How to Add a Pre-Order Button on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Pre-Orders in E-Commerce
3. Setting Up Pre-Order on Shopify
4. Best Pre-Order Apps for Shopify
5. Requirements and Restrictions for Pre-Orders on Shopify
6. Building Stronger Connections Through Pre-Orders
7. Conclusion

Introduction

As online entrepreneurs, we are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where creativity and technology converge, especially in the booming creator economy. A staggering 64% of consumers claim they are more likely to buy products that allow pre-orders. It raises an important question for us as Shopify merchants: how can we leverage this trend to diversify our revenue streams while fostering deeper connections with our customers?

This blog post is dedicated to this very topic—understanding how to effectively add a pre-order button to your Shopify store. Pre-ordering not only helps manage demand and improves cash flow but also cultivates excitement around launches. With the rise of digital products, courses, and the need for dynamic sales strategies, learning to incorporate a pre-order feature into our e-commerce strategy is more relevant than ever.

Here, we will guide you through the steps to integrate a pre-order button, discuss the various methods available, and address crucial requirements and restrictions to keep in mind. We’ll emphasize Tevello's all-in-one solution that enables us to seamlessly create courses, manage digital products, and build online communities within our Shopify store, allowing us to harness pre-orders as a powerful tool. So let’s dive in and explore how we can enrich our Shopify store with this valuable functionality.

Understanding Pre-Orders in E-Commerce

Before diving into the technicalities of adding a pre-order button, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of pre-orders. Pre-orders allow customers to purchase products that aren't physically available yet—whether it’s due to low inventory or a product that’s not yet launched. This method increases customer engagement, helps forecast demand, and can even provide upfront revenue before the product is released.

Pre-orders can also create anticipation around new product launches. For example, a Shopify merchant that sells beauty products can leverage pre-orders for a new line of skincare products, allowing customers to secure their items ahead of time while building excitement on social media.

Benefits of Pre-Orders

1. Cash Flow Enhancement: Pre-orders allow for the collection of payments before the actual launch, which can be crucial for funding production costs or managing inventory effectively.
2. Demand Forecasting: By tracking pre-orders, we gain insights into customer interest for new products, allowing us to tailor future offerings accordingly.
3. Customer Engagement: By offering the chance to pre-order, we maintain ongoing dialogue with our audiences, engage them in the development of products, and create a loyal following eager for future launches.
4. Marketing Opportunities: Incorporating pre-orders into marketing strategies can build anticipation and excitement for new products, such as through countdowns and promotional emails.

Setting Up Pre-Order on Shopify

Adding a pre-order button to our Shopify store can be accomplished through various methods: using a pre-order app, coding a custom solution, or leveraging Shopify's pre-order APIs. Let’s explore each method in detail.

Method 1: Using a Shopify Pre-Order App

This is the simplest and most recommended method for many Shopify merchants, as it requires no coding knowledge and provides various features.

Step 1: Select a Pre-Order App

Start by heading to the Shopify App Store and searching for “pre-order” to see a plethora of available apps. Depending on our specific needs and budget, we can find many options. For instance, PreOrder Now PreSale - Kaktus is a high-rated application that allows easy integration and comprehensive functionality.

Step 2: Install the App

Once we’ve chosen an app, click on the "Install" button. Review the permissions required by the app and finalize the installation.

Step 3: Enable the App in Your Current Theme

After installing the app, we will often be directed to its welcome page. Follow the app's configuration instructions to enable it within our current theme settings. This process typically involves allowing the app to modify our product pages.

Step 4: Create Pre-Order Products

With the app enabled, we can now start creating pre-order products:

• Navigate to the relevant section within the app and click “Create Pre Order.”
• Choose the product we want to offer as pre-order.
• Set the stock management conditions and policy, including specific shipping dates and inventory policies.

Step 5: Customize Your Product Page

Customizing the call-to-action button (CTA) is vital for drawing attention to our pre-order offerings. A distinctive button color or design will help the pre-order option stand out on the product page. Additionally, we should craft compelling product descriptions to entice our customers to make a purchase.

Pro Tip: Successful pre-order listings often highlight urgency with phrases like "Limited Availability" or "Get Yours Before They're Gone!"

Method 2: Adding Pre-Order Without an App

For those familiar with coding, setting up a pre-order button without an app can also be an option.

Step 1: Create a New Product Page Template

In our Shopify admin, we’ll head to Online Store > Themes and locate our current theme. Click on “Edit code,” then “Add a new template.” Here, we can set up a new product template specifically for pre-orders.

Step 2: Edit the Code for the Pre-Order Template

In the new template, we would need to insert specific HTML and Liquid code to handle the pre-order functions, including payment options and messages for customers. Remember, proficiency in coding is required.

