How to Create Manual Orders on Shopify: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Manual Order Creation in Shopify?
3. Crafting a New Order from Scratch
4. Advanced Manual Order Tricks
5. Refining the Order: Discounts and Shipping
6. Overcoming Potential Hurdles
7. Leveraging Shopify Manual Orders for Business Growth
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ Section

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 70% of e-commerce transactions still involve some form of manual intervention, especially when processing unique customer requests? As business owners on Shopify, we often find ourselves navigating this space, needing to offer personalized service beyond the conventional automated checkout process. Whether it’s fulfilling a special request, invoicing a client, or simply managing sales that occur offline, mastering the art of manual order creation is essential for our success.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for personalized customer interactions, understanding how to effectively create manual orders can be a game-changer. It opens doors to additional revenue streams and helps us forge stronger connections with our audience. In this blog post, we will thoroughly explore how to create manual orders on Shopify, unraveling the step-by-step process while integrating advanced features and best practices.

By the end, we’ll ensure that you not only feel confident in handling manual orders but also understand how this capability can foster customer loyalty and drive business growth. Let’s dive in!

What is Manual Order Creation in Shopify?

Manual order creation in Shopify enables merchants to enter orders directly into their stores without relying on the customer to complete a traditional online checkout. This feature is invaluable for processing transactions that occur in various scenarios, including:

• Bespoke Customer Requests: When a client asks for tailored products or services outside of your typical offerings.
• B2B Invoicing: Catering to business clients who require specific payment arrangements.
• Offline Sales: Recording transactions that occur in-person or over the phone.

This flexibility is pivotal for enhancing customer service and ensuring we maintain control over our sales processes. Essentially, manual orders allow us to create unique shopping experiences that cater to our customers' needs while keeping everything centralized within the Shopify ecosystem.

Crafting a New Order from Scratch

Creating a manual order in Shopify is seamless and user-friendly. Here’s how we can begin:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Navigate to Orders:
   • Go to your Shopify admin panel, and click on ‘Orders’ from the sidebar.
2. Create a New Order:
   • Click the blue button labeled ‘Create Order’ to initiate the process.
3. Select Customer:
   • Choose an existing customer from your database or create a new customer profile by filling in their shipping details.
4. Add Products:
   • Utilize the search function to find and add the desired products to the order. Products can be filtered through collections, tags, or vendors.
5. Apply Discounts (if applicable):
   • Click on ‘Add Discount’ to apply any promotional offers you may want to present to the customer.
6. Finalize Payment:
   • If you intend to collect payment right away, select ‘Mark as paid’. If you’ll send an invoice later, you can skip this step.
7. Create the Order:
   • Finally, click on ‘Create Order’ to finalize the transaction.

This straightforward workflow ensures we can efficiently cater to both customers and unique sales scenarios, making manual ordering a vital skill for every Shopify merchant.

Example Use Case

Imagine a scenario where we run a handmade candle business on Shopify. A loyal customer calls in to request a customized candle set for an upcoming event. By following the steps above, we can create a manual order that not only captures their specific preferences but also allows us to apply a customer loyalty discount to thank them for their continued business.

Advanced Manual Order Tricks

As we delve deeper into manual order creation, it’s essential to explore some advanced features available in Shopify that can optimize our processes further:

1. Product Reservations

When dealing with limited stock or pre-sale items, reserving inventory for draft orders can help manage customer expectations. By using this feature, we ensure that products are allocated for specific orders, preventing any potential stock discrepancies down the line.

2. Custom Payment Terms

In some B2B situations, customers may request payment terms that extend beyond immediate payment. Shopify allows us to set these terms so that our clients have the flexibility they need while still allowing us to manage our cash flow.

3. Secure Payment Links

For enhanced security and convenience, we can share secure payment links with customers for them to complete their transactions smoothly. This feature also minimizes the risk of payment issues and makes it easier for our clients to process orders without hassle.

