Tips to Get PreOders on Shopify in the Right Way

Are you an eager entrepreneur looking to boost your Shopify store's success through preorders? Well, you're in the right place! Preorders can be a game-changer for your business, generating excitement, building anticipation, and ensuring steady sales before your product even hits the shelves.

In this blog, Fordeer prefers to introduce you to the key strategies to get preorders on Shopify in the right way, ensuring a seamless and profitable launch for your brand.

Understanding pre-orders on Shopify

What  pre-orders is

Pre-ordering means getting your hands on a product before it's officially available on the shelves. Pre-order products are items that are either out of stock, still in the production pipeline, or just not on the shelves yet. When you pre-order, you're basically securing your spot to receive these products as soon as they hit the market.

This trend of pre-ordering has been all the rage recently, embraced by both small and big brands alike. Take Apple, for instance. Before unveiling the newest iPhone, they roll out the red carpet for early birds, letting them pre-order the latest gadget before it officially hits the stores.

But guess what? You don't need to be as colossal as Apple to jump on the pre-ordering bandwagon. In fact, it can be a game-changer for your Shopify store, giving your sales and revenue a significant boost.

Now that you're in the loop about pre-orders, you might be wondering if it's worth the effort for your Shopify website. Let's dive into some reasons why implementing pre-ordering on your Shopify site is not just worth the trouble but a smart move for your business.

Benefits of pre-order marketing

Generate early revenue

Pre-orders allow you to generate revenue before your product is officially launched or available for fulfillment. This upfront cash flow can be invaluable for covering production costs and other expenses.

Generate anticipation and hype with shoppers

Ever wondered how those blockbuster movies in Hollywood make a ton of money at the box office within weeks of release? It's easy! The brilliant minds behind these movies have perfected the use of movie trailers to build excitement.

By the time these movies hit theaters, people were already queuing up, eager to catch a glimpse. E-commerce pre-ordering works in a similar way. Getting shoppers excited about your products, even before they're ready to ship, is like teasing them with a sneak peek. It adds a dash of excitement and anticipation to the shopping experience.

More sales

Successful pre-order campaigns often translate into strong day-one sales when the product is officially launched. This positive momentum can attract additional customers, who may be more inclined to purchase when they see the initial popularity of the product.

When you let your awesome customers pay for products that are still in the wings, not only are you giving them a taste of what's to come, but you're also ringing in more sales for your business. It's like turning anticipation into a win-win for everyone.

Test product demand

Pre-orders aren't just great for selling items that are temporarily out of stock; they can also be a game-changer for products still in the development stage. This approach is super helpful when you're making a test to see how consumers will respond to your new product.

It's a smart move that prevents you from investing time and money into creating something that people might not be interested in. In essence, it's a way to avoid unnecessary headaches and keep your capital free from what truly matters.

Pre-order is like having a bunch of fans eagerly waiting for the grand reveal. These early orders are like little hints from your audience, giving you a hint into just how much they love what you've got in store. So, not only are pre-orders a fantastic way to build hype, but they're also like a crystal ball, showing you the potential success of your product.

Customer engagement

With pre-orders, you can get your customers engaged and excited from the very start. This awesome strategy lets you chat directly with your audience and hear their thoughts. It's like building a little community around your brand, making everyone feel like they're part of something special.

Enhance marketing efforts

Having a pre-order is like having an extra period to shout from the rooftops about your amazing product. This is your chance to dive into targeted marketing campaigns, join your social media game, and team up with cool influencers to make sure everyone knows about your fantastic offering. It's not just a waiting game; it's a golden opportunity to make your product shine in the spotlight.

Tips to Get PreOrders on Shopify in the Right Way

Create a sense of urgency

Encouraging customers to choose products that aren't quite ready for the spotlight isn't always easy; you've got to give them that extra nudge. And guess what? Creating a bit of urgency is crucial.

You should make them feel like they're about to miss out on something amazing by offering an absolutely irresistible coupon with a ticking clock. It's like a mini-shopping adventure with a thrilling deadline, and who can resist that?

Get your timing right

Keeping customers hanging around for ages waiting for their pre-orders can be a bit of a disappointment. It's like a rain cloud over your business reputation.

