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

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Pre-Orders and Their Benefits
3. Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify
4. Customer Checkout Experience
5. Using Pre-Orders Strategically
6. Managing Customer Expectations
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that 69% of customers are willing to pre-order a product if they know it will be available soon? In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, diversifying revenue streams has become a crucial strategy for merchants striving for success. Whether you're a seasoned Shopify seller or just starting, you may have wondered how to take advantage of this lucrative opportunity by enabling pre-orders on your store.

Pre-orders allow customers to pay for products before they are ready to ship, creating excitement around new launches and helping you gauge demand. This capability not only boosts your cash flow but also cultivates a tight-knit community around your brand—one that is ready to pounce on new offerings as soon as they become available.

At Tevello, we understand the importance of simplifying processes to empower Shopify merchants. Our all-in-one approach integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, allowing you to manage pre-orders along with online courses, digital products, and vibrant community engagement—all in one place! In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about setting up and managing pre-orders on Shopify, while also highlighting how Tevello can facilitate this process.

Are you ready to elevate your Shopify store with pre-orders? Let’s dive into the steps, strategies, and best practices!

Understanding Pre-Orders and Their Benefits

What are Pre-Orders?

Pre-orders allow customers to reserve products that aren't currently available but will be soon. This offers a bridge between product development and customer acquisition, turning uncertainty around product availability into a positive engagement opportunity.

Benefits of Pre-Orders

1. Boost Cash Flow: By collecting payments upfront, you can enhance your cash liquidity, giving you the resources to invest in your business.
2. Gauge Demand: Pre-orders enable you to predict how much stock you will need based on customer interest, reducing the risk of overstocking or understocking.
3. Create Excitement: Leveraging pre-orders helps create a buzz around your products. Customers feel part of an exclusive community as they secure access to new launches.
4. Build Loyalty: By allowing your loyal customers to pre-order, you deepen their connection with your brand, which can lead to increased customer retention.
5. Streamlined Launches: With clear customer interest in place, you can strategize your product launch timeline better, making the process smoother and more engaging.

Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify

Step 1: Install a Pre-Order App

To set up a pre-order system, you'll need to install a dedicated pre-order app from the Shopify App Store. This functionality is not directly built into Shopify's standard features, and apps can help facilitate pre-order management and streamline customer interactions.

1. Choose an App: Search for reputable pre-order apps in the Shopify App Store. Look for features like customizable pre-order buttons, options for partial payments, and support for promotional discounts.
2. Installation: Follow the app's installation guide, integrating it into your store’s interface.
3. Configuration: After installation, navigate to the app settings to configure how your pre-orders will be displayed—whether through direct indication on the product page or as a separate section.

Step 2: Enable Pre-Orders for Specific Products

Once the app is set up, you can designate products as pre-order eligible.

1. Access the Product Page: From your Shopify Admin, go to Products and select the specific product to manage.
2. Set Purchase Options: With the pre-order app installed, you’ll see options to enable pre-orders. Choose the settings for displaying pre-order information—this may include showing estimated shipping dates, inventory statuses, or remaining stock numbers.
3. Determine Payment Options: Decide whether to collect full, partial, or no payments at the time of ordering. Partial deposits encourage commitment while relieving some upfront costs for customers.

Step 3: Communicate Clearly

Transparency is key in the pre-order process. It's vital to set clear expectations with your customers about delivery timelines and any potential changes.

• Display Shipping Information: Clearly indicate the expected shipping date or delays on the product page.
• Provide Options for Cancellation: If you're unable to ship within the promised period, resolve to communicate updated shipment dates promptly, allowing customers to cancel or obtain refunds if desired.

Step 4: Monitor and Fulfill

Once you've received pre-orders, it's crucial to keep track of your commitments.

• Inventory Management: Work with your inventory management system to ensure you can fulfill pre-orders when the product arrives. If you're using a tool like Uphance, ensure accurate communication between it and your Shopify account.
• Fulfillment Processes: Set up an effective order processing system so you can immediately fulfill pre-orders as they come in, keeping your customer's expectations in mind.

