Why you might need to integrate Amazon store with the Shopify platform and How to do it?

In the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, merging platforms can be a game-changer. This article dives into the fusion of Shopify and Amazon - a strategic move that opens new avenues for businesses. We'll uncover the steps, advantages, and best practices for this integration. Learn how to harmonize Shopify and Amazon to elevate your e-commerce venture.

Why you might need to integrate shopify with amazon

Before we describe how such an integration is done, let's talk about why such an integration might be needed? Integrating an Amazon store with the Shopify platform can offer several benefits, even though the Amazon store may already be fully functional and using multiple traffic channels. Here are some reasons why a business might consider this integration:
1. Branding and Customization: Shopify allows for greater control over the look and feel of your store. You can create a unique brand experience, customize the design, and present your products in a way that aligns with your brand identity.
2. Customer Data Ownership: When customers purchase through your Shopify store, you have more control over the customer data. This enables you to build your own customer database, which can be valuable for marketing, retargeting, and building long-term relationships.
3. Your own Upselling options: On your Shopify store, you have the flexibility to cross-promote related products and offer upsells or bundles. This can lead to increased average order value and higher revenue per customer. And Amazon can promote other sellers' products along with your offers.
4. Control over Policies and Pricing: On Shopify, you have more control over your store policies, pricing strategy, and promotions. This can be especially important if you want to offer different deals, discounts, or policies compared to what's available on Amazon.
5. SEO and Organic Traffic: With a well-optimized Shopify store, you can improve your search engine visibility and attract organic traffic through search engines like Google. This can help you reach customers who might not be actively shopping on Amazon.
6. Marketplace Diversification: In case there are changes to Amazon's policies or if your Amazon account faces any issues, having a separate platform like Shopify provides a safety net and business continuity.
7. International Expansion: If your Amazon store primarily serves a specific country, Shopify can help facilitate international expansion by allowing you to offer different currencies, languages, and shipping options.
As you can see, the main reason is usually to get more independence from the marketplace for your business. This is especially true for cases where an online business began as trading through Amazon, but eventually grew and requires going beyond it.

Import products from Amazon and export them to Shopify, sync leftovers

There were two ways to import products from Amazon to Shopify: 

Manually. Products are exported from Amazon to a CSV file, then this file is converted to the Shopify import file format and imported into it. This is a very labor-intensive method and is not suitable for stores with a large number of products. Also, this method does not synchronize leftovers between the two platforms, and it is easy to make mistakes in the process of adapting a CVS file to the Shopify import file format.
Automatically. It implies the use of applications from the Shopify AppStore or custom applications. Among the disadvantages of this method, one can single out the fact that all applications interpret the data received from Amazon in different ways and, accordingly, some of the data may be lost when transferred to Shopify.
When working with the client's store, we used the CedCommerce Amazon Channel application (out of all the applications tested, this was the one that most fully managed to transfer data). This app also syncs inventory and prices between Amazon and Shopify, either on a schedule or at the click of a button in the admin panel.

As a result, we were able to copy the following product data from Amazon to Shopify:

• header
• Description
• Images
• Price
• Quantity
• SKU
  

After setting up the import of products and their synchronization, it turned out that the client also wants all orders made through the Shopify store to be transferred to Amazon and further processed on the Amazon side.

Transfer orders from Shopify to Amazon

There are several options for automating this process:

1. Specialized applications:

   - Amazon MCF App: US Fulfillment - Developed by Amazon itself and Recommended by Shopify (only suitable for US stores)

  - Application Amazon by Codisto - we tested for a client very easy to set up and work.

‍2. Other applications have not been tested by us.

Accounting and automation systems that simplify delivery. The client's project uses the Veeqo system , which collects orders from Shopify and Amazon, processes them and sends the goods to customers. You connect to Shopify using the free Veeqo Shipping app.
The client chose the second option, since his business processes were already built on the basis of the Veeqo system, and this made it possible to combine both the processing of orders on the Amazon side, and their assembly and shipment to customers.‍

Suggestions for more advanced use of Shopify

Continuing the topic, you can offer the client to use the Shopify platform not just as an online store, but as a platform for obtaining buyers from other sources. To do this, you can use the

Sales channels available in Shopify:

Showcases for social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, YouTube, Pinterest);

Payment button for posting in social networks and other online platforms;

Offline sales (Shopify POS).

In conclusion

In the world of integrating Shopify with Amazon, attention to detail is paramount. From product listings to inventory management, each facet requires careful consideration to ensure a seamless merger of these platforms. While this process may seem complex, the rewards are significant. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a business looking to expand, our team of experts is here to help navigate the intricacies swiftly and effectively. With our guidance, you can streamline the integration process and unlock the full potential of combining Shopify with Amazon, all while focusing on what you do best – growing your business.