Pre-orders, "Fulfill by", and how to optimize with store

Shopify Discussion
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1

Hello,

Can you please let me know if there is a way to set up your pre-orders so that they do not have to be fulfilled by tomorrow according to Shopify orders page?

We have both in-stock and pre-order items in the store, and I was just wondering if there is a way to optimize and setup how pre-orders appear for customers and in the backend.

Thank you

2

I would like this too!

4

Hi @Fundom

You can handle pre-orders by applying a pre-order app that separates them from your normal inventory. These apps allow you to set an estimated shipping date, add “pre-order” labels to products, and remove them from the immediate fulfillment date when necessary. This helps keep your backend tidy and your customers well informed.

5

A couple of options depending on your setup:

  1. Use a pre-order app (like PreOrder Now, Timesact, or Purple Dot) — most of these let you tag pre-order items and set expected ship dates. They also handle how it displays to customers (“Available [date]” instead of “Add to cart”).

  2. Fulfillment holds: Some apps let you automatically hold pre-orders from the fulfillment queue until stock arrives.

  3. Draft orders: If you’re taking pre-orders manually (phone, email, PDF to draft order app), creating them as draft orders keeps them out of the fulfillment queue entirely until you’re ready to convert.

What’s your current pre-order flow — are they coming through the site, or are you taking them manually?