Smart Strategies: Using Shopify Sorting Automation to Boost Sales

Discover how smart strategies in Shopify sorting automation can significantly enhance your sales and elevate your online store's performance.

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By Jameela Ghann
Photo of Danell Theron
Edited by Danéll Theron
Joel Taylor
Fact-check by Joel Taylor

Updated October 8, 2024.

E-Commerce merchant sitting in front of a laptop surrounded by boxes

Every seasoned shopper knows the frustration of walking into a disorganized store. Products are scattered everywhere, there is no sense of order, and items seem like they have been on the shelf forever. Imagine you are not physically in a store but shopping online; the same chaotic scenario translates to a poor user experience. This is where Shopify sorting automation comes in handy.

Shopify sorting automation, especially for product collections, plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience, boosting sales, and building trust with customers. A well-sorted online store mimics the organization of a neatly arranged physical retail outlet, making it easy for customers to find what they need and make purchases.

» Get started with e-commerce automation by browsing our automated Shopify solutions



Challenges for Manual Sorting on Shopify

Manual sorting of products within collections presents several challenges. At the heart of these is the significant time investment required, coupled with the risk of human errors such as overlooking certain items or failing to update stock levels promptly.

The solution: Adopt automatic sorting strategies using apps that track sales data and trends. This approach saves time, reduces errors, and keeps your product listings updated and relevant for your customers.

» Don't mix up Shopify categories with collections

What Is Shopify Sorting Automation?

Shopify sorting automation involves using a tool that automatically organizes product listings based on criteria like price, popularity, or new products to enhance user experience.

Implementing effective sorting automation strategies has been shown to significantly impact sales performance positively. Automated sorting applications like Egnition’s Bestsellers reSort contribute to boosting sales on Shopify, offering features such as sorting collections based on popularity or revenue generated and ensuring in-stock items are prioritized.

» Know how to manage products on Shopify for better inventory organization



Benefits of Automated Sorting on Shopify

  • Time savings: Automating the sorting process saves significant time that can be redirected toward marketing and customer engagement strategies.
  • Error reduction: Automation minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring that inventory levels and product statuses are accurate.
  • Improved customer experience: By showing customers what they want to see first—available products—you enhance their shopping experience, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Enhanced marketing opportunities: Automated sorting allows for easier integration with marketing efforts, enabling targeted promotions and highlighting key products to specific customer segments.
  • Increased inventory management efficiency: With real-time updates and sorting based on stock levels, store owners can manage inventory more effectively, reducing the likelihood of overstocking or stockouts.

» Need to manage stock across multiple locations? Achieve efficient multi-channel inventory management for Shopify

The Problem With Out-Of-Stock Products

One limitation of automated sorting is its inability to automatically push out-of-stock items to the bottom. An item may be a bestseller but if you're out of stock, displaying it at the top of the list becomes counterproductive, often leading to increased bounce rates.

The answer to this challenge lies in using an alternative tool that allows sorting based on inventory levels and real-time data. Such tools will enable you to prioritize in-stock items, pushing those out-of-stock lower in the list and ensuring customers see immediately-available items first.



» Explore Shopify's variant inventory policy to handle out-of-stock products better

The Role of Data Analysis in Sorting Strategies

Data analysis plays a pivotal role in optimizing sorting strategies for Shopify product collections. By utilizing various analytical methods, you can gain valuable insights into merchandise sorting and inventory management. Key types of data analysis include:

Types of Data Analysis

Descriptive Analysis

  • Descriptive analysis involves examining historical sales data to identify trends and patterns in product performance over time, helping businesses understand how products have performed in the past.

  • The goal is to uncover insights that can inform decision-making, such as identifying peak sales periods, understanding customer preferences, and guiding inventory management.

Diagnostic Insights

  • Diagnostic insights focus on understanding the underlying reasons for sales fluctuations and changes in customer behavior by analyzing historical data and identifying patterns.
  • It provides actionable insights that help businesses address issues, optimize strategies, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Predictive Analysis

  • Predictive analysis uses historical data to forecast future trends, helping businesses anticipate changes in demand and market conditions.
  • It enables proactive inventory management and informed decision-making, reducing the risk of stockouts and optimizing supply chain efficiency.


Understanding customer behavior and inventory patterns enables you to optimize sales performance and enhance the customer experience. By aligning your sorting strategies with real-time data, you can make informed decisions that drive sales and improve customer satisfaction.

» Learn how to easily create dummy data for your e-commerce store

Key Advice for Shopify Store Owners

If you're considering implementing sorting automation for your Shopify store, understanding your customers' buying behavior is essential. Here are some strategies to help you align your sorting strategy with their needs:

  • Analyze customer preferences: Use data to determine which products are most frequently viewed or purchased. This information can help you adjust your sorting algorithms.
  • Segment your audience: Different customer segments may prefer different products. Tailor your sorting strategies to cater to these preferences.
  • Test and optimize: Regularly test different sorting methods to see which generates the best results. A/B testing can help you identify the most effective strategies for your store.
  • Monitor industry trends: Stay informed about e-commerce trends and consumer preferences in your niche. Regularly reviewing competitors and market developments can inspire you to adjust your sorting tactics and keep your store relevant.

» Automate your inventory management for seamless operations

Maximizing Sorting Automation Effectiveness

To maximize sorting automation's effectiveness, stay updated on trends and customer needs by regularly reviewing industry developments. Test different scenarios and sorting configurations, reverting to previous settings if needed. Keeping your store fresh is vital, as stagnation can deter customers. By consistently updating your sorting strategies, you enhance user experience, boost sales, and foster customer loyalty through Shopify sorting automation.

» Ready to automate your store? Take a look at Bestsellers reSort and Out-of-Stock Police

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