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Virtual Bundles

A virtual bundle is a product that exists only as a container at the point of sale. No physical assembly ever takes place. When an order comes in, Shopify (or your bundle app) explodes the bundle into its individual component line items so inventory is deducted per component — not from a parent SKU.

How It Works​

When a customer orders a bundle, Shopify or your bundle app explodes it at order creation into individual component line items. Each component's inventory is deducted separately. The parent SKU itself holds no inventory and receives no deduction.

For example, a customer ordering "Gift Set A" (1 unit) results in:

  • Candle — 1 unit deducted from the Candle SKU
  • Soap — 2 units deducted from the Soap SKU
  • Card — 1 unit deducted from the Card SKU

Because demand flows directly to the component SKUs, Synplex receives accurate component-level sales history and produces correct forecasts and replenishment recommendations without any additional configuration.

Compatibility​

Synplex is fully compatible with virtual bundles created via:

  • Shopify Bundles app (native Shopify solution)
  • Any third-party bundle app that explodes bundles into component line items within the order

The key requirement is that your bundle app writes individual component line items to the Shopify order. If it does, Synplex handles everything automatically.

What Not To Do​

Do not create a BOM in Synplex for a variant that is already managed as a virtual bundle by Shopify.

If you do, demand will be counted twice — once from the bundle explosion and once from the BOM explosion. The consequences are:

  • Component forecasts are inflated
  • Replenishment recommendations are overstated
  • Purchase orders will be larger than needed

Rule: if Shopify explodes it, do not create a BOM for it.

Typical Examples​

  • Gift sets assembled virtually (candle + soap + card)
  • Multi-packs sold as one SKU (3 × T-shirt)
  • Product combos created in the Shopify Bundles app
  • Promotional bundles that are never physically pre-packed

No Setup Required​

If you sell virtual bundles, no action is needed in Synplex. Your component SKUs will appear in the inventory report, demand plan, and replenishment recommendations with accurate figures automatically.

If you are unsure whether your bundle app explodes orders correctly, check your Shopify order line items. Each component should appear as a separate line item on the order. If only the parent SKU appears, contact your bundle app provider.

Questions? Contact support@synplex.dev