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How to Solve Inventory Management Challenges with MultiVariants

Inventory Management

According to Fireword, 34% of e-commerce businesses struggle with managing inventory across channels. As customer demands increase, so do the challenges of keeping track of stock levels, managing product variants, and maintaining accuracy. 

In today’s blog, we will explore Shopify inventory management challenges and how the MultiVariants app can be the ultimate solution to these problems. Keep reading to learn how to improve your inventory management with MultiVarians. 

Understanding Inventory Challenges in Shopify

Effective Shopify inventory management can initially seem simple, but it becomes more complex as your store grows and adds more product variations. Below are some of the most common inventory problems examples faced by Shopify merchants:

Common Inventory Issues

  • Stockouts and Overstocking:

Running out of stock is a common inventory management problem for Shopify merchants. It leads to lost sales and also upsets customers. As a result, you lose your store’s reputation. On the other hand, overstocking can lead to extra storage costs and leave you with less money to run your business. Finding the right balance is essential for success. 

  • Tracking Multiple Variants:

One of the toughest areas of Shopify inventory management is keeping track of various product variations (sizes, colors, materials). Without the right tools, manually tracking each product variant can lead to errors.

  • Manual Errors:

Relying on spreadsheets or manual tracking systems opens the door to human errors, leading to incorrect quantities, overselling, and stockouts. Shopify’s stock management systems need automation to minimize these errors and keep inventory accurate.

  • Inefficient Reordering Processes:

Without a proper reordering system, merchants can place orders too late (resulting in stockouts) or too early (resulting in overstocking). This inefficiency can affect cash flow and lead to missed opportunities. 

These challenges are costly and can damage your relationship with customers. When they cannot get the products they want or are misled by incorrect stock levels, they will take their business elsewhere.

How MultiVariants Simplifies Inventory Management

MultiVariants is designed to help merchants overcome these common Shopify inventory management challenges. By simplifying the management of product variants, the app ensures that stock levels are accurate and customers remain satisfied.

MultiVariants Highlights

  • Bulk Ordering:

This app enables customers to add multiple product variants (size and color) to their cart in a single click. It reduces cart abandonment, a key issue in inventory management problems and solutions. This smoothens the purchasing process and boosts sales.

Before MulitVariants:

Shopify inventory management - B2B Store on Shopify Before MultiVariants

After MultiVariants:

Shopify inventory management - B2B Store on Shopify After Using MultiVariants
  • Variant Restrictions:

Set minimum and maximum order quantities for each variant to prevent overselling. This will ensure that your stock levels remain accurate.

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Restrictions
  • Quick Order Forms:

Particularly useful for B2B merchants, MultiVariants provides quick order forms that allow customers to select multiple items and variants in bulk, speeding up the order process and reducing manual errors.

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Quick Order Form

Getting Started with the Bulk-Ordering App

MultiVariants makes it easier for customers to find the exact combination of options they want, ensuring better shopping experiences and fewer abandoned carts. Below is a mini guide to help you get started with the app.

1. Download the app from the Shopify app store.

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants App

2. Once installed, start the app and click “Create ruleset.”

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Create Ruleset

3. Fill up all the necessary fields to customize your product variant options. 

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Ruleset Name

Layout display options:  

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Display Options

4. Now, select the “Add restriction” button and implement various restrictions needed to manage your inventory efficiently. 

Shopify inventory management - MultiVariants Add Restriction

Key Features of MultiVariants in Detail

Let us dive deeper into some of the most important features of the app.  We will also see how it can make a real difference in your inventory management strategy.

Bulk Add to Cart

This feature allows your customers to add multiple product variants (such as different colors or sizes) to their cart all at once. It is a simple yet powerful tool that minimizes friction during checkout and helps increase average order value.

Customers are more likely to purchase when they can easily add several variants to their cart in a single action. This also simplifies the experience for wholesale customers buying in bulk.

Variant Display Styles

The app allows you to choose between different display styles for your product variants. This includes the grid view, swatch view, and list view. Choosing the right display style can significantly improve the user experience. For example, swatch views are excellent for products with color options, while grid views work well for items with multiple variations.

Multi-Currency Support

MultiVariants simplifies global selling with multi-currency compatibility, ensuring smooth transactions for international buyers. Customers can shop in their preferred currency, reducing friction and enhancing the buying experience. Ideal for scaling your Shopify store beyond local markets.

Best Practices for Using MultiVariants

To get the most out of the app, follow these best practices. Setting it up and managing your inventory is essential. Here are some key tips to optimize your use of this app:

Set Up Variant Restrictions

Always set up variant restrictions to prevent overselling. You can define minimum and maximum order quantities for each variant, ensuring that your stock levels remain accurate. This prevents customers from buying more items than they have in stock.

Customize Display Styles to Fit Your Brand

The app allows you to customize how your product variants are displayed in your store. Experiment with different styles—grid, swatch, or list—to find the one that best matches your store’s branding and improves the shopping experience.

Utilize Bulk Ordering for Larger Orders

If you are selling B2B or catering to bulk buyers, take full advantage of the bulk ordering features. This speeds up the purchasing process and encourages larger orders, increasing your average order value.

Regular Monitoring of Your Inventory Levels

Even with automation, staying on top of your stock levels is essential. Set up regular inventory monitoring to ensure your quantities are up-to-date and your orders are fulfilled without hiccups.

Conclusion

Effective inventory management is key to the success of your Shopify store. By using MultiVariants, you can address common inventory challenges, improve stock accuracy, and provide a better shopping experience for your customers. 

With features like bulk ordering, variant restrictions, and customizable display options, MultiVariants empowers Shopify merchants to manage product variants effortlessly. If you are struggling with inventory management, now is the time to try MultiVariants. So, what are you waiting for? 

FAQs

What is MultiVariants?

MultiVariants is a Shopify app that helps merchants manage multiple product variants. It includes bulk ordering, variant restrictions, and customizable display styles.

How does MultiVariants help prevent overselling?

MultiVariants allows merchants to set minimum and maximum order quantities for each variant, ensuring customers cannot order more than the available stock.

Can MultiVariants integrate with other Shopify apps?

Yes, MultiVariants integrates with various Shopify apps, including Seal Subscriptions, allowing you to offer subscription-based products.

Is MultiVariants suitable for B2B stores?

Absolutely. MultiVariants supports B2B pricing, multi-currency, and bulk order capabilities, making it ideal for wholesale merchants.

How can I display product variants in my store?

MultiVariants offers several display styles, including grid, swatch, and list views, so that you can choose the best option for your store’s design.

Is Shopify good for inventory management?

Yes, Shopify offers built-in tools to track and manage inventory, view stock levels, and adjust counts.

What is a common challenge in inventory management?

A frequent issue is inaccurate data, leading to overstocking or stockouts, which can affect sales and customer satisfaction.

What are the problems with inventory control?

Common problems include inconsistent tracking, poor demand forecasting, and limited visibility into stock levels, causing inefficiencies.

Does Shopify hold inventory?

No, Shopify is an e-commerce platform that provides tools for merchants to manage their own inventory; it doesn’t store physical products.

What is one of the greatest challenges in managing inventory?

Balancing stock levels to avoid overstocking or understocking is a major challenge, impacting costs and customer satisfaction.

How do you fix poor inventory management?

Implementing accurate tracking systems, regular audits, and better demand forecasting can improve inventory management.

What is poor inventory control?

Poor inventory control refers to the inability to accurately track and manage stock levels, leading to inefficiencies and potential losses.

How to manage inventory effectively?

Use reliable tracking systems, analyze sales data for demand forecasting, and conduct regular stock audits to maintain optimal inventory levels.