E-Commerce Strategies
Oct 1, 2025
Integrating Shopify and Amazon orders can simplify your multi-channel selling process, reduce manual work, and help you manage inventory seamlessly. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started, including setup requirements, tools, and best practices.
Key Takeaways:
Why Integrate? Save time, avoid overselling, and improve efficiency by syncing inventory and automating order handling.
Who Benefits? Small businesses, established sellers, and enterprises managing multiple sales channels.
Requirements: Shopify Basic plan or higher, Amazon Professional Seller Account ($39.99/month), consistent SKUs, and compliant product listings.
Tools: Choose from free apps, third-party tools, or custom APIs based on your business size and needs.
Integration Process: Set up accounts, install a tool, map SKUs, automate orders, and test thoroughly.
Quick Comparison of Tools:
Tool Type | Best For | Pricing | Strengths | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon MCF App | FBA users, US-only | Free | Simple setup, reliable sync | Limited to US |
Third-Party Shopify Apps | Small-medium businesses | $19-$89/month | Balanced features, affordable | Fewer advanced options |
Inventory Management Tools | Multi-channel sellers | $129+/month | Advanced features, ERP links | Higher cost, complex |
Custom APIs | Large enterprises | Varies | Full control, scalability | Expensive, maintenance |
This guide also includes step-by-step instructions for integration, tips to avoid common mistakes, and advice on managing orders efficiently. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, proper integration can streamline your operations and improve your customer experience.
How to Integrate Shopify with Amazon (2025 Full Guide)

Requirements Before Starting Integration
Getting everything set up correctly before integrating your platforms can save you a lot of trouble down the line. To ensure a smooth process, you'll need the right accounts, meet Amazon's strict product standards, and have a well-organized inventory.
Required Accounts and Subscriptions
First, make sure your Shopify store is fully operational with up-to-date inventory and accurate product listings. You'll need to be on at least the Basic plan or higher, especially if you're planning to use features like Buy with Prime in the future.
For Amazon, a Professional Seller Account is mandatory, which costs $39.99 per month. Individual accounts lack the features required for multichannel selling, such as bulk uploads and advanced reporting tools.
"An Amazon Professional Seller Account is mandatory because individual seller accounts won't work for integration. The Professional selling plan costs $39.99/month." - Bernard Meyer, Omnisend
Ensure your Shopify store's currency matches your target Amazon marketplace. For example, if you're selling on Amazon.com, your Shopify store must use USD. This alignment avoids pricing errors and integration issues.
Banking details matter, too. For Amazon's U.S. marketplace, you'll need a U.S.-based bank account. International sellers often face challenges here, so double-check that your banking setup meets Amazon's requirements. Additionally, you'll need an internationally chargeable credit card to cover Amazon's seller fees.
Consistency in business details is crucial. The name, address, and phone number on your Shopify and Amazon accounts must match exactly to avoid verification delays. For U.S. sellers, have your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) ready for Amazon's verification process.
With your accounts in order, the next step is ensuring your products meet Amazon's strict standards.
Product Compliance and Standards
Amazon has zero tolerance for non-compliance, so getting this part right is critical. Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are required for most products. These include UPC codes for the U.S., EAN codes for international markets, or ISBNs for books. Always source these from GS1 or the product manufacturer - fake or recycled codes will lead to listing removals.
High-quality images are non-negotiable. Your main product image must have a pure white background, fill at least 85% of the frame, and be at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side (up to 10,000 pixels max). JPEG is the preferred format.
Product descriptions must follow Amazon's formatting rules. You have up to 2,000 characters for descriptions and five bullet points of up to 250 characters each. Stick to plain text and highlight key features and benefits. Avoid using HTML, JavaScript, or promotional phrases like "Best Deal Ever!" Amazon enforces these guidelines to maintain consistency across its platform.
Safety and legal compliance are entirely your responsibility. Products must meet all federal, state, local, and international regulations. For instance, CE marking is required for EU sales, FCC certification for U.S. electronics, and CPSIA compliance for children's products. Keep all compliance documents, such as certificates and test reports, organized and readily accessible - Amazon can request them at any time.
