Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Draft Orders in Shopify?
- Benefits of Using Draft Orders in Shopify
- How to Create a Draft Order in Shopify
- Converting Draft Orders to Regular Orders
- Practical Use Cases for Draft Orders
- Tips for Effectively Using Draft Orders
- Conclusion
Introduction
When we think of e-commerce, most of us envision a smooth and automated transaction process—customers browsing a store, adding products to their cart, and checking out with a few clicks. However, what happens when a customer approaches you with a unique request that doesn't fit into this streamlined process? For instance, how do we manage bulk orders, custom requests, or specific pricing agreements with businesses? This is where draft orders in Shopify become an essential asset for merchants.
Did you know that over 90% of customers prefer purchasing in their local currency? This preference underscores the significance of accommodating unique customer needs through tailored solutions—something draft orders excel at. At Tevello, we are dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants by providing an all-in-one platform that enables smooth management of such complexities straight from their store.
In this blog post, we will delve into what draft orders in Shopify are, why they are invaluable to e-commerce merchants, and how they can significantly enhance customer experience and sales efficiency. We’ll also explore practical steps for creating and converting draft orders, while underscoring how Tevello can simplify this process for you.
By the end of this piece, we hope to clarify how draft orders can become a game-changer for your Shopify business. So, are you ready to unlock the potential of draft orders and improve your e-commerce strategy? Let’s dive in!
What Are Draft Orders in Shopify?
A draft order in Shopify is a flexible tool that allows merchants to create customized orders manually. This feature enables the entry of order details tailored to specific customer requests, providing merchants with control and flexibility that regular online orders do not. Draft orders can be particularly useful for handling situations such as:
- Custom Pricing: Accommodating unique pricing arrangements for special orders.
- Complex Sales Scenarios: Managing intricate orders that may involve bundling products or offering discounts.
- B2B Transactions: Facilitating sales to businesses by allowing bulk orders or custom payment terms.
Once the merchant prepares a draft order and sends an invoice to the customer, they can complete the payment, after which the draft order gets converted into a regular order for fulfillment.
Key Features of Draft Orders
- Customization: Merchants can modify product quantities, add discounts, and include custom items not normally found in the regular catalog.
- Invoice Generation: Draft orders allow you to send invoices to customers with secure checkout links, making it easy for them to finalize their purchases later.
- Flexible Payment Options: Draft orders support varied payment terms, providing a great way to accommodate customers who may want different payment arrangements.
- Inventory Management: Draft orders help manage inventory by allowing you to reserve stock for specific customers, avoiding overselling.
In essence, draft orders facilitate a more personalized shopping experience, strengthening the relationship between merchants and their customers.
Benefits of Using Draft Orders in Shopify
Leveraging draft orders comes with numerous benefits, particularly for those aiming to streamline their sales process and serve their customers better:
1. Enhanced Customer Service
Draft orders create opportunities for personalized engagement with customers. Imagine a scenario where a customer reaches out for assistance with a custom product bundle. Instead of simply directing them to your store, you can create a draft order, customize it based on their needs, and communicate effectively to enhance their experience.
2. Streamlined Management of Complex Orders
For businesses dealing in complex orders—like multiple products, bundles, or services—draft orders simplify the process. For example, a merchant selling craft supplies can provide a special learning package, "Beginner's Knitting," which includes supplies and a digital course access, all managed through a single draft order.
3. Control Over Pricing and Discounts
Draft orders empower merchants to apply specific discounts that may not be available through standard checkout options. This flexibility can be especially appealing to wholesalers or businesses engaging in bulk transactions. For instance, if a business client requests a specific number of items at a reduced rate, you can adjust the draft order accordingly.
4. Improved Inventory Management
Draft orders allow for reserving stock for personalized orders, which can enhance inventory control. By holding items until the order is confirmed, merchants can better manage their stock levels and reduce the risk of overselling.
How to Create a Draft Order in Shopify
Creating a draft order in Shopify is straightforward and can be done easily through the Shopify admin area. Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating your first draft order:
Step 1: Access the Orders Section
- Log in to your Shopify admin.
