Before you update Shopify
Your physical count does not line up with Shopify
The count is finished, but the numbers in the returned spreadsheet do not line up with the Shopify Inventory CSV. Before changing quantities, check that both files describe the same variants, locations, and count scope.
Check my count file against Shopify →
Check the mismatch in this order
- Confirm the Shopify file is a fresh All states Inventory CSV and includes the locations and variants that were counted. Shopify's Available export has a different layout and does not include current-quantity protection.
- Match the specific variant, not just the product title. Check Handle and option values when SKU is blank or reused.
- Compare like with like at the same location. A store count and warehouse row are separate quantities.
- Separate an explicit 0 from a missing or blank count. Check repeated keys and unresolved items before preparing an update.
- Before import, re-export if needed. CountAlign cannot tell whether Shopify changed after the export was created.
Write down what each number represents
Keep the export quantity, physical count, and proposed new quantity in separate columns while reviewing. On hand (current) is Shopify's export snapshot; the count is the number actually observed; On hand (new) is the quantity you intend Shopify to set.
| Variant | Location | On hand (current) | Counted | On hand (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUG-RED | Tokyo | 12 | 7 | 7 | −5 |
A manual spreadsheet check is a valid option
Create the same stable key in the Shopify export and count sheet, then use XLOOKUP to retrieve the count. Use COUNTIFS first to detect missing or repeated keys; do not let one lookup quietly choose between duplicate rows.
=[@SKU]&"|"&[@Location]
=COUNTIFS(Counts[Key],[@Key])
=XLOOKUP([@Key],Counts[Key],Counts[Counted],"")
Where CountAlign fits
CountAlign compares the supplied Shopify export and physical count file, separates changes from unchanged, zero, uncounted, and review-needed rows, and prepares a file for your inspection. It can surface file-level mismatches; it cannot determine why the physical quantity differs or inspect live Shopify inventory.