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

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Pre-Orders: What Are They and Why Use Them?
3. How to Set Up Pre-Orders on Shopify
4. Best Practices for Managing Pre-Orders
5. Leveraging Tevello for Course Creation and Community Building
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 70% of consumers are willing to wait for a product they want, especially if it means securing a unique or highly anticipated item? As e-commerce continues to evolve, merchants are increasingly turning to innovative strategies like pre-orders to meet customer demands and enhance their revenue streams. If you're a Shopify merchant contemplating how to make a product pre-order on Shopify, you’re not alone. Many of us are seeking ways to diversify our offerings and engage customers in new ways.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essentials of setting up pre-orders on Shopify, exploring why this approach is valuable for both merchants and customers. We'll examine the mechanics of pre-orders, discuss various strategies and best practices, and highlight how Tevello’s all-in-one platform can streamline the process. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand how to set up pre-orders but also how to leverage them to enhance your Shopify store's potential.

Let’s engage with the possibilities that pre-orders can offer to our online business. Are you currently using pre-orders in your store? If not, this could be an exciting opportunity to expand your product offerings and improve customer satisfaction. Through Tevello, we can help you manage these features seamlessly, allowing you to focus on what matters most: connecting with your customers.

Understanding Pre-Orders: What Are They and Why Use Them?

What Are Pre-Orders?

A pre-order is an arrangement where customers can purchase a product before it is available for delivery. This can apply to various products—be it digital goods, apparel, or any merchandise that has a planned release date. Essentially, pre-orders allow customers to secure their items ahead of time, ensuring they receive them as soon as they are available.

Why Consider Pre-Orders?

The rationale behind implementing pre-orders in your Shopify store can be compelling:

1. Gauge Customer Demand: Pre-orders allow us to test market interest before committing to large production runs. By analyzing pre-order data, we can make informed decisions about inventory.
2. Improve Cash Flow: Collecting payments upfront can significantly enhance cash flow, providing us with the necessary funds to invest in production or marketing.
3. Increase Customer Satisfaction: Allowing customers to pre-order ensures they do not miss out on their desired items, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Build Anticipation: Pre-orders can create excitement and buzz around new products, encouraging customers to share their enthusiasm on social media and in their networks.
5. Reduce Inventory Risk: By only producing what has been pre-ordered, we minimize the risk of overproduction and excess inventory.

With these advantages, it’s clear that pre-orders can be a powerful tool in our e-commerce arsenal.

How to Set Up Pre-Orders on Shopify

Setting up pre-orders on Shopify can be done in several ways. We can either use Shopify’s built-in features or leverage third-party apps for a more streamlined experience. Below, we’ll explore both options in detail.

Option 1: Using Shopify's Built-In Features

Shopify provides merchants with a basic method to enable pre-orders without the need for additional apps. Here’s how we can do it:

1. Enable 'Continue Selling When Out of Stock':
   • Go to your Shopify Admin and navigate to Products.
   • Select the product you wish to offer as a pre-order.
   • Under the Inventory section, enable the option labeled Continue selling when out of stock. This allows customers to purchase products even if they are not currently in stock.
2. Set Inventory Quantity:
   • To indicate that the product is available for pre-order, set the inventory quantity to zero (0). Alternatively, you can leave the inventory field blank if you prefer.
3. Create a Pre-Order Message:
   • It’s crucial to inform customers that they are purchasing a pre-order item. Customize the product description to include details about the expected delivery date and any other relevant information.
4. Communicate Clearly:
   • Ensure that your product page clearly communicates the terms of the pre-order, including estimated shipping dates and any potential delays. Transparency is key to maintaining customer trust.

