How can I randomize order IDs in my online store?

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

  • Issue: A new store owner wants to avoid Shopify’s default sequential order numbers (starting at #1001) and use a more “random” or professional-looking format. They propose a date-based ID like #20240420-01, allowing up to 99 unique orders per day.

  • Attempts so far: They found Shopify’s order number customization with prefix/suffix, but are unclear on what it changes and believe those two options may be insufficient to achieve a date-based or randomized core number.

  • Request: Guidance on whether it’s possible to generate order IDs based on order date or otherwise randomize them, and clear steps to implement such a format. They are open to alternative approaches that ensure uniqueness and a professional look.

  • Status: No definitive method or solution has been provided in the thread yet; the question remains open.

Summarized with AI on December 31. AI used: gpt-5.
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Hi there,

At my recently open online shop I have noticed that orders start by #1001 and on, I don’t really like that and would like it to be more random and professional, like date of order, which would be okey plus couple of digits or similar that would give a unique order for at least 99 orders per day, could it be possible?

I have been trying to find some similar questions but not able to land on a definitive method or way to make it possible.

If so, could you please help and show how to do it?

Thanks!

1 Like
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Thanks, I have already found that and my guess is not clear what is this feature doing, the only two options of prefix or suffix may not be enough though, perhaps it is me I don’t know what to do or how?

My idea is to choose from other possible or available options like choose by order date, for example today’s: #20240420-01. Maybe?

Adding two last numerals would give the option of astonishing 99 possible orders per day, which I find light years ahead but will do the job.

Perhaps there could be other options?