Many retailers rely on dropshipping or supplier feeds to manage their product inventory. While this approach offers flexibility and scalability, it also introduces several challenges when integrating with marketplaces. 


This FAQ outlines the limitations and potential issues associated with using dropship and supplier feeds within our integration.


1. Lack of Control Over Product Data

Retailers who do not directly manage their product data may encounter issues when suppliers make changes that are incompatible with marketplace requirements. These include:

  • Title, Description, or Attribute Changes: Suppliers may modify product details, which can conflict with marketplace rules and result in failed updates.

  • Category or Listing Type Changes: Some marketplaces have strict category structures, and changes made by suppliers can cause listings to become invalid.

  • Variation and SKU Mismatches: Marketplace listings require consistent SKU structures. If a supplier alters SKU formats or alters variant structures, the link between the product and the marketplace listing may break.

2. Marketplace Restrictions on Data Updates

Marketplaces impose strict rules on product data modifications after a listing is created. If a supplier or dropshipper updates product attributes, the following issues may occur:

  • Field Locking: Some marketplaces do not allow certain fields, such as brand, to be changed after an item is listed.

  • Image Rejections: Updated images from a supplier may not meet marketplace quality or policy guidelines.

  • Restricted Product Edits: Certain marketplaces prohibit modifications to key details like product identifiers (GTIN, UPC, EAN) once a product is live.

3. Inventory and Pricing Sync Issues

  • Stock Level Delays: Supplier feeds may not update in real-time, leading to overselling or out-of-stock issues.

  • Price Fluctuations: If a supplier frequently changes pricing, discrepancies between the website, marketplace, and supplier feed can lead to pricing errors or listing removals.

  • Minimum Order Quantities & Supplier Delays: Some suppliers enforce minimum order quantities or have fulfillment delays that may not align with marketplace expectations for shipping times.

4. Inconsistent Product Identifiers

Many marketplaces require unique product identifiers (e.g., GTINs, MPNs, UPCs) for listings. Dropshippers and suppliers may:

  • Provide different identifiers for the same product.

  • Use generic or incorrect GTINs, leading to mismatches.

  • Not provide identifiers at all, resulting in failed listings on marketplaces that require them.

5. Listing Removal Risks Due to Supplier Actions

  • Supplier Discontinuations: If a supplier stops offering a product, listings may be left without an active stock source if the supplier removes them in a way that prevents Omnivore from receiving the update.

  • Duplicate Listings: If retailers source the same product from multiple suppliers, marketplace policies may flag duplicate listings.

  • Policy Violations: Suppliers may modify product details in ways that violate marketplace policies, leading to suspended or delisted items.

6. Compatibility Issues with Third-Party Apps

Many retailers use third-party apps to control inventory, stock, shipping updates, and other functions. While these apps can provide additional functionality, they can also introduce conflicts with our integration, causing issues such as:

  • Conflicting Stock Updates: Third-party apps may override or interfere with our inventory sync, leading to incorrect stock levels on marketplaces.

  • Delayed or Incorrect Shipping Updates: Some apps may not send shipping updates in a format compatible with marketplaces, causing tracking or order status issues.

  • Data Overwrites: If multiple systems are updating product information simultaneously, it can lead to inconsistent or missing data.

7. Best Practices for Retailers Using Dropshipping, Supplier Feeds, and Third-Party Apps

To minimise these issues, we recommend:

  • Manually Reviewing Supplier Data: Where possible, ensure that product information aligns with marketplace requirements before any updates are applied.

  • Setting Inventory Buffers: Reduce overselling risk by setting a stock buffer.

  • Monitoring Product Changes: Use alerts or scheduled reviews to check for incompatible updates from suppliers.

  • Verifying Marketplace Policies: Understand and comply with specific marketplace restrictions on data changes.

  • Communicating with Suppliers: Work with suppliers who provide stable, accurate, and marketplace-friendly product data.

  • Testing Third-Party Apps: Ensure any external apps used for inventory, stock, or shipping management do not interfere with our integration.


We cannot guarantee compatibility with all third-party applications. If you are using external inventory, order management, or shipping solutions, we recommend thorough testing to ensure they do not conflict with our integration.


By understanding these limitations and implementing best practices, retailers can improve the reliability of their marketplace integrations and reduce the risk of listing failures or compliance issues.