Scheduling a site-wide sale on Shopify lets you plan and run promotions across your entire store without manually updating prices. With a start and end time in place, your sale launches and ends automatically.
In this post, we’ll explain how scheduled sales work and why they’re an excellent tool for store owners to simplify promotions and stay ahead of key sales moments.
Try MESA to schedule site-wide sales on your Shopify store.
Topics:
Why run site-wide sales on Shopify?
Automating your sales takes the pressure off manual updates and helps you avoid mistakes, especially if you have an extensive catalog. With this strategy, you can set exact start/end times for your promotions and let the system do the rest.
This is especially useful around busy shopping periods like Black Friday, back-to-school, or seasonal clearances. You can schedule your sales well in advance and have more time to focus on marketing or other priorities.
Using a scheduling tool like MESA adds another layer of reliability. You don’t have to worry about starting too late, running too long, or missing a key shopping window. Your sale will end as planned, creating a better customer experience.
Try this template, which schedules and then resets your sale:
MESA Template ID
schedule-shopify-site-wide-sale
Step-by-step: How to schedule product sales
Time needed: 5 minutes
This workflow will automate scheduling a site-wide sale for all products in a Shopify store.
Schedule a sale
Use the built-in Schedule tool to trigger the site-wide sale at a specified date and time.
Discount amount
This custom code step calculates the discount to apply to each product variant using custom code. Click Edit code, then paste the following snippet:
/** * Discount amount */
const Mesa = require('vendor/Mesa.js');
module.exports = new class {
script = (payload, context) => { const vars = context.steps;
let discountAmount = context.automation.outputs[0].metadata.discount_amount;
// We're done, call the next step! Mesa.output.next({ "discount_amount": discountAmount }); } }
Get list of products
Retrieves all products from your Shopify store to prepare them for the price update.
Loop over products
The Loop iterates through each product returned from the previous step.
Loop over variants
Next, use another Loop to iterate through each product’s variants. This ensures that all product variants are considered for sale.
Check if the “Compare At Price” exists
The built-in Filter checks whether the variant has an existing compare-at price or if it equals 0.
Update product variant
Next, update the variant’s price using the calculated discount, and change the original price as the compare-at price.
Turn workflow “On”
Be sure to save the workflow and turn it “On” when ready.
Step-by-step: How to reset the sale prices
Time needed: 5 minutes
Make a second workflow to reset the site-wide sale from the previous workflow.
1. Schedule the workflow
The built-in Schedule tool triggers at a set date and time to begin resetting all product prices.
2. Get list of products
Fetches all products from your Shopify store for processing.
3. Loop over products
Iterates over each product retrieved from the Shopify store.
4. Loop over variants
Loops through every variant within each product.
5. Check if the “Compare At Price” is empty
Checks if a variant has a compare_at_price value set, indicating it was previously discounted.
6. Clear “Compare At Price” for reset
Uses a script to return an empty value to clear the compare_at_price field.
7. Update product variant
Restores the original price from compare_at_price and clears the compare-at price to end the promotion.
8. Turn workflow “On”
Be sure to save the workflow and turn it “On” when ready.
To get started quickly with both workflows, use this template. It will add both workflow and guide to personalize both:
MESA Template ID
schedule-shopify-site-wide-sale
Types of site-wide sales on Shopify
Shopify gives you the tools to run storewide promotions tailored to your goals. Whether clearing out stock or planning a big campaign, these sales types help you drive action and deliver clear value to customers.
Percentage-based markdowns
Apply a uniform discount of 15% or 25% across your entire catalog. It’s simple, effective, and easy for customers to understand.
Fixed dollar discounts
Offer a flat amount off all items or orders over a set threshold. This works well for higher-priced products and encourages larger carts.
Flash sales
Run time-limited deals that last a few hours or a single day. These sales create momentum and are great for quick boosts or notable launches.
Seasonal sales
Tie promotions to calendar moments like end-of-season events or holiday weekends. Planning lets you align your marketing and inventory strategy.
Clearance sales
Discount aging or excess inventory to make room for new products. A full-store clearance can drive quick sell-through and keep your product mix fresh.
Tips for running site-wide sales on Shopify
A good promotion isn’t just about discounts; it’s about timing, planning, and execution. These tips will help you run site-wide sales that deliver real results without added stress.
Plan ahead
Mark your calendar for product launches, inventory cycles, or customer milestones. Planning gives you time to prep your store, align your marketing, and manage traffic.
Pick your discount amount
Use past campaign data and product performance to guide your offer. Small discounts move popular items, deeper cuts clear overstock. Match your strategy to margin and demand.
Test your automation
Before you launch, run a test to make sure sale pricing is triggering correctly across your store. Check product pages, carts, and reports to ensure everything shows the promotion.
Tell your customers
Promote your sale through email, site banners, and social channels. Be clear on timing and what’s included so customers are ready when the sale goes live.
Frequently asked questions
Can I schedule multiple site-wide sales in advance?
You can use automation tools like MESA to schedule multiple sales campaigns with different start and end times.
How do I choose the right discount amount for my site-wide sale?
Consider factors like profit margins, customer expectations, and competitor pricing when selecting a discount amount.
Can I exclude certain products from a site-wide sale?
Yes, most automation tools allow you to specify which products or collections should be included or excluded from a site-wide sale.
What you should do now
Whenever you’re ready…here are 4 ways MESA can help you get more done:
Sign up for MESA. The best way to get started is sign up for MESA today. Every plan includes the first 7-days free so you can be assured your workflow is running properly.
Browse pre-made templates. Our customizable workflow templates are a great way to get started more quickly.
Talk to our automation experts. If you need help personalizing any workflow template, guidance how to make any automation or, simply want us to make your workflow, we can help.
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