Question 1

What is Virtual Inventory?

Shyanna Mutz · Accepted Answer

FinerWorks virtual inventory is a system that allows artists and photographers to save their artwork as pre-configured products within their FinerWorks account. Instead of having to re-upload and set up a print's specifications (like size, paper type, and framing) every time an order comes in, a virtual inventory item acts like a blueprint for a product. This streamlines the print-on-demand and order fulfillment process.

How It Works

The system is designed to simplify selling on third-party platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, WooCommerce or Etsy. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

Create Virtual Inventory Items: An artist uploads their digital image to FinerWorks. They then create a virtual inventory item from this image, which involves specifying all the product details like size, print medium (e.g., giclée fine art paper, canvas), and framing options. Each virtual inventory item is assigned a unique **SKU** (Stock Keeping Unit) that begins with "AP".
Sync with an Online Store: The artist lists the product in their own online store (e.g., a framed print of their artwork). When they create the listing, they enter the unique SKU from FinerWorks' virtual inventory into the SKU field of their store's product variant.
Order Fulfillment: When a customer purchases the product from the artist's online store, the order is transmitted to FinerWorks through an integration app (e.g., for Shopify or Etsy). FinerWorks uses the SKU to identify the exact product from the virtual inventory and produces it on demand.
Shipping and Branding: FinerWorks then prints, packages, and ships the product directly to the customer. The packing slip and shipping label can be customized with the artist's name and logo, making it appear as though the order was shipped directly from them.

Key Advantages

Efficiency: It eliminates the need for artists to manually set up each print each time they order, saving a significant amount of time, especially for those with high order volumes or who sell the same products repeatedly.
Print on Demand: Artists don't need to hold physical inventory. Prints are only created when an order is placed, reducing waste and financial risk.
Integration: It connects an artist's online storefront with FinerWorks' fulfillment center, creating a smooth, automated workflow from sale to delivery.

Question 2

How to I start creating  Virtual Inventory?

Shyanna Mutz · Accepted Answer

Virtual Inventory gives you the ability to store "virtual" prints. Create and store as many prints as you wish, and when you are ready for us to print one, its only a matter of checking out. Use this quick video tutorial for a walk through the entire process.

Question 3

Can I quickly re-order the same prints?

James Theopistos · Accepted Answer

You can do this by creating a virtual inventory of prints or cards. Once you have uploaded images to your account, you can set up individual giclee prints or cards with different sizes and styles. These will be stored in your Virtual Inventory. When you need to have an order dropshipped to your customer, go there and add the print you need to your cart.

Question 4

Are there any quantity limits?

James Theopistos · Accepted Answer

No, you can create as many items as you'd like.

Question 5

Why are some items I created before now missing?

James Theopistos · Accepted Answer

Occasionally, print products we have offered in the past have changed or have been discontinued. If those items can no longer be offered with the options selected then the item might automatically be removed.

Question 6

Can I use any image I upload?

James Theopistos · Accepted Answer

Only images that are stored in your virtual inventory / my images can be used. Files you upload to temporary storage cannot be used.

Question 7

Do I need to sync my virtual inventory with my products?

James Theopistos · Accepted Answer

Only if you want to use the Auto Export tool will syncing your products to your virtual inventory be necessary. Without that, we will not know what products to print and ship. Syncing involved making sure that your Virtual Inventory sku, matches your WooCommerce product sku.

Order Fulfillment Guide

What is Drop Shipping?

How it Works

Some Examples

Drop Shipping & Order Fulfillment

Can I quickly re-order the same prints?

Acrylic Glass Prints