4. Multi-Currency and Tax Adjustments

Shopify’s multi-currency feature allows us to create draft orders in the appropriate currency based on the customer’s location. By ensuring our prices reflect local markets and applying the right taxes, we can provide a seamless and compliant purchasing experience.

Refining the Order: Discounts and Shipping

Offering discounts and managing shipping are essential components of the manual order process. Here’s a breakdown of how we can refine our orders:

Applying Discounts

Discounts can be a powerful tool to incentivize purchases. When creating manual orders, we can:

• Percentage Discounts: Provide a specific percentage off the total order value.
• Fixed Amount Discounts: Offer a flat dollar discount, ideal for clearance or promotional events.

Managing Shipping

Selecting the right shipping options during manual order creation is critical:

• Predefined Shipping Rates: Shopify allows us to select from various set shipping rates.
• Custom Shipping Conditions: We can also establish custom shipping options that better fit the customer’s needs.

By balancing the appropirate discounts and shipping strategies, we can enhance our customers' overall experience which in turn drives repeat sales.

Overcoming Potential Hurdles

Though manual orders are a straightforward process, we may encounter some challenges along the way. Here are common hurdles and solutions:

1. Products Not Visible in Storefronts

If we wish to create orders for products not yet launched to the public, we can simply manage visibility settings:

• Draft Products: By setting a product as ‘draft’ and removing all sales channels temporarily, we can create and manage the order internally without affecting the storefront.

2. Technical Issues with Draft Orders

Sometimes, we might face errors while processing draft orders. If errors occur:

• Check Inventory Levels: Ensure there are sufficient stocks for products in the order.
• Verify Customer Details: Double-check customer information and shipping requirements.

By proactively addressing these potential difficulties, we can ensure that our paper trails remain clean, and customer satisfaction thrives.

Leveraging Shopify Manual Orders for Business Growth

Mastering manual order creation isn’t just about functionality—it's about leveraging this tool to fuel business growth. Here’s how we can turn manual orders into a growth strategy:

Enhanced B2B Relationships

The flexibility that comes with manual orders is an incredible asset for businesses. By providing tailored experiences, we can strengthen our B2B relationships and foster loyalty. For instance, a wholesale buyer might have specific product quantities and pricing needs. Using manual orders allows us to cater to these demands easily.

Tailored Customer Experiences

Utilizing manual order capabilities gives us the power to create personalized shopping experiences. This commitment to customer needs fuels repeat business and enhances customer lifetime value.

Integration of Offline Sales

By successfully integrating offline sales into our Shopify system via manual orders, we can create a comprehensive view of our business performance. This integration will further assist us in making informed decisions about inventory, sales strategies, and marketing efforts.

Conclusion

Understanding how to create manual orders on Shopify is an indispensable skill that can significantly enhance our e-commerce strategy. This unique capability enables us to provide exceptional customer service, streamline B2B transactions, and integrate various sales channels while keeping everything localized within the Shopify environment.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams that enhance interactions and transactions. By embracing manual order functionality, we can redefine the customer experience and watch our sales soar.

Ready to enhance your Shopify store’s capabilities? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and experience the all-in-one course platform designed specifically for merchants like you.

FAQ Section

Q: How do I create a manual order in Shopify?
A: Navigate to your Shopify admin, click on ‘Orders’, and select ‘Create Order’. From there, you’ll add customer details, products, apply discounts, and finalize payment options.

Q: What if I need to process a return or exchange using a manual order?
A: You can create a new manual order for the replacement product while adjusting any necessary payment for the returned item.

Q: Can I apply discounts to manual orders?
A: Yes, you can easily apply percentage or fixed value discounts while setting up your manual order.

Q: How does Shopify handle taxes for manual orders?
A: Shopify automatically calculates taxes based on your store settings and the customer’s address, but you can make adjustments as necessary.

Q: Is there a way to track manual orders?
A: Absolutely! All manual orders generated through Shopify will be tracked just like regular online orders, ensuring you have complete visibility over every transaction.

By understanding and utilizing Shopify's manual order capabilities, we can position ourselves for ongoing success and customer satisfaction in our e-commerce adventures.