- Navigate to the “Orders” section on the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Click on Create Order
- Select the “Create Order” button on the Orders page.
Step 3: Add Products
- Browse through your product catalog to find the items you want to include in the draft order.
- You have the option to add both existing products and custom items to the order.
Step 4: Customize the Order
- Include any necessary details such as customer information, tags, discounts, and shipping rates. This section allows you to provide a personalized touch to your draft orders.
Step 5: Save or Send Invoice
- Choose whether to send an invoice immediately via email, allowing the customer to pay online, or save the draft order for later adjustments.
Converting Draft Orders to Regular Orders
Once you’ve created a draft order, the next step is to finalize it. Here’s how:
Step 1: Select the Draft Order
Navigate back to the “Drafts” section under “Orders” in your Shopify admin panel.
Step 2: Mark as Paid or Send Invoice
- If you’ve collected payment, select “Mark as Paid.”
- If you want to allow the customer to pay later, choose the option to “Send Invoice.” This sends them an email containing a secure checkout link.
Step 3: Confirm Payment
Upon receiving the payment (whether instant or upon invoice completion), Shopify will automatically convert the draft order into a regular order, ready for fulfillment.
Practical Use Cases for Draft Orders
Draft orders can enhance various aspects of your Shopify business. Here are practical use cases that highlight their versatility:
B2B Wholesale Orders
When dealing with business clients, draft orders can facilitate complex transactions. For instance, a local restaurant might request a bulk order of ingredients at negotiated pricing. By creating a draft order, you can present the products, apply discounts, and offer terms that meet their needs, enabling seamless transactions.
Custom Orders
Consider a scenario where a customer wants a special custom gift set. Draft orders allow you to put together the specific items requested, giving you the ability to customize further, adjusting for price or including unique items not typically listed.
Pre-Orders and Deposits
For businesses that offer products on pre-order, draft orders allow you to reserve stock and take deposits. This flexibility ensures that you can secure future sales while managing inventory effectively.
Tips for Effectively Using Draft Orders
To maximize the use of draft orders, consider the following best practices:
- Communicate Clearly with Customers: When sending draft orders, ensure that you provide clear instructions about how to complete their purchase once they receive the invoice.
- Utilize Tags and Notes: This practice helps in organizing and keeping track of orders, especially when dealing with multiple draft orders at once.
- Regularly Review Draft Orders: To keep your system streamlined, periodically check and follow up with customers regarding any outstanding draft orders.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively utilizing draft orders in Shopify can significantly enhance your sales strategy and customer experience. By providing flexibility, customization, and improved management of orders, draft orders emerge as a powerful tool for e-commerce merchants.
At Tevello, we are committed to empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one solution integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, allowing you to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products while building vibrant communities. Don't hesitate to explore our features and start your journey with Tevello today!
To get started, install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify, or take a 14-day free trial of Tevello today.
FAQ
What is the difference between a draft order and a regular order? A draft order is created by the merchant in the Shopify admin for special requests, while regular orders are automatically generated when customers check out online. Draft orders can be customized to suit unique customer needs before being finalized.
How do I mark a draft order as paid on Shopify? To mark a draft order as paid, open the draft order from your admin dashboard and click the "Mark as Paid" button. Input the payment details, and the draft order will be converted into a regular order.
Can I apply discounts to draft orders? Yes, you can apply discounts when creating or editing a draft order. This can be done by adding a discount code or applying a manual discount within the draft order interface.
How do I send a draft order to a customer? To send a draft order, open it in your Shopify admin and click the "Email Invoice" button. Fill in the email message and send it to the customer for payment.
What happens if a customer fails to complete a draft order? If a customer doesn’t complete a draft order, it remains open in your Shopify admin. You can follow up with them via email or edits to reengage them with the transaction.
By choosing to leverage draft orders, you can ensure a smoother process for unique transactions, ultimately driving more sales and building customer loyalty.