In a rapidly evolving eCommerce environment, merchants are constantly looking for ways to boost conversions, improve cash flow, and manage inventory effectively. One strategy that has proven highly effective—yet remains underutilized—is combining Shopify Preorders with discount incentives.

Preorders alone already enable merchants to sell products before they are in stock. Discounts, on the other hand, give customers a compelling reason to purchase immediately. When these two strategies are combined, the result is a powerful sales engine that increases revenue, drives product hype, and improves demand forecasting.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to successfully merge Shopify’s preorder capabilities with strategic discounting to maximize sales. You’ll learn:

• Why combining preorders and discounts works

• Different types of discounts ideal for preorder campaigns

• How to set up preorders on Shopify

• How to apply discounts to preorder products

• Marketing strategies to amplify your campaign

• Best preorder apps that support promotions

• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Real-world examples of effective preorder + discount campaigns

Let’s dive in.

1. Why Combine Preorders with Discounts?

1.1. Creates Strong Incentive for Early Purchases

Preorders generate excitement—but excitement alone doesn’t always convert. Adding a discount gives customers an immediate reason to buy now instead of waiting for the official release.

Examples of effective incentives:

• 10–20% early bird discount

• Free shipping for preorder customers

• Bundle price available only during preorder window

1.2. Helps You Validate Demand More Accurately

Most businesses struggle to predict demand for new products, especially:

• Seasonal items

• Limited-edition releases

• New product lines

• Higher-priced items

Discounted preorders improve:

• Variant demand forecasting

• Production planning

• Inventory accuracy

With more preorder volume, you gain clearer insight.

1.3. Boosts Cash Flow Before Production

Cash flow is essential for operations, especially for brands:

• Running small-batch manufacturing

• Paying suppliers upfront

• Ordering raw materials

• Investing in marketing before launch

Discounted preorder campaigns often generate significantly more upfront revenue, allowing you to reinvest immediately.

1.4. Helps Build Customer Loyalty

Shoppers love feeling like insiders. Offering special pricing only to preorder customers:

• Rewards early supporters

• Creates VIP experiences

• Builds community trust

• Encourages repeat purchases

1.5. Reduces Inventory and Storage Costs

Preorders reduce the risk of:

• Overstock

• Deadstock

• Overstocking unpopular variants

• Slow-moving SKUs

Discounts simply make the preorder system even more efficient.

2. Types of Discounts to Use for Shopify Preorders

There are many ways to offer preorder discounts depending on your profit margins and marketing goals.

2.1. Percentage Discounts (Most Popular)

Examples:

• 10% off during preorder week

• 15% early bird discount

• 20% off for VIP email subscribers

Percentage discounts are easy to communicate and work well for new launches.

2.2. Fixed-Amount Discounts

Great for lower-priced items.

Examples:

• $5 off all preorder products

• Save $10 when ordering early

These work well when you want consistent margins across variants.

2.3. Free Shipping for Preorder Customers

A powerful psychological incentive.

Studies show customers are more likely to complete a purchase when shipping fees are removed.

2.4. Buy One Get One (BOGO) Preorder Deals

Perfect for:

• Apparel

• Accessories

• Skincare sets

• Toys or collectibles

Example:

• Preorder one item, get the second at 50% off

2.5. Tiered Discounts

Encourage larger orders.

Example:

• Spend $50 → Save 5%

• Spend $100 → Save 10%

• Spend $150 → Save 15%

This increases average order value (AOV) during preorder campaigns.

2.6. Bundle Preorder Discounts

Bundle deals are very effective for new product launches.

Example:

• Buy the entire new collection at 20% off

• Preorder a bundle and receive bonus items

2.7. Loyalty / VIP Discounts

Reward top customers with exclusive preorder pricing via:

• Email-exclusive discount

• SMS-only codes

• Loyalty program perks

3. How to Set Up Preorders and Discounts on Shopify

3.1. Setting Up Preorders Manually

Shopify does not offer native preorder functionality, but merchants can enable it via product settings.

Steps:

1. Open a product in Shopify Admin

2. Enable “Continue selling when out of stock”

3. Customize your “Add to Cart” button to “Preorder”

4. Add preorder messaging to the product description

5. Add estimated shipping times

6. Update your order confirmation template

This solution works but has limitations (no partial payment, no countdown timer, no preorder badge).

3.2. Using Shopify Apps for Preorders

For more advanced features, apps are necessary.

Key preorder features to look for:

• Partial payment support

• Preorder badges

• Countdown timers

• Variant-level preorder rules

• Custom preorder buttons

• Automatic switch between in-stock and preorder modes

• Integration with Shopify discounts

Top recommended apps:

• Pre-Order Now (Website on Demand)

• Timesact Preorder Manager

• Kaktus Preorder App

• PreOrder Hero

These apps allow you to combine preorders with discounting features seamlessly.

4. How to Apply Discounts to Preorder Products

4.1. Using Shopify’s Discount Dashboard

You can apply:

• Percentage discount

• Fixed-amount discount

• Free shipping

• BOGO discount

• Automatic discounts

• Discount codes

Just select the preorder product as part of the promotion.

4.2. Using App-Specific Discount Features

Some preorder apps offer built-in discounting:

• Automatic early bird discount

• Preorder-only price

• Time-limited promotions

• Early access discount codes

4.3. Mixing Automatic Discounts with Preorder Apps

Many merchants use:

• Preorder button from app

• Discount applied via Shopify automatic discount

This works well for:

• Early bird pricing

• Launch week promos

• VIP-only deals

4.4. Offering Tiered Discounts for Preorders

You can set up:

• Buy more, save more

• Preorder bundles

• Variant-level incentives

For example:

• Preorder 2 items → Get 10% off

• Preorder 3 items → Get 15% off

This increases cart size and revenue.

Combining Shopify Preorders with strategic discounts is one of the most effective ways to:

• Increase conversions

• Generate early revenue

• Build hype for new products

• Improve demand forecasting

• Reduce inventory risks

• Reward loyal customers

• Boost average order value

Whether you’re launching seasonal products, limited editions, or brand-new collections, this approach gives your business a major competitive advantage.

By applying the tactics above—smart discount structures, preorder apps, compelling marketing, and transparent communication—you can turn your next product launch into a high-performing, revenue-driving event.