatures. They also have to help reduce losses due to decay or decay during delivery.

5. Custom Shipping Boxes: A Strategic Advantage in Logistics

5. Reduction of shipping costs

Because they can get the same thing from other websites or in stores without shipping costs, most e-commerce customers are now shopping based on the main shipping option of free shipping. As a result of this high expectation to fulfill fast and cheap orders, e-commerce delivery solution providers work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chain costs for e-commerce companies.

6. Real-time tracking

E-commerce delivery is quickly combined with the latest technology such as a warehouse management system (WMS) and requires the integration of simple technology. . This provides complete transparency, and can optimize driver routing for couriers by allowing retailers and customers to watch the goods movement and track previous shipments. As a result, real-time analytics increases efficiency. Additionally, smart warehousing solutions enhance inventory management by using automation and AI-driven insights, reducing errors and improving order fulfillment speed. Logistics also significantly enhances operational efficiency by incorporating real-time tracking capabilities. Using advanced solutions like fleet tracking software, businesses can monitor their assets, staffs’ driving behavior, and vehicle utilization effectively. This transparency not only ensures timely deliveries but also reduces operational costs, offering businesses a competitive edge in logistics.

7. Logistics partners supported by technology

Brands with world-class logistics pay attention to new supply chain management technology and tell their customers which they choose. They concentrate on explaining how new technology benefits their consumers and emphasize the possibility of increasing yields.

8. Zero Warehousing Costs

Purchasing habits can be predicted, especially around the holidays, but with the Global Covid-19 Pandemic, not all income opportunities can be predicted beforehand, requiring quick action and agility from the business. That’s where the air cargo service enters. They provide flexible shipping containers and logistics options to overcome unexpected inventory management problems. Also do not need to save several warehouses because they can function as a center for your central storage and shipment. This eliminates the need of shop personnel to drive, dismantle, and re-load any merchandise, saving money.

9. Increased Efficiency & Sales

At present, logistics providers offer e-commerce solutions that allow e-commerce businesses to provide shipping the next day or 2 days with land value. When the client expects speed, transparency, and low cost, a business can respond in this way. E-commerce end-to-end systems that are more efficient and at cheaper costs provide benefits for their competitors.

10. Single technology platform

The development of digital analytic skills has now become important for the success of all supply chain strategies. To improve customer experience, the majority of respondents are looking for a single-point-point technological platform. 

It may seem difficult to compete with the big industry giant, but that can happen by optimizing technology and implementing a smart strategy to succeed. Companies must concentrate on their core clients and provide a basic and direct customer experience. The customer’s journey does not end with purchases – shipping and experience can be an important difference for customers and competitive advantages for them.