# Synced Stock Buffer

Set a reserve stock level to protect against oversell.

Written by Rayman  
January 28, 2024

A handy feature for **source stores**, to protect against oversell.

**Note:** Synced Stock Buffer is a Shopify only feature for now. The buffer does not apply to products synced to other platforms such as: WooCommerce.

## What does the Synced Stock Buffer do?

The synced stock buffer allows you to hold any number of stock as a reserve as protection against oversell. Without the buffer activated, Syncio will sync all available stock according to your inventory location settings:

Here's what happens when you set the buffer:

Notice how Syncio sets aside 5 quantity of the blue shirts in reserve? The effect is:

- All 40 shirts are still available on the **source store**.
- But any connected **destination store** will only have 35 available to sell.
- 5 qty is kept as a reserve at all times.

## Why should I use this feature?

Syncio processes orders in real-time as soon as they are created. However, there may be situations where keeping some **stock as a reserve** can be useful.

- **Protect against a stock miscount in the real-world.**

- Example: a product is stored in the wrong location at the warehouse, and therefore not available.

- **Protect against heavy sales or network traffic.**

- You may have noticed or heard of situations on your store where things may be a bit slower than usual.

- During a sale period: lots of customers are shopping.
    - When you are doing a bulk update of products or settings:

- Example: uploading a CSV file or using a third party app to make hundreds/thousands of changes.

- Heavy activity such as the above may affect syncing speed which results in a delay of the sync. Potentially leading to an oversell situation.

- **Protect against network outages.**

- Although very rare, software and apps may experience connection issues.

- For example, there might be an issue with your payment processor delaying payments.

## How do I use the Synced Stock Buffer

**Requirements**

- You need to have a **source store** Syncio account

1. Log into your Syncio source store account.
2. Select: **Product Settings** and then click on the **Variant** tab:

3. Click the toggle for the Synced Stock Buffer to ON:

4. Enter a stock buffer you wish to apply to every synced variant. For example: 2

5. If you are happy with this setting. Click the **Save Changes** button in the top right:

6. Syncio will then schedule a bulk update across all synced products within 24 hours.
7. You can change or update your **Synced Buffer** settings anytime before this time elapses.

1. If you make any changes, Syncio will use your latest settings.
   2. Example: If you change the buffer from 2 to 5. Syncio will apply 5 as the **stock buffer**
   3. You can also use this period to turn off the synced stock buffer too:

4. Just ensure to save your changes before leaving the app/screen: