Did you know that B2B eCommerce sales are expected to reach $20.9 trillion globally by 2027? (GlobeNewswire) That is a huge sign of how fast online wholesale is growing. The good news: Shopify is making it easier than ever for sellers to tap into this booming market. And how are they doing that? Yes, you guessed it right, it is Shopify wholesale channel.
Whether you sell to retailers, distributors, or other businesses, the Shopify Wholesale Channel helps create a private store for your wholesale buyers. Let us explain how it works and why it could be a game-changer for your business.
Table of Contents
What is the Shopify Wholesale Channel?
The Shopify Wholesale Channel is a special feature available for Shopify Plus users. It lets you create a separate, password-protected store where your B2B or wholesale customers can log in and place bulk orders at special prices.
How Shopify Wholesale Channel Works Differently Than Regular Shopify
Unlike a regular Shopify store (which targets retail customers), the Shopify Wholesale Channel focuses only on B2B needs like:
- Custom pricing for different customers
- Minimum order quantities
- Bulk ordering
- Private access with a login
- Personalized customer experience
Ideal Businesses That Need This Solution
- Manufacturers selling to resellers
- Distributors selling in bulk
- B2B brands with recurring wholesale customers
- Retailers expanding into wholesale
- Entrepreneurs managing both retail & wholesale from one Shopify store
Retail vs. Wholesale: Key Differences Explained
| Retail Selling | Wholesale Selling |
| Sells to individual customers | Sells to other businesses |
| Small order sizes | Bulk order sizes |
| Fixed pricing for all | Custom pricing for buyers |
| Public online store | Private wholesale store |
Must-Know Shopify Wholesale Features
Here is a quick look at the tools Shopify gives you to grow your Shopify wholesale channel business:
1. Custom Price Lists for Wholesale Buyers
You can create different pricing for different customers. For example:
- VIP wholesalers get extra discounts
- New buyers get standard wholesale rates
- Large volume buyers get the best deals
2. Password-Protected Storefronts
Your wholesale store stays private. Only approved buyers with a password can enter and shop.
3. Bulk Order Processing & Automation
No more manual order taking. Buyers can:
- Order multiple items quickly
- Hit the minimum order values
- Get automated invoices and shipping updates
4. Dedicated B2B Checkout Experience
Wholesale buyers get a smoother checkout experience built for bulk buying, not just for small retail carts.
Top 5 Benefits for Wholesale Sellers
1. Saves You Time on Manual Work
With automation in place, you do not need to manage orders one by one.
2. Build Long-Term Relationships
Give your wholesale buyers special pricing, quick service, and a personalized experience.
3. Grow Your Business Without Extra Hassle
Handle both retail and wholesale sales from one Shopify account.
4. Manage Everything in One Place
Inventory, orders, customers – everything stays organized under one system.
5. Make Smarter Business Decisions
Use reports and customer data to see what is selling and what needs improvement.
Shopify Wholesale Channel: The Set Up
Note: The Shopify Wholesale Channel is available for Shopify Plus merchants.
Step 1: Activate the Shopify Wholesale Channel
- Go to Shopify Admin, then Settings, and then click Apps and sales channels on the left
- Search & install “Wholesale Channel”
- Follow the setup instructions
Step 2: Create Price Lists
- Go to Wholesale → Price Lists
- Set different pricing for products or customers
Step 3: Add Customers to Shopify Wholesale Channel
- Invite wholesale buyers by email
- Assign them to the correct price list
Step 4: Customize Your Wholesale Storefront
- Add product categories for wholesale
- Set minimum order quantities
- Add payment & shipping rules
Step 5: Test & Launch
- Place a test wholesale order
- Check pricing, checkout flow, and emails
- Share the storefront link with buyers
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to set minimum order quantities
- Not testing the checkout process properly
- Overcomplicating pricing rules
Supercharge with Apps: Take Wholesale Further
Apps can make your wholesale store even more powerful.
Why Apps Are Essential for Wholesale Growth
They help add missing features like:
- Volume discounts
- Quick order forms
- Custom product bundles
- Advanced shipping rules
How Shopify B2B Apps Help Buyers
There are some powerful Shopify bulk-ordering apps to simplify b2b wholesale orders. They let buyers:
- Add multiple product variants to the cart in one click
- Handle bulk orders with ease
- Helps configuring complex variant restrictions. Perfect for wholesale stores with lots of product options.
If you do not have Shopify Plus, you could always install a third-party app for Shopify Wholesale Channel. The rest of the steps will be similar to those of the Shopify Plus members.
Conclusion
The Shopify Wholesale Channel is built for modern B2B sellers. It helps you manage wholesale customers professionally, handle bulk orders smoothly, and grow your business without extra stress.
Whether you are a small brand stepping into wholesale or a large business handling hundreds of buyers, Shopify has the tools to support you.
FAQs
Does Shopify have a wholesale program?
Yes, the Shopify Wholesale Channel is available for Shopify Plus merchants.
Is Shopify good for wholesalers?
Absolutely. With wholesale features, price lists, and B2B apps, Shopify is a great platform for wholesalers.
What is a Shopify wholesale channel?
A Shopify wholesale channel is a separate storefront where approved buyers can shop in bulk at special prices.
Does Shopify have wholesalers?
Shopify powers many wholesale businesses selling to other businesses online.
What is a wholesaler channel commonly used for?
It’s used to sell large quantities of products to resellers, retailers, or distributors.
What are the characteristics of wholesalers?
- Bulk buying
- Special pricing
- Long-term customer relationships
- Private storefront access
What is the retail vs wholesale channel?
Retail is for individual customers. Wholesale is for bulk buyers and businesses.
What is the best wholesale platform?
Shopify has built a reputation of being the best wholesale platform in eCommerce. With its wholesale channel and B2B apps, it is known to be an excellent platform for online wholesale selling.
What are the two types of sales channels?
- Retail Sales Channel
- Wholesale Sales Channel
What are the 4 channels of distribution?
- Direct to Consumer (DTC)
- Wholesale
- Distributors
- Online Marketplaces
Is wholesale a sales channel?
Yes, wholesale is a specific sales channel focused on selling to other businesses.
What are the sales channels on Shopify?
Sales channels in Shopify are different ways you can sell your products, like Online Store, Wholesale Channel, POS, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
