Navigating the world of online retail means being prepared for the inevitable – sometimes, a product will fly off the virtual shelves faster than you anticipated. But just because a product is out of stock doesn't mean the sales opportunities have to end. Enter the Pre-Order button. This feature lets customers commit to buying now, with the understanding that shipment occurs once the item is back in stock. But when exactly does this button show up? And why? Let's delve into the intricacies of this feature.
Criteria for Displaying the Pre-Order Button
Out-of-Stock Status: The primary criterion for the Pre-Order button to appear is, naturally, when a variant is out of stock. But remember, not every out-of-stock variant will automatically show this button.
"Continue selling when out of stock" Option Activated: In order for the Pre-Order button to be visible, the variant must have the "Continue selling when out of stock" option turned on. This ensures that even if the variant is out of stock, customers can still make a purchase. you can activate this option by:
- Going to the Products section in your Shopify admin panel
- Entering the product and then selecting the variant you want to show the preorder button on.
-And going to the Inventory section. You'll see the "Continue selling when out of stock" there.
Note: Pre-orders work on a variant level. This means that within a single product, some variants (like color or size options) can be available for pre-order, while others may not. For example, if a product comes in different sizes or colors, the Pre-Order button may appear for one variant that's out of stock but not for others that are still available. This flexibility helps you manage stock more effectively and cater to different customer needs.
App Settings: Within our Notify Me! Back in Stock Alert app, there are specific settings that determine when the Pre-Order button is displayed. Ensure these settings are correctly configured to match your store's preferences.
Go to the Pre-order > Settings tab.
Click on Edit for Visibility status.
You can enable the button on product pages, collection and home page and customize them by clicking on the Customize appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Pre-Order button is not merely a tool to continue sales during stock-outs but a strategic feature that enhances customer experience, assists in inventory management, and provides a competitive advantage. By understanding when and why it appears, you can better navigate and optimize your online store's performance.