Each product should have one stock level, all managed through a single system, giving you real-time visibility across every sales channel.
Selling on multiple channels is great for growth until your sales channels go out of sync (or worse, aren’t in sync at all).
For example:- You’ve got an item in stock. Shopify says 8, Amazon says 2 and eBay says 0. The stock data is all out of sync. Without knowing your real stock count in real-time across all channels, one channel takes orders you can’t fulfil, another misses out on sales you could have made and the stock you do have sells before the systems update.
You’re stuck tracking down stock, fixing listings and refunding orders all because your systems don’t talk to each other.
Here’s how to fix it:-
1. Use One System With Real-Time Inventory Updates
Stop logging into three dashboards.
You need one system that syncs stock in real-time across every platform you sell on.
That means when an item is sold, returned or restocked, every sales channel updates automatically.
Accurate updates. Consistent stock levels. Smoother customer experience.
According to IMRG (2023), retailers using real-time inventory systems reduced overselling complaints by 35%.
2. Sync Product Listings From A Single Source
If you’re copying and pasting listings manually, you’re wasting time.
Use a platform that lets you create listings once and push them to every channel with the same product name, description, images and stock level.
Everything lines up. Everything matches.
No more “Item not available” errors.
Shopify breaks down exactly how Multi-Channel selling works and why centralising your listings saves time, reduces errors and helps you scale with confidence – Shopify – What Is Multi-Channel Selling? (2023).
3. Automate Stock Allocation Rules
When you sell one product across multiple channels, you need control over how stock is split.
Set smart rules, like minimum stock per channel, so one big Amazon order doesn’t wipe you out on Shopify.
The best systems handle this automatically and adjust based on demand.
With Stok.ly, you can create tailored allocation rules that reflect your actual sales trends and seasonality.
QuickBooks explains, Multi-Channel inventory systems give you better stock control, wider reach and real-time visibility across platforms, so you’re not guessing where to allocate next –QuickBooks – Multi-Channel Inventory Management (2023).
4. Connect Orders, Fulfilment and Returns
Stock doesn’t just go out. It comes back.
If your returns don’t update inventory across all channels, your numbers quickly go out of sync.
The solution?
Track every movement ie sales, returns, stock transfers in one place.
Everything updates automatically. No one’s guessing.
Retailers with integrated returns and fulfilment systems saw a 20% improvement in inventory accuracy (PwC, 2023).
5. Make It Easy For Your Team
None of this works if your team can’t use it.
Manual processes, disconnected tools and clunky systems create more problems than they solve.
Give your warehouse, sales and ops teams one platform they all understand.
Simple workflows. One login. Real-time info.
Because when everything runs through one system there’s no confusion.
Shopify puts it simply: Multi-Channel inventory systems work best when they offer a single source of truth, real-time updates and intuitive tools your whole team can get behind, especially as your business grows – Shopify Enterprise – Multi-Channel Inventory Management (2025).
Stok.ly Syncs It All – Across Every Channel You Sell On
One platform. One inventory. Real-time updates, everywhere.
- Real-time inventory syncing across all sales channels
- Smart stock allocation rules
- Linked fulfilment, returns and reporting
- Accurate listings, fewer refunds
- A team that knows what’s in stock and where it is
With Stok.ly Cloud ERP
Sync once. Sell everywhere.
Click here for more information about Stok.ly Cloud ERP
Call us on 01432 804333
Author: Iain Coplans CEO Stok.ly