Shopify the leading eCommerce platform for merchants worldwide, has rolled out several significant updates in August 2024. These updates are designed to enhance the functionality, user experience, and flexibility for merchants, helping them better manage their online stores and offer improved services to their customers.
1. Split Shipping in Checkout (August 30)
Merchants with multiple locations or multiple shipping profiles can now access split shipping in the checkout process.
Why does it matter?
This feature allows merchants to offer customers more flexibility by enabling shipments from different locations or under different shipping profiles within a single order. It’s particularly beneficial for merchants with complex inventory or multiple warehouses.
2. BanContact Payment Method Added to Managed Markets (August 29)
Shopify has added the BanContact payment method to Managed Markets, allowing buyers from Belgium to pay using this popular local payment option.
Why does it matter?
This addition makes it easier for merchants targeting Belgian customers to offer a preferred and trusted payment method, potentially increasing conversion rates in that region.
3. Collective Retailers Can Fetch Suppliers' Shipping Rates Live at Checkout (August 28)
Retailers in Shopify Collective can now fetch and display live shipping rates from suppliers directly at checkout, thanks to a new unified shipping profile.
Why does it matter?
This update streamlines the shipping process, ensuring that customers receive accurate shipping costs in real-time, improving transparency and customer satisfaction.
4. Discontinued Support for Turkiye in Managed Markets (August 28)
Shopify’s Managed Markets no longer support Turkiye due to Turkish authorities reducing the maximum value of goods that can be imported under a simplified clearance procedure to 30 euros.
Why does it matter?
Merchants targeting the Turkish market need to be aware of this change as it impacts their ability to use Managed Markets for operations in Turkiye.
5. Collective Suppliers Can Set Different Shipping Rates Per Price List (August 27)
Suppliers in Shopify Collective can now set varying shipping rates for different price lists, offering more flexibility in charging retailers.
Why does it matter?
This feature allows suppliers to better tailor their shipping costs based on different price tiers, leading to more accurate and competitive pricing strategies.
6. YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program Now Available to Eligible Merchants (August 20)
Eligible US Shopify Plus and Advanced merchants can now join the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, enabling YouTube creators to tag their products in videos.
Why does it matter?
This feature enhances visibility and sales opportunities for merchants by leveraging the reach of YouTube creators, driving more traffic and conversions through affiliate marketing.
7. Shopify Collective Upgrades Retailers to a New Unified Shipping Profile (August 19)
Retailers can now use a new unified shipping profile to live-fetch suppliers' shipping rates directly at checkout.
Why does it matter?
This upgrade enhances the efficiency of the checkout process by integrating live shipping rate information, making it easier for customers to see and select shipping options.
8. Flow: New Triggers, Actions, and Templates for Managing Returns (August 16)
Shopify Flow has introduced new tools for managing returns, including triggers for various return statuses, an action for canceling returns, and templates for common return management scenarios.
Why does it matter?
These enhancements make it easier for merchants to automate and manage return processes, improving operational efficiency and customer service.
9. Shipping Labels Now Track Customs Forms Printing Status (August 14)
Merchants can now track the printing status of customs forms associated with purchased shipping labels.
Why does it matter?
This feature helps merchants ensure that all necessary customs documentation is printed and ready, reducing the risk of shipping delays for international orders.
10. Collective Suppliers Can Now Remove Products in Bulk from Price Lists (August 14)
Suppliers can now remove multiple products from price lists in bulk, making it easier to manage their offerings.
Why does it matter?
This improvement simplifies product management for suppliers, saving time and reducing errors when updating or curating their product lists.
11. Error Messages Now Available in the Shopify Pixel Helper (August 13)
The Shopify Pixel Helper tool now includes error messages, aiding in the debugging of custom pixels.
Why does it matter?
This enhancement provides clearer guidance for merchants using custom pixels, helping them resolve issues more quickly and effectively.
12. Suggested Replies Live for Eligible Merchants in Inbox, Powered by Shopify Magic (August 13)
Eligible merchants can now receive AI-powered suggested replies to customer inquiries within Shopify Inbox.
Why does it matter?
This feature saves time and enhances customer service by providing quick, relevant responses to common questions, improving communication efficiency.
13. Unified File Editor Available in Admin (August 9)
Shopify has introduced a unified file editor across the admin interface.
Why does it matter?
This new feature provides a consistent and streamlined experience for editing files within the Shopify admin, making it easier for merchants to manage their store assets.
14. Improved Display of Order Items When Buying Shipping Labels in Bulk (August 7)
Merchants can now view all product variants within an order when purchasing shipping labels in bulk.
Why does it matter?
This improvement helps ensure accuracy when shipping multiple variants, reducing the likelihood of shipping errors and improving fulfillment efficiency.
15. Migration to hCaptcha on the /challenge Page (August 7)
Shopify has started implementing hCaptcha, replacing reCAPTCHA, on the Storefronts’ /challenge page.
Why does it matter?
This update enhances security measures for Shopify merchants, offering a more robust defense against bots and malicious activity.
Scared to DIY? We’re Here To Help
Shopify's latest updates offer exciting new features and tools to help eCommerce businesses stay competitive and thrive in today's digital landscape. By leveraging these updates, you can improve your inventory management, streamline workflows, create a personalised experience for customers and optimise your marketing strategies for better ROI.
At Vevol Media, we specialise in Shopify development and all things eCommerce, so if you find yourself overwhelmed by implementing these updates yourself, we're here to help you take advantage of these new features. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you take your online business to the next level by creating a seamless and enjoyable online experience for your customers.