Shopify POS linked with Distributor

Start a Business
, ,

Topic summary

A distributor for an international brand seeks to integrate their Shopify storefront with the manufacturer’s existing Shopify POS system. The main challenge involves:

Key Requirements:

  • Linked inventory synchronization between both stores
  • Pre-sale/pre-order functionality for products not currently in stock
  • Ability to run special pre-sale events featuring the full product line
  • Clear display of pre-order end dates and limited in-stock items on the website

Proposed Solution:
A pre-order app developer (Early Bird) suggests using an inventory sync app combined with a pre-order solution. Most pre-order apps should work if inventory syncs in near real-time between stores.

Important Limitation:
Shopify currently does not support pre-orders through POS—only through online stores and custom storefronts.

Status: The discussion remains open, with the distributor seeking additional recommendations for achieving this setup while managing limited liquidity.

Summarized with AI on October 31. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hello all

I’m a distributor for an international brand that already uses Shopify as its POS software. I want to know if there is an easy way to set up a combination of

We do not have the liquidity to have the full line in stock, but we want to do special pre-sale events with the full line.

Any help is welcome!

Many thanks

2

Hello Profitlabs,

The manufacturer already operates with a Shopify Storefront.

I’d like to have the whole catalogue available in my storefront, but only use pre-order for specific end dates + a very limited selection of in-stock items, clearly displayed on the website.

Hope it makes sens.

3

Hi @quebexico ,Josiah here. :waving_hand: We run a pre-order app (Early Bird) so wanted to chime in on the pre-sale aspect.

Assuming whichever inventory sync app you use will update the inventory levels between both stores in near real-time, then you shouldn’t have a problem with most pre-order apps.

You mentioned you want the specific end dates for pre-orders clearly displayed on your website. Some apps like ours will display the info prominently throughout your customer’s purchase journey (E.g. product page, view cart, and checkout). Also helps you one-click mass-send email updates to customers who have pre-ordered if the shipment arrives early or is delayed to set clear expectations.

You can choose between capturing back-orders and/or capturing email sign-ups for your limited selection of in-stock items too.

Let me know if you have any other questions around pre-orders - there are a few of us on here who’d be happy to help (or look into it if we don’t know the answer already). :slightly_smiling_face:

PS. Shopify currently doesn’t support pre-orders on POS yet. Only on online stores and custom storefronts. Thought I’d let you know in case you were looking to capture pre-orders via POS!