Pay extra attention to restricted product categories. Items like hazardous materials, medical devices, food, and alcohol come with strict requirements or may even be prohibited. Review Amazon's restricted products policy thoroughly before listing anything that might fall into these categories.
Once your products are compliant, focus on managing your inventory effectively to avoid integration headaches.
Inventory and SKU Management
Effective inventory management is key to avoiding costly issues like overselling or running out of stock. Businesses with advanced inventory systems often experience fewer stockouts, lower carrying costs, and better order fulfillment accuracy.
SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) are essential for tracking inventory. These unique identifiers link your product listings to your inventory system. Once created, SKUs cannot be changed, so plan their format carefully. Keep them between 16-30 characters, make them descriptive yet simple, and avoid confusing characters like '0' and 'O' or '1' and 'I'.
For example, an apparel store might use a SKU like 4225-776-3234
, where the numbers represent the brand (4225), boot cut leg style (776), and size (32x34). This system works because it’s consistent and easy to understand.
Consistency across platforms is critical. SKUs must match exactly between Shopify and Amazon to ensure smooth syncing. Discrepancies can lead to overselling or integration errors. Using a unified inventory system helps prevent these issues and ensures all product data is consistent.
Real-time inventory tracking can make a big difference. For instance, Oak + Fort reduced staff time by 50 hours per week and cut operating costs by 47% by unifying their inventory operations. Accurate, real-time data allowed them to avoid overselling and improve customer satisfaction.
"We go through constant inventory fluctuations and shifting demands. It was hard to reliably and accurately represent which stores had certain items in stock to our digital customers when they wanted to try something on." - Guillaume Jaillet, Chief Omnichannel Officer, Oak + Fort
Document your SKU rules and share them with your team. A consistent approach prevents mistakes and ensures your system can handle future growth without needing a complete overhaul. Plan ahead to accommodate new products and increased sales volume seamlessly.
How to Choose the Right Integration Tool
Once your accounts and inventory are set up, the next big step is picking the right integration tool for your business. Choosing the wrong tool can lead to sync failures, overselling, and unnecessary manual work. The key is to align your business needs with the tool's features and focus on what truly matters for your operations.
Features That Matter Most
Real-time inventory syncing is a must-have. Without it, you risk overselling. Look for tools that offer bi-directional syncing, ensuring inventory updates happen instantly on both platforms.
Automated order handling saves time and reduces mistakes. The best tools automatically import Amazon orders into your Shopify dashboard and update order statuses across platforms. This eliminates the hassle of manually tracking orders on multiple systems.
Multi-region support is crucial for international sellers. If you’re selling across borders, your tool should handle currency conversions, localized pricing, and tax rules like VAT. Without these features, managing multiple Amazon marketplaces can quickly become overwhelming.
Advanced workflow automation can streamline your processes. Tools with "if X then Y" logic can automatically handle tasks like routing high-value orders to expedited shipping or issuing refunds for returned items. These features are especially helpful as your business scales.
Return and refund management is often overlooked but essential. A good tool should automate refund processing, track return reasons, handle restocking, and adjust invoices. Poorly managed returns can frustrate customers and create accounting headaches.
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) features can impact your branding. If you use FBA, make sure your tool supports unbranded packaging and allows you to block Amazon Logistics as a carrier if needed. This helps maintain your brand identity and shipping preferences.
Error monitoring and alerts keep operations running smoothly. High-quality tools provide real-time notifications for sync failures, maintain logs for troubleshooting, and automatically retry failed operations. These features can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
Next, let’s look at when a custom API solution might be the better choice over third-party tools.
Custom API Solutions: When They Make Sense
Custom APIs are ideal for larger businesses with unique needs. If your workflows are highly specialized or you require deep integration with complex ERP systems, a custom-built solution could be worth considering.
They’re best suited for businesses with very specific processes. For example, if you need custom rules for order routing, inventory management, or integrating proprietary systems, off-the-shelf tools might not cut it.
The main advantage is complete control. You can design the functionality to fit your exact needs and scale it as your business grows. However, this level of customization comes with challenges.
Custom development requires a significant investment and ongoing maintenance. You’ll need skilled developers to build and maintain the system, and any updates to Amazon or Shopify APIs could require immediate adjustments to avoid disruptions.
For most businesses, third-party tools are the smarter choice. Unless your needs are highly specialized or you’re handling extremely high order volumes, proven tools are typically more cost-effective and reliable.
With that in mind, let’s dive into a comparison of the available tools to help you make the right choice.
Tool Comparison Overview
The integration tool market offers a range of options to fit businesses of all sizes and complexities, from simple apps to enterprise-level platforms.
Tool Type | Best For | Pricing | Key Strengths | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon MCF and Buy with Prime app | FBA users, US-only operations | Free | Easy setup, reliable Amazon integration | US-only, limited customization |
Third-party Shopify apps | Small to medium businesses | $19-$89/month | Balanced features, affordable pricing | May lack advanced ERP integration |
Inventory management solutions | Multi-channel businesses | $129+/month | Advanced features, ERP connectivity | Complex setup, higher cost |
Custom APIs | Large enterprises | Varies | Complete customization, scalability | High cost, maintenance required |
Third-party Shopify apps are the sweet spot for most sellers. Apps like CedCommerce Amazon Channel (4.6 rating, hundreds of five-star reviews) and CS Amazon Sync (4.2 rating from 205 reviews) offer a solid mix of features at reasonable prices. CedCommerce even provides a free plan for up to 50 orders monthly, while CS Amazon Sync's advanced plan costs $49/month for unlimited orders and regions.
Inventory management tools are better for complex operations. Solutions like Veeqo (free, owned by Amazon), ShipStation, and Pipe17 cater to businesses managing multiple channels. These tools start at $129/month and include advanced options like ERP integration and sophisticated order routing.
Plan for your future needs. If you’re processing 100 orders per month now but expect to reach 1,000 soon, choose a tool that can scale with you. Switching platforms later can be more expensive and time-consuming than investing in a scalable solution upfront.
Don’t overlook onboarding and support. While simple apps can be set up in under 30 minutes, more complex systems might take weeks. Reliable support is critical, especially during peak seasons when downtime can cost you sales.
Step-by-Step Integration Process
Now that you’ve chosen your integration tool, it’s time to connect everything. Setting up typically takes 15–30 minutes for most third-party apps. Each step builds on the last, so make sure to follow them in order.
Step 1: Set Up Your Accounts
Getting your accounts in order is the first - and most important - step. To integrate with Shopify, you’ll need an Amazon Professional Seller Account. Individual seller accounts won’t work, so if you’re not already on the Professional plan, upgrade for $39.99 per month.
Head to sellercentral.amazon.com and provide the required information:
A valid bank account that accepts payments in your marketplace’s currency
An internationally chargeable credit card for seller fees
Government-issued ID
Tax details like your TIN or EIN (for U.S. sellers)
A valid phone number
Double-check all your details because once submitted, they can’t be changed.
"Make sure to enter the correct business and personal information initially, since it cannot be changed later on." – Bloggle
After submitting your documents, Amazon will review them to verify your identity and account. Once approved, you’ll need to set up your seller profile, including shipping policies, return processes, and tax settings in Seller Central.
Before you proceed, ensure your Shopify store is fully functional and that your product listings meet Amazon’s standards. Some categories - like Electronics, Jewelry, and Beauty - require Amazon’s approval. Use Seller Central’s “Add a Product” section to submit any necessary certifications. Approvals usually take 1–3 days.
Also, make sure your SKUs are formatted correctly and that inventory tracking is enabled. Once your accounts are ready, you can move on to installing your integration tool.
Step 2: Install and Configure the Integration Tool
Since Shopify discontinued its direct Amazon sales channel on September 27, 2021, you’ll need a third-party app for integration. Start by visiting the Shopify Admin dashboard, selecting “Apps,” and choosing an integration tool from the Shopify App Store. Popular options include CedCommerce Amazon Channel, WebBee, ByteStand, and Amazon Integration Plus. Click “Add app” or “Install.”
