How to set up the pre-order function for out-of-stock products ?

[ElenaKaarina]

Hello Team

We would like make out-of-stock products available on pre-order. Our program in the back-end is uphance, which is connected to our shopify online shop and controls stock. So far we had make the incoming products/stock accessible that we could order pre-order pieces on the shopify onlineshop. Is there another way ? is it possible to order pre-order pieces without providing stock already because there is non ?

[Sandy--STOQ]

Hey @ElenaKaarina! Generally, yes you can sell preorders without adding stock. You'll need to do 2 things - enable 'Continue selling when out of stock' and then install a Preorders app on Shopify App Store.

1. Enable 'Continue selling when out of stock' - Go to Products > Select a product or variant > Enable 'Continue selling when out of stock'. This lets your customers purchase a product when it's out of stock. (Video guide)
2. Install a Preorders app - Search on App Store - Any of the preorders apps will help you change the 'Add to Cart' button to 'Preorder', offer discounts, partial payment options, limit the number of preorders and set the right expectations for shipping.

I wasn't able to find information specific to Uphance through a quick Google search, but some merchants we work with use inventory management platforms similar to Uphance and they are able to sell preorders.

[PageFly-Theodor]

Hi @ElenaKaarina ,
This is Theodore from PageFly - Shopify Page Builder App.

You can definitely offer pre-orders for out-of-stock products in Shopify, even with Uphance managing your inventory. Here's how:

Shopify Setup:

1. Go to Products in your Shopify admin.
2. Choose the product for pre-orders.
3. Set inventory quantity to zero (0) or leave it blank.
4. Enable the "Allow pre-orders" option (might be worded differently).
5. (Optional) Set a pre-order availability date if you know when the product will restock.

Uphance Integration:

• Ensure Uphance updates Shopify's inventory when you receive new stock (closes the pre-order window).
• Coordinate with Uphance for accurate stock arrival dates to communicate with pre-order customers.

Benefits of Pre-Orders:

• Gauge customer demand for upcoming products.
• Improve cash flow with potential pre-order payments.
• Increase customer satisfaction by letting them secure desired products before restock.

Best regards,
Theodore | PageFly

[JayAdra]

Hey Elena!

The basic way to try and emulate pre-orders through Shopify have been discussed (setting "Continue selling when out of stock" on the product, and maybe editing the product description), but it's not clear these products are currently out of stock, and that the fulfillment/shipping time may be increased (or maybe has a specific restock date).

I've actually just launched a pre-order and back-order app, Early Bird, which I built to manage this sort of thing specifically, and it allows you to schedule pre-order campaigns, offer partial payments (collect deposit upfront, auto-collect rest later), native discounts, mixed cart purchases and a bunch more.

Sounds like you might be a great fit for it. It also has a 100% free plan (we don't charge commission fees!) if you wanted to try it out and see if it works for your needs. Let me know if you have any questions or wanted help with onboarding or anything! Hope we can help, thanks!

PS: Here's some screenshots of the app in action - we aimed to make it feel as native to Shopify as possible: