2 Easy Ways on How to Link Supplier to Shopify in 2025

Setting up a successful eCommerce store on Shopify requires more than just a great product idea—it demands a reliable supply chain. If you’re wondering how to link supplier to Shopify, you’re in the right place. The right supplier ensures product availability, timely fulfillment, and seamless integration with Shopify. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to choose the right supplier and explore different methods to integrate them into your Shopify store.

Choosing the Right Supplier for Your Shopify Store

Before knowing how to link supplier to Shopify, selecting a reliable supplier is crucial. The right supplier affects your inventory, shipping times, and overall customer satisfaction. Here are some key factors to consider:

Product Availability & Reliability

• Ensure that the supplier can consistently provide the products you need.

• Evaluate their stock levels and how often they replenish inventory.

• Look at their track record for fulfilling orders without delays.

Shipping Times & Fulfillment Speed

• Fast shipping is key to customer satisfaction, so choose suppliers with quick turnaround times.

• Consider suppliers with fulfillment centers close to your target market.

• Check for tracking options and estimated delivery times.

Read more: Top Best fulfillment Services for Shopify from Experts

Integration Compatibility with Shopify

• Some suppliers offer direct Shopify integrations, making order fulfillment easier.

• Verify whether they support automated syncing of inventory, order tracking, and pricing updates.

• Suppliers that work with Shopify apps (such as DSers, Printify, and Spocket) streamline operations.

2 methods for How to Connect a Supplier to Shopify

There are two primary ways of how to link supplier to Shopify: using Shopify Collective (a built-in feature) and integrating third-party suppliers like Alibaba, Amazon (FBA), and SaleHoo.

Making Use of Shopify Collective, a Built-in Feature

Shopify's exclusive solution, Shopify Collective, makes it easier to integrate suppliers with your online business on how to link supplier to Shopify. Shopify has this built-in functionality that allows suppliers and your store to communicate directly, eliminating the need for third-party apps or manual processes.

This guarantees a steady flow of goods, correct inventory levels, and effective order processing.

Advantages

• Simplified Integration: Shopify Collective eliminates the need for third-party apps on how to link supplier to Shopify because it is an integrated feature, which streamlines and expedites the integration process.

• Direct Supplier Management: Control product listings, prices, and order information more easily by managing your suppliers directly within the Shopify platform.

• Real-time Inventory Updates: Shopify Collective makes sure that product availability is always correct by dynamically updating inventory levels in real-time.

• Improved Order Processing: Orders are routed straight to the provider, which expedites fulfilment and lowers the possibility of human error.

Drawbacks

• Restricted to Internal usage: Shopify sellers' products are only permitted for internal usage on how to link supplier to Shopify; they cannot be sold on other platforms or in external marketplaces.

• Possibility of Platform Limitations: Similar to all native features, third-party apps may have restrictions on the advanced functionality and customisation available.

• Dependency on Shopify: Any problems with the Shopify platform may have an immediate effect on the supplier relationship, which may cause delays in order or supply processing.

How to link Supplier to Shopify using Shopify Collective

Here's a detailed tutorial on how to link supplier to Shopify:

• Go to Collective Retailer > Click on Get Retailer App

• But not every retailer will be able to use Collective Retailer. Here are the requirements printed on their website

• Settings > Adjust the shipping rates

• Make sure Discovery is on

• Add a link to the supplier you want to connect > Add to navigation

• In navigation, click on Footer menu > Paste the link of supplier into Edit menu item

• Click Save > Go to your Shopify store again > Go to footer and click on Become a distributor

• Click on Connect and your supplier can connect to your Shopify!

• Back to Shopify Collective Retailer, click on Retailers to check if there are any invitations from supplier

• If there is, click on Accept Invitation

• Go to price list and fill in your information and click on Assign retailer

• Go to Suppliers and choose the products you want to import

Crucial Points to Remember on how to link supplier to Shopify:

• Shopify Payments: Prior to being invited, the supplier must have an operational Shopify store with Shopify Payments enabled. This guarantees that both parties will have a smooth transaction process.

• Currency and Country Consistency: The supplier must use the same store currency and be headquartered in the same nation as your company. This consistency removes the possibility of currency translation problems and guarantees accurate pricing and seamless transactions.

• Keep Up: Always be on the lookout for any alerts or updates from the supplier. There may be occasions when more details or explanations are required.

Making Use of Third-Party Suppliers: Amazon, Alibaba, etc.

Giants in the e-commerce industry, third-party suppliers like Alibaba and Amazon provide a huge selection of goods for companies of all sizes. Usually, integration apps or plugins that act as a link between your store and the supplier's platform are used to connect these providers to Shopify.

By doing this tutorial on how to link supplier to Shopify, Shopify store owners can take advantage of the reputation and dependability of these significant suppliers and gain access to a wider variety of products, frequently at low pricing.

Advantages

• Broad Product Selection: Vendors such as Alibaba and Amazon provide a huge assortment of goods in many different categories. This makes it possible to provide a wider variety of products in your store.

• Price Flexibility: There is a good potential of discovering competitive rates that can increase profit margins because of the vast number of suppliers on websites like Alibaba.

• Automation Features: A lot of integration programmes help streamline your e-commerce store's operations by automating tasks like product imports, inventory changes, and order fulfilment.

