How to use pre-orders in Shopify to avoid lost Sales when inventory runs Low

It’s good when you sell out your product quickly. In some cases, business owners often encounter grappling with out-of-stock issues. There’s an effective solution to keep sales coming in even when your inventory runs dry: pre-orders. This method maintains momentum and customer interest, ensuring you never miss out on potential revenue.

How to set up pre-orders for out-of-stock products in Shopify

There are two straightforward ways to implement pre-orders in Shopify: using a reliable app or manually adjusting your store settings.

Method 1: Using a pre-Order app (Recommended)

We advise this method because it does not require technical knowledge.

You can go to Shopify app store and search “pre order”. There are several options that you can pick. A friendly reminder is you should check the app carefully by reading reviews, specifications, etc.

Some of highest rating apps are Timesact, Stoq. For example, with Timesact, the configuration is simple. You just need to add product to the app and go to the dashboard to activate the pre-order

The app allows users to customise the pre-order template for better user experience.

Method 2: Manual setup for Pre-Orders

In your Shopify Admin, go to Products > Inventory, and enable the option to “Continue selling when out of stock” for products available for pre-order.

Next, you should update your product title or description to explicitly indicate it’s a pre-order product. For example:

Title Example: “Blue Denim Jacket (Pre-Order)” Description Example: “PRE-ORDER: This item ships by [expected date].”

To change your button text from “Add to Cart” to “Pre-Order,” edit your theme settings or manually edit your theme code. If editing code, proceed carefully or consult a developer to avoid affecting other products unintentionally.

If you want the “Pre-Order” button only on specific products, use conditional logic in the code:

1. From your Shopify Admin, navigate to:
   • Online Store > Themes
2. Click Actions > Edit code.
3. In the left sidebar, go to the Snippets or Sections folder and find the file containing your “Add to Cart” button (often named something like product-form.liquid, product-template.liquid, or buy-buttons.liquid).

Example code to add:

{% if product.tags contains 'pre-order' %}
  <button type="submit">{{ 'Pre-Order' }}</button>
{% else %}
  <button type="submit">{{ 'Add to cart' }}</button>
{% endif %}

This snippet checks if the product has the tag pre-order and adjusts the button text accordingly.

FAQ Section

Q: What if pre-ordered items are delayed?

A: Promptly inform customers of delays via email, clearly stating the updated timelines and offering options for refunds if necessary.

Q: Can pre-orders apply to specific products only?

A: Yes, both pre-order apps and manual methods allow selection of specific products.

Q: How do pre-orders benefit my business?

A: Pre-orders maintain cash flow, reduce lost sales due to stockouts, and help you forecast demand accurately.

Conclusion

Implementing pre-orders is a smart strategy to ensure your Shopify store continues to generate revenue even during temporary stock shortages. Whether you choose an app-based solution or prefer manual methods, clear communication and careful management are essential for success.