How to Take Pre-Orders on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Pre-Orders: Why They Matter
3. Getting Started: Requirements for Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify
4. Best Practices for Successful Pre-Orders
5. Advanced Strategies for Using Pre-Orders
6. A Case Study: Pre-Ordering for Success
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 80% of consumers are willing to pre-order products, and an exceptional 34% have actually done so? Pre-orders are swiftly becoming a crucial strategy for e-commerce businesses wanting to tap into the growing consumer culture that prizes exclusivity and immediate access to in-demand products. This trend provides merchants an excellent opportunity to generate revenue before products even hit the shelves, allowing for better cash flow management and customer engagement all in one go.

With the explosive growth of e-commerce and the rising trend of the subscription economy, knowing how to effectively set up pre-orders on Shopify can help us diversify our revenue streams and connect meaningfully with our audience. In this blog post, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty of how we can enable pre-orders in our Shopify store, leveraging the capabilities of Tevello to create an all-in-one solution for our clients.

From the types of products suitable for pre-order, necessary setup steps, to the best practices and potential pitfalls, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started. Our commitment at Tevello is to empower Shopify merchants by offering robust tools and user-friendly features to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products—all without the need for external platforms.

So, are you ready to supercharge your Shopify store and explore how to effectively take pre-orders? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Pre-Orders: Why They Matter

What Are Pre-Orders?

Pre-orders allow customers to reserve items that are not yet available for immediate shipping. By implementing a pre-order system, we enable our audience to commit to products before they officially launch, often providing benefits such as securing rare items and possibly saving money with early-bird discounts.

Benefits of Using Pre-Orders

1. Forecast Demand: Pre-orders help estimate how many units to produce or order based on actual customer interest.
2. Improved Cash Flow: Collecting payments upfront is beneficial for managing costs, especially for small businesses or emerging brands.
3. Engagement and Excitement: Creating a buzz around an upcoming product encourages customers to engage with our brand, fostering a community that keeps returning for more.
4. Flexibility in Sales Strategy: Pre-orders can also be incorporated alongside regular sales, allowing for diversified revenue streams.

As the e-commerce landscape evolves, pre-orders present a unique opportunity for us to innovate our sales approach. By offering pre-orders directly on our Shopify store, we simplify the purchasing journey for our customers while enhancing our own operational capabilities.

Getting Started: Requirements for Setting Up Pre-Orders on Shopify

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of setup, let's first look at some essential requirements and considerations for using pre-orders on Shopify.

Key Requirements

1. Pre-Order App: To manage pre-orders effectively, we must install a pre-order app from the Shopify App Store. There's a diverse range available, each providing unique functionalities tailored for different needs.
2. Reasonable Shipping Promises: It's crucial to have a solid understanding of when your product will become available. According to Shopify guidelines, we should indicate a shipping timeframe of within 30 days of purchase.
3. Checkout Restrictions: Note that customers can't utilize accelerated checkouts (like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) when placing a pre-order. This limitation requires clear communication on the product page.
4. Sales Channel Support: Pre-orders can only be displayed on specific sales channels, such as the Online Store and Custom Storefronts.
5. Inventory Management: Setting the correct inventory levels in Shopify is vital. We can enable options for “Continue selling when out of stock,” allowing customers to add products to their cart even when inventory levels drop.

Setting Up the Pre-Order App

Once we’re clear on the requirements, the next step is to set up the pre-order app in our Shopify store.

1. Install a Pre-Order App:
   • Navigate to the Shopify App Store.
   • Search for suitable pre-order apps that align with our business needs.
   • Install the selected app and follow the setup instructions.
2. Configure Pre-Order Settings:
   • In the app, we can customize settings like display text for pre-order buttons, set up deposit collection, and define shipping timelines.
   • Ensure that we review the user guide or support documentation for optimal configuration.
3. Manage Pre-Order Products:
   • Go to the Products section in the Shopify admin.
   • Select a product and navigate to the pre-order app to apply the pre-order status.
   • Provide essential information, such as expected shipping times and payment details.
4. Communicate Details Clearly:
   • To maintain transparency, we should communicate with our customers upfront about shipping timelines, potential delays, and their rights regarding cancellations or refunds.

By setting the right expectations and implementing the appropriate tools, we can create a seamless purchasing experience for our customers.

Best Practices for Successful Pre-Orders

While setting up pre-orders is crucial, how we manage and promote them is equally important. Here are several best practices that can enhance our pre-order strategy.

Clear Communication

Ensuring that our customers fully understand the pre-order process is critical. We can accomplish this by providing detailed product descriptions, clear shipping timelines, and policies for cancellations or refunds right on the product page.

Creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Generate excitement around a product launch phase. We can use social media teasers, email marketing, and even limited-time discounts to engage our audience and encourage them to reserve their items beforehand.

Offering Flexible Payment Options

One way to make pre-orders more enticing is by offering flexible payment options. Many pre-order apps allow us to capture a partial deposit at the time of purchase, which can ease the financial burden on our customers.

Customer Feedback and Engagement

After implementing pre-orders, actively seeking customer feedback will provide valuable insights into how the process is perceived. Engage our community by creating polls about future products or using email newsletters to keep customers updated about the status of their pre-orders.

Loyalty Programs

We can integrate pre-orders into our loyalty programs, allowing existing customers perks for reserving items early. Consider providing exclusive access to limited products for loyal customers as an added incentive.

Advanced Strategies for Using Pre-Orders

Once we get accustomed to the basic setup, we can explore more advanced strategies for optimizing our pre-order operations on Shopify.

Segmenting Pre-Order Products

For optimal engagement, we can segment our pre-order products. Offer different categories such as new arrivals, seasonal launches, or exclusive items. This segmentation helps customers navigate our offerings while focusing their attention on relevant categories.

Leveraging User Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage customers to share their excitement about pre-ordered products through social media. Feature their posts on our website or social media platforms, creating a community feeling and showcasing the demand for upcoming releases.

Utilizing Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving awareness about pre-orders. We can create dedicated campaigns centered around upcoming products, sharing stories about their development, or providing special insights into what goes into making them.

Inventory Management Coordination

As mentioned earlier, clear communication about shipping times is key. However, we should also ensure timely updates about inventory levels and anticipated arrival dates. Integrated inventory management systems can streamline this process, ensuring a smooth customer experience.

Analyze Pre-Order Data

Once our pre-order campaigns have been executed, analyzing their performance will provide insights that could inform future campaigns. Metrics to consider include the total number of pre-orders, conversion rates, and customer feedback.

A Case Study: Pre-Ordering for Success

Let's consider a hypothetical “Craft Supplies” Shopify merchant planning to launch a new line of eco-friendly yarn. Here’s how they could leverage pre-orders effectively:

1. Market Research: Conduct surveys prior to launch, gauging interest in the new yarn. The feedback allows them to determine the ideal colors and quantities to produce.
2. Pre-Order Setup: Utilizing Tevello, they set up a pre-order option for the yarn. They clearly state that shipping will occur within 4 weeks and offer a 10% discount for customers who pay for their orders upfront.
3. Promotions and Social Sharing: They create engaging posts across social media platforms, showing prototypes of the yarn and explaining its eco-friendly benefits. User-generated content is encouraged, with offers of gift cards for shared posts.
4. Customer Engagement: The merchant develops an email campaign, updating customers on production progress and inviting them to share their projects using the new yarn.
5. Fulfillment and Feedback: Once the products arrive, the merchant fulfills all pre-orders promptly and collects feedback from customers to refine future offerings.

By strategically planning their pre-order process, this merchant not only generates substantial upfront revenue but also builds a strong emotional connection with their customers—qualities that Tevello champions in our commitment to empowering Shopify merchants.

Conclusion

As we've explored throughout this post, taking pre-orders on Shopify offers unique advantages for e-commerce businesses. From allowing us to understand demand and enhance cash flow, to cultivating a loyal customer base eager for new products, pre-orders are not only a strategic way to boost sales but also an excellent method for fostering community engagement.

At Tevello, we are passionate about supporting Shopify merchants with tools that facilitate pre-orders, streamline community engagement, and ultimately, empower their growth. If you are ready to harness the power of pre-orders for your Shopify store, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

Together, we can unlock the full potential of your e-commerce strategy and build lasting connections with your audience.

FAQ

What types of products are best for pre-order?

Generally, products with high consumer interest, such as upcoming releases or limited editions, tend to do well with pre-orders. Additionally, items that are seasonal or trendy can drive a sense of urgency among customers, making them ideal candidates for pre-order setups.

How will customers receive their products?

Once pre-order items are available, we will ship them as per the timeline communicated during the purchase. It's critical to manage customer expectations around shipping dates to ensure trust and a good shopping experience.

Can any Shopify store use pre-orders?

Yes, any Shopify store can set up pre-orders, but it may require the use of a pre-order app and must comply with Shopify's policies regarding payment methods and shipping timelines.

Are there any additional fees associated with using pre-order apps?

Most pre-order apps on Shopify operate under a subscription model rather than charging a percentage of sales, so it’s essential to review potential fees when selecting an app.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge necessary to take full advantage of pre-orders within your Shopify store. Looking forward to seeing you thrive in your e-commerce journey!