How to Create a Pre-Order Product on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Offer Pre-Orders?
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Pre-Order Product
4. Best Practices for Pre-Order Strategies
5. Case Study: A Successful Pre-Order Campaign
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that pre-order campaigns can increase product visibility and generate excitement about upcoming releases? As e-commerce continues to flourish, Shopify merchants have a unique opportunity to leverage pre-orders to not only enhance customer engagement but also to diversify their revenue streams. At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new avenues for growth, and understanding how to create a pre-order product is a crucial step in that direction.

With the rise of the knowledge economy and the increasing demand for unique products, it’s more important than ever for merchants to connect with their audience in innovative ways. By offering pre-orders, we can provide our customers with the opportunity to secure products before they hit the shelves, fostering loyalty and anticipation.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of creating a pre-order product on Shopify. We’ll guide you through the step-by-step process, delve into the benefits of pre-orders, and discuss best practices to maximize your success. Whether you’re a seasoned merchant or just starting your Shopify journey, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to implement pre-orders effectively.

Are you ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Let’s dive into the details of creating a pre-order product!

Why Offer Pre-Orders?

Understanding the Benefits

Pre-orders can be a game-changer for e-commerce businesses. Here are some compelling reasons to consider integrating pre-order options into your Shopify store:

1. Cash Flow Management: Pre-orders allow merchants to collect revenue before the product is even available, helping to manage cash flow and fund production costs.
2. Market Validation: Offering a product for pre-order can serve as a litmus test for market demand. If customers are willing to commit to purchasing, you can gauge interest before investing heavily in production.
3. Customer Engagement: Pre-orders create excitement and anticipation among your customer base. They can also enhance customer loyalty, as buyers feel they are part of an exclusive group getting first access to new products.
4. Inventory Management: Pre-orders can help in managing inventory more effectively by providing insights into demand, allowing you to produce just enough to meet customer needs without overstocking.
5. Enhanced Marketing Opportunities: Pre-orders can be marketed as limited-time offers, creating urgency and encouraging customers to act quickly.

These benefits highlight why pre-orders are an excellent strategy for increasing revenue and engaging with customers. Now that we understand the advantages, let’s explore how to create a pre-order product on Shopify.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Pre-Order Product

Creating a pre-order product on Shopify involves several steps. Through our all-in-one solution, Tevello simplifies this process, allowing you to manage your courses, digital products, and communities effortlessly. Here’s how to create a pre-order product:

Step 1: Capture Payments Manually

To begin, we need to set up your payment method to allow for pre-orders effectively. Here’s how to do it:

1. From your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings and then click on Payments.
2. Within the Payment capture method section, click on Manage.
3. Change the setting to Manually and click Save.

By capturing payments manually, you can ensure that customers are charged only when the product is ready for delivery, allowing for a smoother transaction process.

Step 2: Allow Customers to Order Out-of-Stock Products

Next, we need to enable customers to place orders for items that are currently out of stock:

1. Click on Products in the left-hand menu to access your product page.
2. Select the product you want to allow for pre-orders.
3. On the product details page, scroll down to find the option Continue selling when out of stock.
4. Check the box to enable this feature and click Save.

This setting allows customers to place orders for products that are not currently in stock, facilitating the pre-order process.

Step 3: Create a Pre-Order Product Page Template

Since you cannot accept pre-orders on standard product pages, we need to create a separate template for pre-order products:

1. Navigate to Online Store and click on Themes.
2. Click on the Actions dropdown next to your theme and select Edit Code.
3. Under the Templates directory, click Add a new template.
4. Choose Product as the template type, select JSON type, and give it a name (e.g., pre-order).
5. Click Done.

This template will allow you to customize how your pre-order products are displayed on your store.

Step 4: Assign Products to the Pre-Order Template

Now, let’s assign your product to the newly created pre-order template:

1. Go back to Products and edit the product you want to accept pre-orders for.
2. In the Theme template option, select the pre-order template you just created.
3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Your selected product will now show as a pre-order product on the frontend of your store.

