How to Allow Pre Orders on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Pre-Orders
3. Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify
4. Managing Your Pre-Orders Effectively
5. Best Practices for Successful Pre-Orders
6. Integrating Tevello with Your Pre-Order Strategy
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that approximately 70% of consumers are more likely to buy a product that’s available for pre-order? This statistic showcases the immense potential pre-orders have to drive sales, enhance cash flow, and build early excitement for your products. As Shopify merchants, we are constantly on the lookout for ways to diversify our revenue streams and connect closely with our audience, and pre-orders can be a game-changer.

In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, offering pre-orders not only supports strategic inventory management but also engages customers in a meaningful way. We want to guide you through the essentials of enabling pre-orders on your Shopify store, including the benefits, procedural steps, and effective communication strategies. Our aim is to empower you to harness this feature effectively, enhancing your overall e-commerce strategy.

By the end of this blog post, you will understand how to allow pre-orders on Shopify, manage customer expectations, and create a seamless shopping experience—in addition to discovering how Tevello can help you extend your offerings as a Shopify merchant. Ready to dive in?

Understanding Pre-Orders

What Are Pre-Orders?

Pre-orders allow customers to secure a product before it's available. This method enables merchants to gather valuable insights on product demand, which aids in inventory forecasting and cash flow management. Customers interested in exciting new items can reserve their purchases, thus enhancing their connection with your brand.

Benefits of Offering Pre-Orders

1. Improved Cash Flow: By collecting payments upfront, pre-orders can boost your cash reserves, enabling you to invest in production or marketing more aggressively.
2. Gauge Demand: Pre-orders provide immediate feedback on potential interest in a new product. If your product sees high pre-order numbers, it indicates significant demand.
3. Create Buzz: Teasing items before they launch can build anticipation and excitement around your products.
4. User Convenience: Customers appreciate the option to pre-order, being able to secure items that may sell out quickly after release.

When to Use Pre-Orders

Pre-orders are particularly useful in scenarios such as:

• Launching new products with limited availability.
• Offering seasonal items before peak buying periods.
• Capitalizing on trends where rapid delivery following demand can lead to greater sales.

Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify

Setting up pre-orders on Shopify is straightforward and can be done using either built-in features or third-party apps. We, at Tevello, recommend installing a pre-order app for a more integrated option. Let’s break down the steps for both methods.

1. Using Shopify's Built-in Method

If you prefer a hands-on approach with no need for external apps, you can use Shopify’s functionality:

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Enable Selling While Out of Stock:
   • From your Shopify admin, navigate to Products.
   • Click on the product you wish to sell as a pre-order.
   • Enable the “Continue selling when out of stock” option (this allows for pre-orders of products that aren't in stock).
2. Customize Product Details:
   • Incorporate clear messaging in the product description about the pre-order conditions, including estimated shipping dates and potential shipping delays.
3. Monitor Inventory:
   • Ensure your product’s inventory settings reflect that it's available for pre-order, considering the timeline for expected restocking.

2. Using a Pre-Order App

For a more robust experience, we recommend utilizing a pre-order app from the Shopify App Store. This method can save time and enhance customer experience.

Popular Pre-Order Apps:

• Pre-Order Now
• Pre-Order Helper
• EasyOrder by NexusMedia

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Install the App:
   • Choose your preferred pre-order app from the Shopify App Store and install it.
2. Configure Pre-Order Settings:
   • Follow the app’s instructions to set pre-order parameters, such as pre-order buttons, estimated shipping times, and payment collection strategies (full, partial, or free).
3. Communicate with Customers:
   • Ensure your app’s configuration includes automated notifications and communications so that customers are informed of their pre-order status.

The Customer Checkout Experience

During the checkout process, customers should receive clear information regarding their pre-order. Most pre-order apps will display relevant details, including the expected delivery date and terms. Here’s how this should work:

• Checkout Confirmation: Customers must be aware they are purchasing a pre-order item. The checkout page should clearly indicate that the product is part of a pre-order.
• Deposit or Full Payment: If you're taking a deposit, the amount should be visible in the order summary. Let customers know when the remaining amount will be due.