Timing is everything in pre-orders. You don't want your customers on the waitlist forever. But, on the flip side, you also don't want to rush things and spoil the whole pre-order excitement.

With that in mind, balance comes into play. It's all about finding that sweet spot where anticipation meets timely delivery without losing the pre-order magic.

Choose the right pre-order method

When it comes to pre-orders, you've got two cool methods to explore: "pay now" and "pay later."

So, with "pay now," your potential customers throw down some cash upfront for a pre-ordered item. It's like a VIP ticket to getting that awesome product delivered straight to their doorstep the moment it's ready to roll. This method is golden if you've already built a tight bond with your customers and have a product that's been tried, tested, and loved by the market.

Now, onto the "pay later" vibe. This one's perfect for sellers ready to rock a new product and gather some seriously insightful data. With this groove, customers show their interest in your product by making a small payment (or sometimes, no payment at all—totally your call).

Choosing the right pre-order method is of paramount importance. It's a game-changer for the success of your pre-order marketing, so make sure to vibe with the one that suits your style.

How to set up a pre-order on Shopify

Shopify pre-orders without the app

This method requires coding. Let’s break down its benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits

• Simplicity and cost-effective: Without relying on an app, the setup process is straightforward, and you avoid any additional costs
• Built-in Shopify functionality: You can work within the platform's existing framework, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with your store.
• No learning curve: You won't need to navigate the learning curve of using a third-party app.
• Easy inventory management: You can easily keep track of pre-orders and available stock, allowing for better control and organization.

Drawbacks

• Limited customization: If you have specific requirements or want a more tailored pre-order experience, an app might be more suitable.
• Less automated marketing: you might miss out on some automated marketing tools.
• Potential for manual tracking: It requires more manual tracking and oversight, especially if you have a high volume of pre-orders. This could be time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Limited payment options: Shopify's native system may have limitations regarding payment options for pre-orders

Shopify pre-order with the app

This is the easiest and recommended method for most Shopify merchants as you won’t require any manual coding from your end. Plus, you can set various logic and conditions as well. There are some benefits and drawbacks of this method for you to consider:

Benefits

• Automated process: Apps can automate the entire pre-order process, from tracking inventory to managing customer orders
• Advanced features: Advanced features such as customizable pre-order buttons, automated email notifications, and detailed analytics can enhance the experience
• Customization options: Customization allows you to tailor the pre-order process to match your brand's aesthetics and requirements
• Integrations with other apps: This integration can include CRM systems, email marketing tools, and more
• Enhanced customer experience: Real-time updates on pre-order statuses, estimated delivery dates, and any changes to the release schedule can help build trust with your customers

A pre-order app is best fitted for this method. Thankfully, Shopify has a lot of these kinds of apps in store for you, like our Fordeer: PreOrder Now Presale. You can check it out!

Shopify’s pre-order APIs to build your solution

Pre-order APIs is Shopify’s solution. This allows developers to create a custom pre-order experience within Shopify checkout.

Benefits:

• Customization and control: This gives you greater control over the user experience and functionality.
• Seamless integration: This integration simplifies the development process and enhances overall system reliability.
• Real-time inventory management: The APIs enable automated order processing for pre-orders, streamlining the fulfillment process.
• Enhanced customer experience: You can provide them with clear information on pre-order availability, delivery dates, and status updates

Drawbacks:

• Development complexity: If you're not familiar with coding or API integration, it might be a bit challenging to implement and maintain the solution.
• Dependence on Shopify infrastructure: Any changes or updates in Shopify's APIs may require adjustments to your solution.
• Potential API changes: It could require ongoing maintenance to ensure your pre-order solution remains compatible and functional.
• Limited features compared to apps: They may lack some advanced features offered by dedicated pre-order apps available on the Shopify App Store.
• Resource intensive: It could require ongoing maintenance to ensure your pre-order solution remains compatible and functional.

Final thought,

By implementing these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of preorders on Shopify. Remember, the key here is to build anticipation, offer exclusive incentives, and communicate transparently with your audience. With a well-executed preorder strategy, you can turn excitement into sales and set the stage for a successful product launch.

Fordeer Team wishes you the best of luck!