Once installed, the app will prompt you to connect your Amazon Seller Account. Use your verified Amazon credentials and grant the necessary permissions. The app will then scan your catalog, which usually takes a few minutes.
Next, complete the account linking process through the app’s dashboard. From there, configure basic settings like your primary Amazon marketplace, default currency, and fulfillment method - either FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant). After setup, align your inventory and SKUs to ensure smooth synchronization.
Step 3: Connect Inventory and SKUs
Accurate SKU mapping is critical to avoid overselling or inventory mismatches. Shopify SKUs must match Amazon ASINs exactly for proper synchronization. Many apps offer automatic SKU mapping, but you may need to make manual adjustments if there are discrepancies.
If you’re using FBA, set Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) as your default fulfillment location in Shopify Admin. Enable automatic inventory tracking and synchronization in your app. Configure syncing rules - most apps allow syncing up to 250 units and 100 unique SKUs per order. Be sure to check the “Track quantity” option for each product and variant in Shopify.
To avoid stock issues during syncing delays, maintain a buffer inventory of 10–20%. Run a test sync with a few products to identify and resolve any SKU mismatches using bulk editing tools if needed.
Step 4: Set Up Order Automation
Order automation can save you a lot of time. Go to the app’s “Settings” or “Order Settings” section and enable order syncing. This feature imports Amazon orders into your Shopify dashboard, keeping order statuses updated across platforms.
Set up fulfillment locations by choosing between single or multiple warehouses. You can also define rules for different product categories and set automated triggers to route orders to the most efficient fulfillment center based on customer location and stock availability.
For FBA users, the app will automatically send order data to Amazon’s fulfillment network. FBM sellers can set up manual workflows within the app. Don’t forget to enable tracking features so the app can send shipping details from Amazon MCF to Shopify.
Also, configure return and refund workflows. Set up processes for automatic refunds, track return reasons, and establish restocking procedures. You can even add customer-facing features, like showing estimated delivery dates on product pages and adjusting shipping rates at checkout.
Step 5: Test Your Integration
Testing is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. Start during a low-order period to monitor results more effectively. Place a few test orders through your Shopify store and check that they show up correctly in both Shopify Admin and Amazon Seller Central. Confirm that inventory levels adjust accurately after each test and that customer notifications are being sent as expected.
During testing, double-check webhook connections and sync settings. Try different scenarios - like single-item orders, multi-item orders, and various shipping addresses - to catch any potential issues. Use the app’s dashboard to monitor sync statuses, error logs, and discrepancies, and resolve any problems immediately.
Don’t forget to test your return and refund processes. Process a test return to ensure inventory updates correctly. Regularly compare Shopify and Amazon data - like order totals and fulfillment confirmations - to catch inconsistencies early.
Gradual testing is key. Once all tests are successful, slowly increase your order volume instead of switching everything over at once. Companies like Dragon Glassware and Very Special Games have successfully used apps like WebBee and ByteStand to integrate their Shopify stores with Amazon MCF. Their detailed testing processes helped them avoid major issues during high-demand periods.
Best Practices for Managing Orders
Handling orders across two platforms can be a juggling act, but with the right systems in place, you can streamline operations and avoid costly mistakes. A unified dashboard and effective stock management are at the heart of this process.
Using a Single Dashboard
When you integrate your Shopify admin panel with Amazon, it becomes your central hub for managing orders. You can view Amazon orders directly in Shopify, complete with details like order numbers, dates, customer information, and payment statuses. To make things even easier, orders are automatically tagged (e.g., "Buy with Prime") for quick filtering.
Shopify's order timeline feature is a powerful tool for tracking fulfillment. It shows the entire journey of an order - from when it's received to when it's shipped and delivered - all on one screen. This eliminates the confusion of switching between multiple dashboards.
