Setup
- Enable 'continue selling out of stock' on variants
- Product page copy: 'PREORDER — Ships {date}'
- Confirmation email: reinforce ship date
Deposit vs full charge
Full charge (default) — Shopify Payments processes at order. Deposit — via preorder app (Preorder Now, Kaktus). Balance charged at ship.
Communicate launch delay
Delays happen. Email customer within 48 hours of confirmed delay. Offer refund + apology + small credit. Reduces churn.
Apps
Preorder Now: full feature preorder + deposit. Kaktus: budget option. Native + custom copy: works for simple preorder.
Frequently asked questions
How to set up preorder on Shopify?
Enable 'continue selling out of stock' + product page copy for ship date + preorder app for deposits.
Preorder deposit or full charge?
Full charge (Shopify Payments default) unless preorder is long (6+ weeks). Then deposit.
Best preorder app for Shopify?
Preorder Now (full-featured), Kaktus Preorder (budget), Ordersify.
How to communicate preorder ship date?
Product page + confirmation email + order status page. Restate frequently.
What if preorder delays?
Email customer within 48 hours. Refund + apology + credit reduces churn.
Preorder vs backorder?
Preorder: planned launch. Backorder: oversold, unplanned.
Preorder inventory tracking?
Set variant to 'continue selling'. Sales count separately from physical stock.
Cancel preorder — refund policy?
Refund any time before shipment. Reduces friction, increases signup.
Related reading
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