GUIDE / MULTI-PLATFORM INVENTORY
One SKU.
Several channel plans.
Split the stock and instructions before preparation starts, while keeping one reconciled China inventory balance.
FROM THE OPERATION
One stock balance. Separate channel allocations.
Keep supplier, SKU and batch references with the received quantity. Reserve the approved quantity for each channel before releasing stock; a photograph does not replace the inventory record.
Explore receiving and storageTwo channel plans. One remaining balance.
Illustrative plan: 1,000 units of one product have completed the agreed receiving count and checks. The seller plans 400 for WFS, 300 for FBT and leaves 300 unallocated in China for a later release. These quantities are a planning example, not a client case.
| Allocation | Before preparation | Before release |
|---|---|---|
| 400 units / WFS | Approved item identifier and WFS packaging instructions | Current inbound order, carton contents and destination labels |
| 300 units / FBT | Confirmed program, readable barcode and packing version | Approved inbound request and carton allocation |
| 300 units / remaining in China | Distinguishable unallocated stock and an agreed storage plan | New allocation and approved preparation and release instructions |
The planned channel quantities remain part of the physical China balance until dispatch. Stock remaining in China is a location and allocation decision; record any inspection, identity or condition restriction separately.
Date the allocation and separate stock states.
Use a physical SKU as the shared reference, then record each channel allocation separately. Include the time of the review so a later instruction does not silently reuse an outdated quantity.
| Record | What to check |
|---|---|
| Available | Stock confirmed ready and still unassigned |
| Reserved | Quantity allocated to an approved channel or destination |
| Pending inspection | Stock held for checks or an unresolved handling decision |
| In transit | Dispatched stock tracked against its shipment reference |
| Awaiting supplier delivery | Expected stock kept separate from goods physically received |
Review supplier readiness, inspection work and transport plans together when changing a replenishment allocation. These are planning records, not a claim of live platform synchronization or automatic replenishment.
Keep cases, packs and units distinct
Write the base unit and pack conversion beside each physical SKU. Record sealed cases, opened cases and loose units separately when their condition affects the destination plan. Selling ten loose packs does not necessarily leave one fewer sealed case. Confirm how the seller’s inventory system deducts components before allocating the same stock across pack sizes.
The case, pack and single-unit record shows how to retain the sealed and opened stock configuration after splitting or assembly.
Keep the seller’s inventory labels with the quantity
Shopify distinguishes on-hand stock from available, committed, unavailable and incoming stock. Its on-hand total includes available, committed and unavailable quantities; incoming units are tracked separately. These Shopify states and your China allocation records describe different systems.
When comparing a seller export with a physical count, retain the platform state, location, counting unit and timestamp beside the SKU. Ask the seller to explain any mapping before using an export as a release instruction. Inventory tracking and the seller’s location configuration affect the account record.
Source checked 6 October 2026: Shopify inventory states. Recheck the seller’s current configuration and instructions before acting.
Keep the records connected.
- 01
Allocate
Record the requested quantities by channel and the unallocated balance.
- 02
Version
Assign the approved label file and packaging instructions to each channel allocation.
- 03
Reconcile
Record physical stock once, then identify preparation progress, reservations and any restriction affecting those units.
- 04
Release
Approve each shipment separately. When stock physically leaves, record the dispatched quantity against its allocation and update the remaining China balance.
Confirm the route before allocating stock
Selling across several marketplaces? Start with one stock record, then confirm the SKU allocation, labels and release instructions for each destination. Share your platforms, products, quantities and planned shipping dates through WhatsApp or Telegram so the handling scope can be reviewed.
Changes after prep require a decision.
Moving stock from one channel to another may require relabeling, repacking and new carton records. Check the existing identifier and finished packaging before approving the transfer.
For expiry-dated products, keep the lot and date with the channel allocation. For kits, allocate completed sets separately from components that are still waiting.
Related operating briefs.
Receiving, storage & consolidation
Bring stock from multiple suppliers into one China inventory and release plan.
Explore warehousing02Marketplace prep & labeling
Match the product, barcode, packaging and shipment plan to the destination platform.
Explore prep03International freight & warehouse delivery
Coordinate air, sea and parcel transport with destination handover requirements.
Explore logisticsApprove this release and plan what stays.
Keep quantity allocation separate from product identification. Review the current barcode and packing files for each selected allocation, then approve its carton and destination plan.
Barcode allocation
Map product identity to the correct label version.
Explore guide02Kitting & protective packaging
Build sellable sets, protect fragile items and prepare retail-ready packaging.
Explore packagingReview the balance before the next batch.
Retain the actual dispatch quantity, the stock remaining in China and any continuing reservations or restrictions with a review time. A later batch can serve the same channel or a new one, using its own agreed scope and current instructions.
Prepared by SinoWarehousing · Published · Updated . Platform references carry their own review dates.