"With MCF, Amazon picks, packs, ships, and delivers orders using a single pool of inventory for your orders from Amazon.com, Buy with Prime, and all of your other ecommerce channels." - Amazon Automations
You can also create custom tags in Shopify to sort Amazon orders by fulfillment method or priority. For example, tag orders as "MCF-Standard" or "MCF-Expedited" to monitor performance and detect shipping delays.
Automation is key here. It can reduce order processing time by up to 80% and prevent overselling. Integration tools handle inventory updates, order processing, and pricing changes across channels, freeing up your time to focus on growing your business.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Keeping your stock in check is critical. Overselling is one of the most common pitfalls, and real-time inventory synchronization is your best defense. Make sure your integration app automatically syncs stock levels between platforms.
For fast-selling items, consider setting up a safety stock buffer. For instance, stop selling a product when inventory drops to 2-3 units instead of waiting until it hits zero. This buffer can save you from syncing delays or unexpected spikes in demand. Weekly reconciliation across platforms is another must - compare order totals, payment statuses, and fulfillment confirmations to catch discrepancies early.
Exact SKU matching is essential for maintaining synchronization. Even minor inconsistencies, like an extra space or a capitalization difference, can disrupt the process. Bulk editing tools can help you fix mismatches quickly.
Set up automated low-stock alerts so you can replenish inventory before running out. One apparel retailer implemented unified inventory management and saw overselling incidents drop to zero, with order cancellations reduced by 82%.
To avoid fulfillment hiccups, ensure you have enough stock in Amazon's warehouses before Shopify orders come in. Keep an eye on fulfillment alerts in Amazon Seller Central to address warehouse issues or carrier delays promptly. With fewer mistakes, you can focus on using reporting tools to refine your operations.
Using Reporting Tools Effectively
Shopify's built-in analytics give you a real-time view of key metrics like total sales, orders, conversion rates, and average order values. Use Acquisition Reports to identify where your customers are coming from and allocate your marketing budget to the most effective channels.
However, Shopify's analytics don't provide a full picture of profitability. While they show gross revenue, they don't account for costs like goods sold, advertising, transaction fees, or shipping. Third-party apps like TrueProfit can fill this gap by calculating your net profit in real time, factoring in all expenses.
For inventory management, apps like Assisty (rated 4.9/5 stars on the Shopify App Store) offer tools for demand forecasting and product analytics. They can help you identify bestsellers, slow-moving items, and dead stock, enabling smarter purchasing decisions.
Monitor key metrics weekly, such as conversion rates, average order value, cart abandonment rates, and shipping performance. Pay close attention to delivery times and carrier reliability. Late deliveries can have a big impact - 69% of customers are less likely to return if their orders arrive more than two days late.
Metric | Manual Tracking | Automated Tools |
---|---|---|
Inventory Updates | Hours daily | Real-time sync |
Order Processing | 30+ minutes per order | Automatic |
Profit Calculation | Spreadsheet estimates | Real-time accuracy |
To get a complete view of inventory performance, use Amazon's Inventory Performance Index (IPI) alongside Shopify data. The IPI score helps you identify overstocked or slow-moving products that could be tying up capital.
For example, Wyze reduced their click-to-delivery time by 50% after integrating Shopify with Amazon's Multi-Channel Fulfillment. By combining reporting data from both platforms, they identified bottlenecks and streamlined their fulfillment process.
Set up automated weekly reports that compile data from Shopify and Amazon. Include metrics like sales performance, inventory levels, shipping stats, and customer satisfaction scores. These reports give you the insights you need to spot trends early and make informed decisions about inventory, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Summary and Next Steps
Now that we've walked through the detailed integration process, let’s recap the key steps and explore how expert support can further enhance your efforts.
Integration Process Summary
Integrating Shopify and Amazon simplifies multi-channel order management by consolidating workflows and automating repetitive tasks.
Start by ensuring you have compliant Shopify and Amazon Professional accounts. Double-check that your SKUs are consistent and meet Amazon’s standards.
