I’m setting up a small Shopify store for a new product launch, and I’d like to allow preorders before inventory arrives. The challenge I’m facing is making sure I don’t oversell — since my first production batch is limited.
I know I can set inventory tracking and adjust stock, but when using a preorder app/plugin, it seems tricky to automatically stop sales once the cap is hit. Ideally, I’d like:
A “Preorder” button instead of “Add to cart.”
A clear message that shipping will start later.
Automatic cut-off when inventory reaches a set number.
Has anyone implemented this in a clean way? Did you use a third-party app, custom code, or just manage it manually?
I want the preorder process to look professional and avoid confusion with customers about shipping timelines. Any advice or examples would be really helpful!
I recommend apps like Pre-Order Now or Timesact, they swap the button to “Preorder,” show custom shipping messages, and auto-stop at your set inventory. Combine with clear checkout/email messaging for transparency. If you prefer control, lightweight Liquid edits also handle button text, stock caps, and timelines.
I’d simply set an inventory quantity to match what’s expected and sell it the same way you sell in-stock products.
Just assign a separate template where you can add a section explaining that this, in fact is a pre-order and will be delivered when actual stock arrives…
The only tricky question is to implement “Add to cart” → “Preorder”, but this can be done with a little tweaking in Customize…
Managing preorders without overselling is definitely something to plan carefully for a smooth launch. One way is to use Shopify’s built-in inventory tracking along with a preorder app that supports stock limits. Some apps let you replace the “Add to Cart” button with a “Preorder” button and automatically stop accepting orders once the set quantity is sold. If you want more control, a bit of custom code (or hiring a Shopify dev) can set conditions on product availability and display a custom shipping message. A good practice is also to add a clear note on the product page about preorder timelines so customers know what to expect. If your first batch is limited, I’d recommend setting the inventory number in advance and letting Shopify handle the cut-off instead of tracking manually.
Hi @derek211 ,
Set inventory tracking in Shopify to your preorder limit, disable “continue selling when out of stock,” and add a Preorder tag. Then update your theme so products with that tag show a “Preorder” button and a shipping note. This way, sales stop automatically at your set cap, and customers see clear preorder messaging - no app needed unless you want extra features.
Hey @derek211, I see others have mentioned Shopify’s “Continue selling when out of stock” feature. Just to clarify enabling it actually lets you go negative on inventory, so you’d want to disable it since you’re selling in limited quantites. This creates a hard cap that prevents overselling.
I run an Aussie-founded pre-order app (Early Bird), so one thing I’d add is consider capturing waitlist interest before you even open pre-orders. This helps you gauge demand early and less reliance on ads when you launch.
A typical pre-order campaign/flow that many of our merchants setup via our app:
Start with showing “Coming Soon” + a “Notify Me” button to capture waitlist sign ups (before pre-orders open)
Email the waitlist when pre-orders go live; the Add to Cart button is swapped to Pre-order Now (not just changing the button text).
Shipping info is displayed on the product page, in cart, and at checkout
Pre-orders will automatically cut off when your set quantity is reached
Automatically shows “Sold out” + a “Notify Me” button to keep collecting waitlist sign ups for anyone who missed out.
This way you’re getting early demand signals and creating a smooth transition from waitlist to pre-orders to sold out.
Our app handles the button swap, quantity limits, and shipping messaging automatically. If you’re going the manual route, the inventory tracking method others mentioned is a good start. Just remember to disable continue selling to get true quantity caps so you don’t oversell and be transparent about your shipping timeline!
Happy to chat further and guide your end to end setup. We have a generous free plan so you can always try at your own pace and only upgrade when you’re ready.