# Automate with Flow

Shopify Flow is a powerful automation tool that can streamline your wholesale operations. Flow allows you to create automated workflows that trigger actions based on events in your store.

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### What is Shopify Flow <a href="#what-is-flow" id="what-is-flow"></a>

[Shopify Flow](https://apps.shopify.com/flow) is a free app (available on Shopify Plus) that automates tasks and processes in your store. For wholesale operations, Flow can handle repetitive tasks automatically, saving you time and reducing errors.

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### Wholesale automation examples <a href="#examples" id="examples"></a>

#### Automatic wholesale signups

**Trigger:** Customer submits a wholesale registration form\
**Action:** Automatically tag customer with `approved` tag

This eliminates manual customer approval and instantly grants access to restricted content.

#### Tiered pricing based on order history

**Trigger:** Customer reaches a total order value threshold\
**Action:** Apply custom tags for upgraded pricing tier

Reward loyal wholesale customers with better pricing automatically.

#### Inventory alerts for wholesale products

**Trigger:** Wholesale product inventory drops below threshold\
**Action:** Send email notification to store owner

Stay on top of popular wholesale items before they run out.

#### Order approval workflow

**Trigger:** Large order is placed (over certain amount)\
**Action:** Tag order for manual review and notify staff

Ensure high-value wholesale orders are reviewed before fulfillment.

#### Post-purchase follow-ups

**Trigger:** Wholesale order is fulfilled\
**Action:** Send thank you email or request for reorder

Maintain relationships with wholesale customers automatically.

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### Getting started with Flow <a href="#getting-started" id="getting-started"></a>

1. Install [Shopify Flow](https://apps.shopify.com/flow) from the Shopify App Store
2. Open the Flow app from your Shopify admin
3. Click **Create workflow**
4. Choose a trigger (e.g., "Customer created")
5. Add conditions (e.g., "Customer has tag: wholesale-request")
6. Add actions (e.g., "Add customer tag: approved")
7. Click **Turn on workflow**

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### Flow with Keystone features <a href="#with-keystone" id="with-keystone"></a>

Flow works seamlessly with Keystone's wholesale features:

* Automatically tag customers to grant access via [customer approval system](https://help.brickspacelab.com/keystone/guides/wholesale/customer-approval)
* Tag products to trigger [hide products](https://help.brickspacelab.com/keystone/guides/wholesale/hide-products) or [hide prices](https://help.brickspacelab.com/keystone/guides/wholesale/hide-prices)
* Monitor orders that meet [minimum order amounts](https://help.brickspacelab.com/keystone/guides/wholesale/minimum-order-amount)
* Integrate with [wholesale pricing apps](https://help.brickspacelab.com/keystone/guides/wholesale/wholesale-pricing-apps) for advanced rules

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### Important notes <a href="#notes" id="notes"></a>

* Shopify Flow is free but requires **Shopify Plus**
* Non-Plus merchants can use third-party automation apps like [Mechanic](https://apps.shopify.com/mechanic) or [Launchpad](https://apps.shopify.com/launchpad)
* Always test workflows with test customers before enabling them
* You can view workflow history to troubleshoot automation issues

{% hint style="info" %}
Start with simple workflows and add complexity as you become comfortable with Flow. Even basic automations can save hours of manual work each week.
{% endhint %}

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### Learn more <a href="#learn-more" id="learn-more"></a>

* [Shopify Flow Documentation](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/shopify-flow)
* [Flow Template Library](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/shopify-flow/templates)
* [Building Custom Workflows](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/shopify-flow/create-workflow)