Option 2: Using Third-Party Apps

While the built-in method is effective for simple setups, using a third-party app can provide additional features and streamline the management of pre-orders. Here are some popular apps we can consider:

1. Pre-Order Hero:
   • This app allows us to create customizable pre-order buttons, manage inventory, and automate notifications to customers regarding their orders.
2. Pre-Order Now:
   • A user-friendly tool that enables us to set up pre-orders quickly, with customizable messaging and flexible payment options.
3. EasyOrder by NexusMedia:
   • This app offers advanced features like automated email notifications and detailed reporting, making it easier for us to track pre-order sales.

Each of these apps comes with varying pricing models, so we should evaluate them based on our specific needs and budget.

Best Practices for Managing Pre-Orders

Once we’ve set up pre-orders, it’s important to manage them effectively to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Here are some best practices to consider:

Communicate Clearly and Frequently

Regular communication with customers about their pre-order status can significantly enhance their experience. Consider sending updates on production timelines, shipping dates, and any changes that may occur. This proactive approach helps build trust and reduces customer anxiety.

Set Realistic Delivery Dates

When offering pre-orders, it’s essential to provide accurate estimates for when customers can expect their items. Setting unrealistic delivery dates can lead to frustration and disappointment. If delays occur, communicate them promptly.

Monitor Inventory and Demand

Keeping a close eye on inventory levels and customer demand is crucial. If a product is performing exceptionally well in pre-orders, we may want to consider increasing our production run or exploring additional inventory options.

Offer Incentives for Pre-Orders

To encourage pre-orders, consider offering exclusive incentives such as discounts, early access to future products, or bundled deals. These incentives can make pre-ordering more attractive to customers.

Create a Dedicated Pre-Order Page

For a more organized approach, we can create a dedicated section on our Shopify store for pre-order products. This page can showcase all available pre-orders and their expected release dates, making it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.

Leveraging Tevello for Course Creation and Community Building

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants by providing tools that enable them to create and sell online courses and digital products. As we explore the concept of pre-orders, it’s also essential to consider how this strategy can be integrated into our broader business model.

Offering Online Courses as Pre-Orders

Imagine we are a merchant selling craft supplies. We can leverage pre-orders not only for physical products but also for online courses. For instance, we could offer a “Beginner's Knitting” course as a pre-order item. By gauging interest through pre-orders, we confirm demand before launching the course, ensuring we invest our resources wisely.

Building a Community around Pre-Orders

Pre-orders can also serve as a catalyst for community engagement. By encouraging customers to join a mailing list or social media group when they place a pre-order, we can foster a sense of belonging and excitement around upcoming products. Tevello’s community features allow us to build vibrant online communities directly within our Shopify store, enhancing customer interaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored throughout this blog post, setting up pre-orders on Shopify presents a unique opportunity for us to engage with customers, boost cash flow, and mitigate inventory risks. Whether we choose to use Shopify’s built-in features or leverage third-party apps, the key lies in clear communication and effective management of the pre-order process.

At Tevello, we are committed to helping Shopify merchants unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audiences. Our all-in-one solution simplifies the process of creating and managing online courses, digital products, and engaging communities directly within your Shopify store.

Ready to take the next step? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and explore how our features can enhance your e-commerce strategy.

FAQ

1. Can I offer pre-orders for both physical and digital products?

Yes, you can offer pre-orders for both types of products. It’s important to clearly communicate the delivery timelines for each to avoid customer confusion.

2. What if I don't want to use an app for pre-orders?

You can use Shopify's built-in features to manage pre-orders without an app. Simply enable the "Continue selling when out of stock" option and provide clear information about the pre-order terms.

3. How do I handle customer inquiries about pre-orders?

Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide updates on their order status to ensure they feel valued and informed.

4. Can I offer discounts for pre-orders?

Absolutely! Offering discounts or exclusive deals for pre-orders can incentivize customers to secure their purchases ahead of time.

5. How can Tevello assist me with pre-orders?

Tevello offers an all-in-one solution that allows you to create and manage not only pre-orders but also online courses and digital products, helping you enhance customer engagement and streamline your operations.

By following these insights and utilizing Tevello’s powerful features, we can create a more engaging shopping experience for our customers and drive our business forward.