Customer Checkout Experience

The customer checkout for pre-orders requires additional considerations compared to traditional sales.

1. Pre-Order Confirmation: When customers reach the checkout, they should be prompted to acknowledge that they are purchasing a pre-order. This typically requires confirming their understanding of the timeline and shipping conditions.
2. Deposit Payment Display: If you're utilizing a prepaid system, the order summary should clearly outline the deposit amount and what remains due upon shipment.
3. Variety of Payment Methods: Be aware that certain payment methods may not be supported for pre-orders, such as Shop Pay, Apple Pay, or local payment options like Klarna.

Using Pre-Orders Strategically

Pre-orders can be a powerful tool for your e-commerce strategy. Below, we discuss ways to utilize this functionality effectively.

Engaging Community With Pre-Orders

1. Social Media Teasers: Create buzz for your pre-order products through clever marketing strategies on social media. Generate anticipation through teaser posts that share sneak peeks of what’s to come.
2. Exclusive Offers: Offer early bird discounts or giveaways for customers willing to pre-order—this can create a sense of exclusivity and foster brand loyalty.
3. Feedback Loop: Use pre-orders to solicit feedback before a full launch. Engage customers who pre-order by reaching out for insights or opinions.
4. Limited Editions: Introduce limited edition pre-order products where customers can secure unique items. This can create a fear of missing out (FOMO) and drive urgency in the buying process.

Examples of Successful Pre-Order Strategies

• Artisan Products: A Shopify merchant offering handmade crafts might provide a "Custom Order" feature, allowing customers to pre-order items tailored to their specifications, thus celebrating uniqueness and personalization.
• Health and Wellness Industry: A brand specializing in health supplements can leverage pre-orders to forecast demand for new products, such as a limited release of a new protein powder. They can create pre-launch content to educate customers about the product benefits while driving excitement.

Managing Customer Expectations

One of the foundations of successful pre-orders is managing expectations throughout the process.

1. Transparent Communication: Keep your customers informed about their order status. If there are any delays, send an update to pre-order customers immediately.
2. Engagement: After the products have been shipped, consider sending follow-up emails not only to thank customers for their patience and support but also to invite feedback about their purchasing experience. This builds trust and community.
3. Return and Cancellation Policies: Clearly outline your return and refund policies concerning pre-orders and uphold them. Transparency helps in establishing good customer relationships.

Conclusion

Unlocking the potential of pre-orders on Shopify can elevate your business to new heights, helping you enhance cash flow and customer engagement while allowing you to plan your inventory strategically. By integrating Tevello into your Shopify store, you not only gain access to pre-order capabilities but also benefit from a comprehensive platform that supports course creation, community building, and various digital product sales.

Ready to boost your Shopify store? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today; discover how our all-in-one solution can help you seamlessly integrate pre-orders, manage your courses, and engage your community directly from your Shopify store.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between a pre-order and a back order?

While pre-orders refer to products that are not yet available but will be soon, back orders are for items that are currently out of stock but were previously available and are expected to be replenished.

2. Can I set up multiple products for pre-order at the same time?

Yes, you can set up multiple products for pre-order, depending on the capabilities of the app you've chosen. Many apps will allow you to bulk manage pre-orders for efficiency.

3. What happens if I cannot meet the promised shipping date for pre-orders?

If you cannot fulfill the product by the promised date, you’re required to inform the customer and provide a revised shipping date. Furthermore, customers should be informed of their right to cancel the order or request a refund.

4. Are there any fees associated with setting up pre-orders in Shopify?

Depending on the pre-order app you use, there may be subscription fees, but these typically come with a range of functionalities designed to optimize your pre-order process.

5. How can I calculate the demand for pre-ordered products?

Utilizing pre-orders effectively allows you to analyze data such as purchase frequency, demographic information, and order history. This information can be invaluable in predicting demand for future launches.

At Tevello, we are dedicated to providing systems that make managing these complexities as seamless as possible. Explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products today!