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

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Goal: enable pre-orders for products that show no stock while using Uphance for inventory.

Key steps suggested:

  • In Shopify, enable “Continue selling when out of stock” per product/variant (allows purchases at zero inventory).
  • Use a pre-order app from the Shopify App Store to convert “Add to cart” to “Pre-order,” add clear messaging, set limits, offer discounts or deposits, and schedule campaigns.

Notes and clarifications:

  • Shopify does not automatically change the button text or display pre-order messaging; you must edit theme/product text manually or use an app.
  • One reply mentions an “Allow pre-orders” option and optional availability date; the commonly referenced built-in setting is “Continue selling when out of stock.”

Uphance considerations:

  • Ensure Uphance syncs new stock to Shopify so pre-order status ends when inventory arrives.
  • Coordinate restock ETAs to set customer expectations on fulfillment/shipping.

App examples cited:

  • Early Bird: scheduling, partial payments (deposits with auto-collect), discounts, mixed carts, free plan.
  • K1 PreOrder: automatic button replacement, inventory-based rules, custom messages, auto-toggling of the out-of-stock setting.

Status: No final decision from the OP; clear actionable path provided. Screenshots were shared to illustrate an app UI.

Summarized with AI on December 11. AI used: gpt-5.
2

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.

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