Next, select an integration tool that fits your business size and geographic focus. Install the tool, map your products, and configure the sync settings. Begin with a small batch of SKUs to test the system, and closely monitor its performance during the first few weeks to catch any potential issues with mapping or synchronization.
Once set up, your unified dashboard becomes the central hub for managing both platforms. Amazon orders will flow into Shopify with appropriate tags, inventory updates will happen automatically, and fulfillment can be tracked seamlessly from one screen. This streamlined process can cut order processing time by up to 40% and eliminates the risk of overselling.
To ensure smooth operations, set up safety stock buffers, use reporting tools for regular reconciliation, and rely on automated alerts to address low stock levels or fulfillment delays quickly.
With this framework in place, you’re ready to explore expert support that can elevate your integration strategy even further.
How eStore Factory Can Help

Achieving seamless integration is just the first step. To truly unlock the potential of your Shopify-Amazon connection, partnering with experts like eStore Factory can provide the strategic edge you need. With over a decade of eCommerce experience and a proven track record of generating $250 million in sales for more than 5,000 brands, eStore Factory is a trusted partner for multi-channel sellers.
As a 3-time Amazon SPN Award winner, their team of 70+ Amazon specialists offers comprehensive support that extends well beyond basic setup. Their services include account preparation, product listing optimization, SKU mapping, and compliance checks to ensure your integration runs smoothly from day one.
What makes eStore Factory stand out is their deep expertise in both Shopify and Amazon platforms. They offer a full range of Amazon services - like account management, FBA consulting, and Seller Central optimization - alongside Shopify store development and eCommerce SEO solutions. This dual focus ensures that your integration is not only functional but also primed to drive sales growth.
By handling the technical complexities, eStore Factory allows you to focus on scaling your business. Their services range from initial account audits to ongoing performance monitoring, helping you navigate challenges like complex product catalogs, compliance hurdles, and advanced automation needs. Their expertise accelerates implementation, minimizes errors, and positions your business for success.
For sellers looking to optimize their Shopify-Amazon integration, eStore Factory’s proven experience and comprehensive approach provide the professional support needed to thrive in a multi-channel environment. Their guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize the potential of your integration strategy.
FAQs
What challenges might arise when integrating Shopify and Amazon orders, and how can you address them?
Managing Shopify and Amazon orders together isn’t without its hurdles. Common issues include inventory mismatches, delays in order fulfillment, and the overall complexity of juggling multiple platforms. These problems can snowball into overselling, dissatisfied customers, and inefficiencies that disrupt your operations.
The good news? There are ways to tackle these challenges. Start by using trusted integration tools that automate inventory updates and streamline order management. Consistently monitoring and updating your inventory is key to avoiding overselling headaches. On top of that, setting up your integration correctly and keeping a close eye on it can help minimize fulfillment delays, ensuring your multi-channel system stays on track.
Should I use a third-party Shopify app or a custom API solution for integrating my Shopify and Amazon orders?
Deciding whether to go with a third-party Shopify app or a custom API solution boils down to what your business needs and aims to achieve.
Third-party apps are a great option if you're after a quick and budget-friendly way to handle common tasks like syncing orders or managing inventory. These apps are straightforward to install and often come packed with ready-to-use features that can help simplify your operations.
On the other hand, if your business deals with unique workflows, complex data, or requires a high level of customization, a custom API solution might be the better route. This option offers more flexibility, letting you design an integration that fits your exact processes and ensures everything runs smoothly with your existing systems.
What compliance and product listing requirements should I follow to integrate Shopify with Amazon successfully?
To seamlessly connect Shopify with Amazon, it’s important to stick to Amazon’s compliance and product listing standards. This means following their rules on restricted products, meeting category-specific requirements, and adhering to their policies. Pay close attention to product titles, descriptions, and images - make sure they include clear, accurate details, proper formatting, and high-quality images that meet Amazon’s expectations.
Before adding new listings, always review Amazon’s restricted products list to avoid potential compliance problems. Also, keep your inventory updated across both platforms to ensure stock levels and pricing remain consistent. This helps maintain a smooth shopping experience for your customers.