Step 3: Set the New Template for Pre-Order Products

Once we’ve created and tested the new template, we can assign it to relevant products.

Step 4: Provide Clear Product Details

Be transparent in product descriptions regarding shipping dates and any conditions related to the pre-order.

Method 3: Utilizing Shopify's Pre-Order APIs

For those looking to develop a bespoke solution, we can also create our customized pre-order experience using Shopify's Pre-Order APIs. This method is ideal for developers aiming to control the entire process, but requires technical expertise.

For Developers: If you're keen to explore this option, our Pre-order API Documentation will provide valuable guidance.

Best Pre-Order Apps for Shopify

Now that we understand how to add a pre-order button, let’s take a look at some of the most effective pre-order apps available for Shopify that can enrich our store’s functionality.

1. PreOrder Now PreSale - Kaktus

This free app is user-friendly and boasts features such as:

• "Pre-Order" buttons for out-of-stock products
• Analytics for tracking revenue and average order values
• Customizable templates that align with our branding

2. Vertex: Preorder, Wishlist

Vertex allows us to:

• Set pre-order limits and countdowns for upcoming products
• Create wishlists, enhancing customer engagement
• Offer multi-language support

3. Pre-Order & Restock | Timesact

This app helps us:

• Collect partial payments and offer discounts
• Automate inventory-based rules
• Set countdown timers for new product launches

Requirements and Restrictions for Pre-Orders on Shopify

Before we fully embrace the pre-order feature, it's crucial to understand the requirements and restrictions put forth by Shopify:

1. Shipping Timeline: You must have reasonable determination to guarantee a product can be shipped within a specified timeframe.
2. Reasonable Assurance: If no shipping date is presented, we should have strong confidence that products can be shipped within 30 days of purchase.
3. Commitment to Customers: In cases where we are unable to deliver as promised, we must inform customers of revised shipping dates and their rights regarding cancellations and refunds.
4. Checkout Limitations: Certain payment options (Shop Pay, Apple Pay, etc.) may not work for pre-orders. It is essential we communicate these restrictions to customers clearly.

Building Stronger Connections Through Pre-Orders

As we integrate pre-orders into our Shopify store, we open avenues not just for sales, but for building relationships with our customers. This anticipation can translate into stronger loyalty, making it essential to invest time into how we present these pre-order options.

By utilizing platforms like Tevello, we can create immersive experiences that extend beyond mere transactions. Our focus on community engagement and customer interaction can drastically transform our stores into vibrant ecosystems where customers feel valued and invested.

Cultivating Community Around Pre-Orders

Encouraging customers to engage with us about pre-ordered products can help build a community. For instance, social media campaigns, email newsletters, and in-store events promoting a new product launch can be heightened through interaction around our pre-orders. Additionally, these strategies keep us directly in touch with consumer sentiment.

Measuring Success and Adjusting Strategies

As pre-orders are implemented, tracking their performance becomes critical. Analytics from our pre-order app can inform us which products are gaining traction, guiding future inventory and production decisions. Constantly revisiting our strategies will lead to an evolved understanding of our customer base.

Conclusion

Learning how to add a pre-order button on Shopify is a powerful skill that can elevate our business strategy. By integrating pre-orders, we not only enhance our cash flow and forecasting abilities but also engage deeply with our audience. Tevello stands as a comprehensive solution for Shopify merchants, allowing us to centralize course creation, digital sales, and community building all from one platform.

To take the first step to unlock the full potential of our Shopify store, there’s no better time than now. Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today to begin integrating these powerful features seamlessly into our e-commerce strategy. Together, let’s transform our online presence, create amazing customer experiences, and sustainably grow our businesses.

FAQ

1. What is a pre-order? A pre-order is a sales model that allows customers to order products before they are available for shipping. This strategy helps businesses gauge interest and manage inventory better.

2. Can I offers pre-orders for digital products? Yes, pre-orders can also be used for digital products, allowing users to pay before access is granted, which can fund further development.

3. Are there any fees associated with pre-order apps? Many pre-order apps offer free versions with basic features, but advanced functionalities may come with monthly fees. It’s important to assess our needs before choosing an app.

4. How do I inform my customers about pre-orders? Transparent communication is essential. Clearly state shipping timelines, cancellation rights, and any payment restrictions in product descriptions and promotional materials.

5. What are the risks of using pre-orders? The main risks involve potential fulfillment delays or customer dissatisfaction if products aren't delivered within the promised timeframe. Managing expectations and clear communication can mitigate these risks.

With these insights, we are well-equipped to navigate the world of pre-orders, set the stage for successful product launches, and ultimately drive growth for our Shopify stores. Let’s make this venture a reality today!