Managing Your Pre-Orders Effectively

Once pre-orders are set up, managing them is crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Communicating with Customers

Clear communication regarding pre-orders is vital. Here are ways to keep your customers informed:

• Order Confirmation Emails: Send out confirmation emails including pre-order details, estimated shipping timelines, and customer support contacts.
• Regular Updates: If there are delays, notify customers as soon as possible, explaining the reasons and providing updated shipping expectations.

Handling Changes and Cancellations

As a merchant, if you foresee changes in your shipping schedule or quantities, it’s essential to have a management plan:

1. Revise Shipping Dates Promptly: If you cannot fulfill pre-orders in the promised timeframe, communicate new dates immediately.
2. Cancellation Policies: Make sure you have established, clear policies that allow customers to cancel their orders if their timelines change.
3. Customer Service: Offer support avenues for customers who may have questions or concerns about their pre-orders.

Best Practices for Successful Pre-Orders

To maximize the benefits of offering pre-orders in your Shopify store, consider the following best practices:

1. Offer Clear Expectations

Clearly outline shipping expectations on product pages and during the checkout process to avoid customer confusion. This should include notes on delays and cancelations.

2. Use Quality Product Images and Descriptions

Using high-quality images and concise descriptions will help customers feel confident about their pre-order purchase, enhancing their excitement.

3. Test Your Checkout Process

Before launching your pre-order products, run tests on your checkout process to ensure everything functions smoothly. Check that your notifications and payment processes are working seamlessly.

4. Leverage Social Media and Email Marketing

Utilize your existing channels to generate excitement around pre-orders. Email blasts and social media promotions can help reach more customers and create buzz around your product launch.

5. Encourage Customer Feedback

After fulfilling pre-orders, solicit feedback on the buying experience to understand customer satisfaction and improve future pre-orders.

Integrating Tevello with Your Pre-Order Strategy

At Tevello, we are dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams through online courses and digital communities. Our app allows you to integrate pre-orders into a more extensive suite of offerings without relying on external platforms.

By leveraging our features, you can create complete course curriculums around your products, engage customers with community features, and manage digital products all from your Shopify store.

Ready to enhance your Shopify store? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!

Conclusion

Offering pre-orders on Shopify can be a strategic advantage for merchants. By understanding how to implement this feature thoughtfully, we can not only enhance our product offerings but also foster loyalty among our customers. Clear communication and effective management are essential to ensure a smooth experience for our customers, leading to powerful returns on investment.

We invite you to implement these strategies in your Shopify store and explore how Tevello can support your e-commerce journey. Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify today and start your free trial!

FAQ

What types of products can I offer for pre-order on Shopify?

You can offer various products for pre-order, such as limited-edition items, upcoming seasonal goods, and products that are out of stock. The main criterion is that you should have a reasonable basis for estimating when they can be shipped.

Are there specific Shopify apps you recommend for setting up pre-orders?

Some popular Shopify apps for managing pre-orders include Pre-Order Now, Pre-Order Helper, and EasyOrder by NexusMedia. These apps provide more features and save time compared to manual methods.

Can I set pre-orders for items I haven’t received stock for yet?

Yes, you can set items for pre-order even if you do not have stock available yet—just ensure that you provide an estimated shipping date.

What should I communicate to customers regarding pre-orders?

It's essential to communicate expectations regarding estimated shipping times, payment details (if a deposit is collected), and cancellation policies. Clear communication will build trust and increase customer satisfaction.

How can Tevello help me in enhancing my e-commerce strategy?

Tevello provides a comprehensive suite for Shopify merchants, allowing you to create and manage online courses and digital products seamlessly alongside your pre-order strategies—all from within your Shopify store.