Step 5: Customize the Pre-Order Product Page

After assigning the template, you can further customize the product page to include relevant information about the pre-order:

1. Go to Online Store and click on Customize.
2. Navigate to the Product page settings.
3. Modify the pre-order message or the layout according to your preferences.

Adding a clear message about the expected availability date can enhance customer trust and transparency.

Bonus Step: Promote Your Pre-Order Products

Once your pre-order products are set up, it’s time to promote them! Utilize your social media channels, email newsletters, and your Shopify store’s homepage to create buzz. Highlight the exclusivity of pre-ordering and provide compelling visuals to attract your customers.

Best Practices for Pre-Order Strategies

To maximize the effectiveness of your pre-order campaigns, consider the following best practices:

Create Urgency

The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a powerful motivator. Consider implementing limited-time offers or exclusive bonuses for those who pre-order.

Communicate Clearly

Ensure that your customers know exactly what to expect. Provide clear information regarding shipping dates, product details, and any potential delays.

Keep Customers Informed

Regular updates about the status of their pre-orders can help build trust. Use email campaigns to notify customers about production progress and shipping timelines.

Utilize Social Proof

Share testimonials or reviews from customers who have previously pre-ordered products. This can enhance credibility and encourage new customers to place their orders.

Analyze and Iterate

After running your pre-order campaign, analyze the results. What worked well? What could be improved? Use these insights to refine your strategy for future launches.

Case Study: A Successful Pre-Order Campaign

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study to illustrate the potential of pre-orders in e-commerce.

Imagine a Shopify merchant specializing in eco-friendly home goods. They decide to launch a new line of biodegradable kitchenware and opt to offer pre-orders to gauge interest and secure initial funding for production.

1. Setting Up the Pre-Order: They follow the steps outlined above to create a pre-order product page, allowing customers to order the new kitchenware before it’s available.
2. Marketing the Product: The merchant runs an email campaign highlighting the environmental benefits of the new product line and the limited-time pre-order discount.
3. Customer Engagement: They create anticipation by sharing behind-the-scenes content about the product development process on social media, engaging their audience and encouraging them to pre-order.
4. Successful Launch: As a result, the merchant successfully collects pre-orders that cover the production costs, and upon launching the product, they have a loyal customer base ready to receive their orders.

This case study demonstrates how pre-order strategies can yield positive outcomes when executed thoughtfully.

Conclusion

Incorporating pre-orders into your Shopify store can be a transformative strategy that enhances customer engagement, manages cash flow, and validates market demand for new products. By following our step-by-step guide, you can effectively create pre-order products that resonate with your audience.

At Tevello, we’re dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience. Ready to take the plunge into the world of pre-orders? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how our all-in-one solution can help you manage your courses, digital products, and vibrant online communities seamlessly.

FAQ

What types of products are best suited for pre-orders?

Pre-orders work well for limited editions, new product launches, and items that require production time. If you believe there’s a strong demand for a product, consider offering it for pre-order.

How can I ensure timely delivery for pre-orders?

To ensure timely delivery, set realistic timelines based on your production capabilities. Communicate these timelines to your customers and keep them informed throughout the process.

Can I offer discounts for pre-orders?

Yes, many merchants incentivize pre-orders with exclusive discounts. This can encourage customers to commit early.

What should I do if there are delays in production?

If production delays occur, it’s crucial to communicate promptly with your customers. Keeping them informed builds trust and can help mitigate disappointment.

Can I manage my pre-orders through Tevello?

Absolutely! Tevello offers a robust set of features that simplify managing digital products, courses, and community engagement, making it easier for you to handle pre-orders as part of your overall e-commerce strategy.

For more insights and tools to enhance your e-commerce journey, don’t forget to explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products. Let’s transform your Shopify store together!