Automatically Update Product Prices Using Rules in Shopify
Stop bulk price edits. Automatically increase or decrease prices when conditions are met.
Explore the AppThe Problem
Pricing changes happen often - but updates are hard to keep consistent
- Teams run bulk edits and accidentally touch products outside the intended scope.
- Spreadsheet-based updates drift as products, costs, and collections change daily.
- Promotions and margin changes get delayed because someone has to do the math.
- It’s difficult to explain why a SKU price changed after multiple manual edits.
Solution
How this rule updates Shopify prices based on conditions
- Define scope with filters like tags, vendor, product type, or collections.
- Apply a numeric change (fixed amount or percentage) when the condition is true.
- Preview which products will be affected before enabling the rule.
- Keep pricing logic repeatable across launches, promos, and cost changes.
STEPS
How to automatically update Shopify product prices using rules
Choose the product scope
Start with filters such as vendor, product type, tags, or an existing collection to define which products the rule monitors.
Set the qualifying condition
Define when a product should be updated (for example: tag contains “clearance”, price below a threshold, or inventory below a level).
Choose the price adjustment
Select how the price should change, such as increasing or decreasing by a fixed amount (e.g., +$5) or a percentage (e.g., −10%), based on your pricing rule.
Preview and enable the rule
Review the matched products and the resulting prices, then enable the rule so updates apply whenever products meet the condition.
USE CASES
Where this price update rule is used in real Shopify stores
Use it anywhere prices should move when products meet clear conditions.
Promotion Pricing
Decrease prices for tagged promo products, then revert by removing the tag when the campaign ends.
Slow-Mover Cleanup
Adjust prices for products in aging collections so markdowns stay consistent across the catalog.
Margin Protection
Increase prices for specific vendors or types when costs change, without re-running bulk edits weekly.
Manual price edits vs Automation Rules
Manual edits & spreadsheets
- Calculate price changes repeatedly for every update cycle.
- Apply edits to the wrong scope when filters are inconsistent.
- Miss timing when promos start, end, or extend unexpectedly.
- Lose audit clarity after multiple rounds of bulk updates.
Automation Rules (Bulk Editor)
- Define conditions once, then keep the rule running over time.
- Apply price changes only to products that match the scope.
- Update prices when the condition is met, not when someone remembers.
- Maintain clearer logic for why a SKU changed, and when.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about automatically updating Shopify product prices with rules.
What types of conditions can trigger a price update?keyboard_arrow_down
Common triggers include tags, vendor, product type, collection membership, inventory thresholds, or current price ranges. Many workflows combine multiple conditions so only the intended products change.
Can the rule increase and decrease prices?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. You can set the adjustment direction based on the rule action you choose. Many stores use separate rules for markdowns vs markups to keep ownership clear.
Is this better than exporting prices to a CSV?keyboard_arrow_down
CSV updates work for one-time changes, but they require repeated exports, formulas, and re-imports. A rule-based approach keeps pricing logic consistent without rebuilding a spreadsheet each cycle.
Can I limit the rule to a specific collection or tag?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. Scope first using filters such as a collection, tag, vendor, or product type. After the scope is defined, the condition and price action apply only within that set.
Will this change compare-at price or only the price field?keyboard_arrow_down
It depends on which field your rule targets. Some workflows update the selling price, others adjust compare-at pricing, and some manage both using separate rules to prevent confusion.
What happens if a product stops meeting the condition later?keyboard_arrow_down
Rules typically apply when the condition is met. If the condition changes, the rule will no longer match that product going forward. For “revert” workflows, stores often pair this with a complementary rule that restores the previous price logic.
Can I preview which products will be updated before enabling?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. Preview is the safest step to confirm the scope, conditions, and expected results before enabling. It helps avoid unintended changes across large catalogs.
Can I run different rules for different price tiers?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. Many stores create separate rules for different segments, such as premium products vs entry-level products. Keeping one intent per rule makes troubleshooting and future changes simpler.
How do I avoid updating prices for new launches by mistake?keyboard_arrow_down
Use scope filters to exclude launch collections or add an “exclude” tag for protected products. Preview results before enabling so you can confirm new items are not included.
Explore Shopify Bulk Editor App
See how bulk editing and automation rules work together.