Drawbacks

• Integration Complexity: Technical expertise may be needed to set up and maintain the connection between Shopify and outside vendors, particularly if problems occur.

• Competition: Since numerous sellers use these suppliers, it is more likely that they will sell same or comparable products, which makes it more difficult to stand out in the market.

• Supplier Reliability: Although well-known companies like Alibaba and Amazon are often trustworthy, quality and dependability can differ due to the large number of suppliers on these platforms. Extensive screening is necessary.

• Fees and Commissions: A commission on sales or fees may be charged by certain integration apps or the platforms themselves, which could reduce profit margins.

Alibaba

The steps to connect suppliers on Alibaba are as follows:

• Create an Account: If you haven't already, go to Alibaba's official website and create an account. If you already have, click Sign in.

• Go to Shopify > Settings > Apps and Sales Channel > Shopify App Store

• Find Dropshipman > Install

• Once you find the product you like, click on Add to product list

• Choose List product on the left hand and feel free to edit information on the product

• Click on List product and you are done!

Amazon (FBA)

• Register for Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA): Visit Amazon's Seller Central to register for FBA.

• Go to Shopify > Settings > Apps and Sales Channel > Shopify App Store

• Find Amazon Importer Spreadr App > Install

• Join Amazon Associates Program > Click on settings

• Go to Amazon Associates to get a store code > Copy store code

• Enter store code > Save

• Back to Home, paste the link to the product you wish to add to Shopify

• Then you will be successful in adding a product from Amazon to Shopify

SaleHoo

• Membership Signup: Create an account with SaleHoo to access their supplier listing.

• Click on Apps and Sales Channel > Shopify App Store

• Find SaleHoo Dropship and install

• Log in your account at SaleHoo and choose your preferred plan

• If your store hasn't been connected, there will be a red banner that says: "Shopify store not connected"

• Click on Import list

• Fill in the description of the product and click Upload to Shopify

Doba

• Registration: Go to the official Doba website and register.

• Shopify > All Apps and Sales Channel > Shopify App Stores > Search Doba > Install Doba

• In Doba, click on Subscribe Now and your Shopify will be linked to Doba

• To add products to Shopify, choose Inventory List, and tick on the products you wish to import

• Choose Shopify store as a source for connection

• After you have filled out all the necessary information for your products, click on List now and you will finish.

Common mistakes on connecting a supplier to Shopify

Not Verifying Supplier Compatibility with Shopify

One of the biggest mistakes of how to link supplier to Shopify is failing to ensure that your supplier is compatible with Shopify. Before committing to a supplier, confirm that they:

• Offer integration options (e.g., APIs, third-party apps).

• Provide real-time inventory updates.

• Support automated order fulfillment.

Not Automating Order Fulfillment

Manual order processing leads to errors and delays. Use automation tools like Oberlo, Spocket, or DSers to streamline order fulfillment. Automating this process not only reduces human errors but also speeds up delivery times and improves customer satisfaction.

Failing to Sync Inventory Properly

Inventory mismatches cause overselling and fulfillment delays. Ensure real-time synchronization between Shopify and your supplier’s inventory system. Utilize inventory management tools that provide automated stock level updates, so you can avoid running out of stock or overselling products you can’t deliver.

Ignoring Shipping and Delivery Settings

Each supplier has different shipping policies. Make sure your Shopify settings reflect accurate shipping times and costs to prevent customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, consider suppliers who provide tracking numbers and estimated delivery times so you can offer transparent shipping updates to your customers.

Find out more: Best Shipping Apps for Shopify: Revolutionize Your Shipping

Choosing Suppliers Without a Strong Track Record

Selecting a supplier without thoroughly researching their reputation can lead to unreliable service. Always check customer reviews, request samples, and communicate directly with the supplier before committing to a partnership.

Best Practices for Managing Supplier Relationships on Shopify

• Establish Clear Communication: Regular updates and discussions help avoid misunderstandings.

• Monitor Supplier Performance: Track delivery times, product quality, and order accuracy.

• Diversify Your Supplier Base: Having multiple suppliers reduces risks related to stock shortages.

• Negotiate Favorable Terms: Bulk orders or long-term partnerships may provide better pricing and faster shipping.

• Use Shopify Supplier Management Tools: Leverage apps like Inventory Source to streamline supplier interactions.

FAQs About Linking a Supplier to Shopify

Can I connect multiple suppliers to Shopify?

Yes, Shopify allows merchants to work with multiple suppliers. Use apps like Oberlo, Spocket, or Printify to manage multiple integrations efficiently.

What’s the best app for supplier integration?

The best app depends on your business model. For dropshipping, DSers and Spocket are great options. For wholesalers, Inventory Source is useful.

How do I automate order fulfillment with suppliers?

Use Shopify automation apps like DSers, Printful, or Amazon FBA integration to sync orders, track shipments, and handle payments seamlessly.

By following this guide on how to link supplier to Shopify, you can efficiently integrate suppliers into your Shopify store, ensuring smooth order fulfillment and enhanced customer satisfaction. Whether using Shopify Collective or third-party platforms like Alibaba, Amazon FBA, or SaleHoo, proper supplier integration will boost your store’s efficiency and profitability.