Understanding Draft Orders on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Draft Order on Shopify?
3. Benefits of Using Draft Orders
4. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Draft Order in Shopify
5. Best Practices for Using Draft Orders
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that 92% of customers prefer to make purchases in their local currency? In today's rapidly changing e-commerce world, the ability to customize transactions can significantly impact customer satisfaction and retention. As Shopify merchants, we continuously seek ways to enhance our offerings and provide a seamless experience to our customers. But what happens when a customer requests a special order that deviates from what we typically offer in our online store? This is where understanding draft orders on Shopify becomes essential.

A draft order serves as a flexible tool for creating, managing, and finalizing orders manually within Shopify's admin interface. This feature is not just a supplementary function; it can be a game-changer for our e-commerce strategy, enabling us to handle special requests, manage wholesale orders, or personalize our customer's shopping journey. In this blog post, we'll explore what draft orders are, their benefits, how to create them, and best practices to maximize their potential, all while integrating Tevello's mission of empowering merchants.

So, how equipped is your Shopify store to handle unique order requests? Let’s dive deep into the valuable aspects of draft orders!

What is a Draft Order on Shopify?

A draft order on Shopify is essentially a customizable order that we, as merchants, create on behalf of our customers directly within the Shopify admin. Unlike regular orders generated from customer-checkout processes, draft orders give us greater control over the specifics of each sale, making them ideal for various scenarios such as phone orders, custom pricing, bulk purchases, or special requests.

When we create a draft order, it allows for the following:

• Full customization of product details, including quantities and prices.
• The ability to apply discounts that may not be readily available through our online store.
• Reserve stock for specific customers, thus managing inventory more effectively.
• Send invoices directly to customers for seamless payment processing.

Draft orders unlock a significant level of flexibility and personalization, enabling us to meet specific customer needs while enhancing our service.

Benefits of Using Draft Orders

Leveraging draft orders provides us with several key benefits:

1. Customization and Flexibility

Draft orders allow us to create tailored orders that perfectly align with customer expectations. Whether it's a custom bundle, unique item, or special pricing, we can manually input everything, ensuring that the order meets all specifications. This level of personalization can enhance the customer experience and encourage repeat business.

2. Enhanced Customer Service

Draft orders enable us to engage more closely with our customers, offering specialized attention to their needs. We can create orders based on direct interactions, solicit feedback, and even make adjustments based on customer requests, which can foster stronger relationships.

3. Streamlined Management of Complex Sales

They simplify the handling of complex sales scenarios, such as wholesale orders or custom requests. By making it easier to track intricate order details, we can reduce human errors and improve overall workflow.

4. Improved Inventory Control

Draft orders allow us to reserve inventory for specific requests before they are finalized. This helps prevent overselling and ensures we manage stock levels effectively.

5. Flexible Payment Options

By enabling customers to complete payments later or through customized terms, we can facilitate more business opportunities. This flexibility can also make customers more willing to finalize purchases.

6. Increased Conversion Rates

A well-structured draft order can significantly improve our conversion rates. By sending direct invoices tailored to customer needs, we can spark interest and complete the sale process more efficiently.

Now that we've established the benefits, let’s take a closer look at how to create a draft order on Shopify!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Draft Order in Shopify

Creating a draft order is straightforward, and we can do it either through the Shopify admin on our computer or via the Shopify mobile app. Here’s how:

Creating a Draft Order on Your Computer

Step 1: Access the Orders Section

• Log into your Shopify admin.
• Click on the Orders tab on the left-hand navigation panel.

Step 2: Create a New Order

• Select Drafts from the orders menu.
• Click the Create Order button located on the right side of the screen.

Step 3: Add Products

• A new window will open, allowing us to search for products in our inventory.
• Add the selected products to the order or create a new line item for custom products not listed in our inventory.

Step 4: Customize the Order Here we can tailor the draft order further:

• Add Customer Information: Click Browse Customers to select an existing customer or fill in new customer details.
• Apply Discounts: Apply any discounts needed either by entering a discount code or using automatic promotions.
• Adjust Shipping and Taxes: Define the shipping rates and whether taxes should be applied.

Step 5: Save or Send Invoice At this stage, we have two options:

• Save Draft Order: Click Save draft order if we plan to revisit later.
• Email Invoice: If we want the customer to complete their payment, click Send Invoice.

Step 6: Mark as Paid If payment is completed, we can convert the draft order into a final order by clicking Mark as Paid or simply using the Create Order button once we receive payment.

Creating a Draft Order on Mobile

Creating a draft order using the Shopify mobile app follows similar steps:

Step 1: Open the Orders tab on the app. Step 2: Click the "+" button to create an order. Step 3: Add products by tapping "Add Products." Step 4: Customize the order similarly, as described above. Step 5: Save or send the invoice for customer payment.

Best Practices for Using Draft Orders

1. Regularly Update Draft Orders to Ensure Accuracy: Ensure that any product information, pricing, or shipping costs are current and accurately reflect what the customer has agreed to.
2. Incorporate Customer Feedback: Encourage customers to provide feedback during the order process to ensure their needs are met, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Utilize Email Invoicing: Make use of the invoice feature to remind customers of their unpaid draft orders. This can significantly reduce the chances of abandoned orders.
4. Train Staff Appropriately: Ensure that everyone on the team understands how to utilize draft orders effectively, particularly in high-pressure situations or busy seasons. This can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions.
5. Leverage Analytics: Track the performance of draft orders using analytical tools. Monitoring order completion rates and customer interactions can provide insights into potential areas for improvement.

At Tevello, we align our mission with these best practices, ensuring Shopify merchants have the tools necessary to enhance their businesses while providing users with meaningful learning experiences.

Conclusion

Draft orders on Shopify inspire a level of flexibility and customer engagement that standard order processes cannot replicate. By understanding and properly utilizing this feature, we can significantly enhance the customer experience and streamline our sales efforts.

As merchants, we have the opportunity not only to meet customer demands but to exceed them, creating a personal touch that can lead to lasting relationships. Ready to explore how to integrate an all-in-one solution into your Shopify store?

Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how we can empower your journey in creating and managing online courses, digital products, and vibrant communities directly within your Shopify store.

FAQ

What is the difference between a draft order and a regular order? A draft order is a manually created order that allows for customization before it is finalized, making it ideal for handling special requests or complex sales scenarios. Unlike regular orders, which are automatically generated when a customer completes checkout, draft orders can be edited to adjust products, quantities, discounts, and other details.

How do I mark a draft order as paid on Shopify? Open the draft order from your admin dashboard. Click the "Mark as Paid" button in the order details section. Input the payment details, including the payment method and any other remarks to confirm.

Can I apply discounts to draft orders? Yes, discounts can be applied to draft orders. We can add a discount code or manually apply a discount directly during the draft order creation or editing process.

How do I send an invoice for a draft order? Open the draft order in your Shopify admin, click the "Email Invoice" button, customize the message, and ensure the customer's email address is correct. After that, send the email.

What happens if a customer fails to complete a draft order? If a customer doesn’t complete a draft order, it remains an open draft in your Shopify admin. You may email the consumer to remind them to finish the transaction. Draft orders can also be edited, resent, or canceled if necessary.

By implementing these strategies, we can add considerable value to our Shopify stores, tap into new revenue streams, and foster more significant community engagement. Let’s take our merchant journey to the next level with Tevello!

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