Preorders are one of the most effective ways to validate demand, increase revenue before production, and avoid stockouts. If you’re running a Shopify store and want to sell products before they are available, implementing a preorder system can significantly boost conversions while maintaining a smooth shopping experience.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to do preorder on Shopify, including Shopify’s native features, apps, setup steps, automation tips, and best practices. Whether you’re launching a new product or restocking a bestseller, this guide will help you set up preorders the right way.

What Is a Preorder on Shopify?

A preorder allows customers to purchase a product before it’s in stock. Instead of marking the product as “Sold Out,” Shopify lets you sell items that will be fulfilled at a later date. This means customers can secure their purchase upfront while you prepare inventory.

• Prevent lost sales from out-of-stock items

• Validate product demand before production

• Improve cash flow and upfront revenue

• Manage production more accurately

• Keep customers engaged instead of abandoning your store

How to Do Preorder on Shopify (Step-by-Step)

Below are the exact steps to create a preorder manually on Shopify.

Step 1: Choose a Product to Enable Preorders

Go to:

Shopify Admin → Products → Select Product

You can create a preorder for:

• Sold-out products

• New items not yet launched

• Limited-edition goods

Step 2: Allow Customers to Purchase When Out of Stock

In the product’s inventory settings:

1. Scroll to Inventory

2. Check the box “Continue selling when out of stock”

This allows buyers to purchase even when quantity reaches zero.

Step 3: Update Product Messaging

Customers must know the item is a preorder.

Update:

• Product title

• Product description

• Badge labels (e.g., “Preorder Now”)

• Shipping/fulfillment dates

Example description snippet:

“This item is available for preorder and will ship between March 10–20, 2025.”

Step 4: Customize the Add to Cart Button (Optional)

Shopify themes allow you to change the button text to “Preorder Now” instead of “Buy Now.”

If your theme requires editing:

Go to:

Online Store → Themes → Customize → Product Page → Buttons

Some themes require minor code adjustments in:

/snippets/product-form.liquid

Replace:

{{ 'Add to cart' }}
with:
{{ 'Preorder now' }}

Step 5: Set Expected Fulfillment Dates

Shopify does not have a native fulfillment ETA field. You must clearly communicate this via:

• Product description

• Order confirmation email

• Cart messaging

Step 6: Track and Fulfill Preorders

When inventory arrives:

1. Go to Orders

2. Filter for “Unfulfilled”

3. Fulfill the orders normally

The Limitations of Shopify’s Manual Preorder Setup

While Shopify allows basic preorder functionality, it lacks:

❌ Automated preorder messaging
❌ Custom preorder buttons
❌ Partial payment support
❌ Preorder limits (e.g., only 100 units)
❌ Automated email/SMS notifications
❌ Multiple preorder rules

This is why most stores prefer using preorder apps.

Best Preorder Apps for Shopify

To make preorders easier, many brands use Shopify preorder apps. Here are the best ones:

1. Pre-Order Manager (Top Pick)

Best for: Stores that need an all-in-one, automated preorder tool.

Key features:

• Automatically enables preorder when inventory is 0

• Custom preorder buttons

• Delivery estimates

• Partial payment options

• Preorder limits

• Product page badges

Get the Shopify app here.

2. NotifyEZ – Messaging & Alerts 

Best for: Stores wanting advanced preorder-related notifications via Email and SMS.

NotifyEZ is more than just a notification tool — it’s a powerful automation system that helps merchants keep customers and staff informed throughout the preorder lifecycle.

🔥 Key Features of NotifyEZ

• Multi-channel Notifications: Email, SMS, and more in one app

• Use Your Own Gateways: Connect custom SMTP or SMS providers

• Automated Preorder Updates: Send order confirmations, inventory updates, shipping alerts

• Flexible Logic: Trigger notifications based on any store event — without writing code

• Customizable Templates: Build from scratch or use ready-made templates

• Internal Staff Alerts: Notify your team when preorder inventory is running low

• Full Delivery Logs: View all messages, monitor performance, resend failed notifications

Why It’s Great for Preorders

Preorders require constant communication. NotifyEZ ensures your customers always know:

• When the preorder is confirmed

• When inventory is arriving

• When the order ships

• If there are delays

And because you use your own gateways, messaging is fast and cost-effective.

Get the Shopify app here.

3. PreOrder Now by Website On-Demand

Great for stores wanting customizable preorder badges.

Features:

• “Preorder” button replacement

• Custom preorder badges

• Delivery timer

• Automatic transition from preorder to in-stock

Get the Shopify app here.

4. Timesact Preorder

Best for stores wanting advanced rules and functionality.

Features:

• Mixed cart restriction options

• Product-level preorder settings

• Partial payment support

• Auto-switch based on inventory

Get the Shopify app here.

5. Globo Preorder

A popular budget-friendly option.

Features:

• Preorder button customization

• Countdown timers

• Email reminders

• Back-in-stock tracking

Get the Shopify app here.

While Shopify offers basic functionality, using tools like NotifyEZ – Messaging & Alerts gives you advanced automation and multi-channel customer communication — essential for a professional preorder system.

If you want to run seamless preorder campaigns with automated Email & SMS notifications, NotifyEZ is the perfect app to integrate.