What Is Shopify Collective?
Shopify Collective is a free feature that lets Shopify stores connect with each other and sell each other's products — all without upfront inventory costs or commitments. Whether you're looking to expand your product catalog or get your products in front of new audiences, Shopify Collective makes it possible entirely within Shopify.
The Two Roles: Retailers and Suppliers
There are two ways to participate in Shopify Collective:
As a Retailer, you import products from other Shopify stores (suppliers) and sell them on your own storefront. You don't purchase inventory upfront — you simply list the products, and when a customer buys, the order is automatically forwarded to the supplier for fulfillment. The supplier ships directly to your customer, and tracking numbers sync back to your store automatically, triggering your branded shipping notifications.
As a Supplier, you share your products with other Shopify retailers through price lists. You set the cost price (what retailers pay) and the retail price (what customers pay). When a retailer makes a sale, you receive the order and handle fulfillment. It's a powerful way to expand your reach without investing more in your own marketing.
Your store can be both a retailer and a supplier at the same time!
How the Money Works
Retailers buy products at the supplier's discounted cost price and sell at the retail price. The difference is your profit margin — typically ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the supplier. There are no upfront inventory costs, so the risk is minimal.
How Orders Are Fulfilled
Once a customer places an order on a retailer's store, Shopify Collective automatically forwards the relevant items to the supplier. The supplier fulfills and ships directly to the customer. Tracking information syncs back to the retailer's store, so customers receive the retailer's branded shipping notifications throughout the process.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Shopify Collective is straightforward:
- Retailers install the Shopify Collective app from the Shopify App Store, then browse suppliers, request connections, or instantly import products from public price lists.
- Suppliers install the Shopify Collective: Supplier sales channel, create price lists, and invite retailers to connect — or make products available publicly for any eligible retailer to import.
Shopify Collective is free to use on all Shopify plans for stores that meet the eligibility requirements, including being in a supported country and using Shopify Payments.
Why It's Worth Exploring
Shopify Collective is a smart way to grow your catalog, test new product categories, and increase average order value — all without the overhead of managing new inventory. For suppliers, it's an efficient channel to drive more sales through a network of motivated retailers. It's a win-win built right into the Shopify ecosystem.