Shopify Pre-Order Apps - Reviews of the Best 2026
Last modified: January 6, 2025
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Globo Pre-Order
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Pre-order Now - Pre-order
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Timesact
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Pre-Order Manager 2.0 PreOrder
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Advanced Pre-Order
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PreOrder Me
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In Stock Alerts
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Coming Soon Products Preorders
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Pre-order PRO | Pre-orderly
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Handy • Preorder and Bar
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Vitals
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Back In Stock: Customer Alerts
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Pre‑order Autopilot
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Pre-Order Hero - Pre Order - Inactive
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Globo Pre-Order
Globo Pre-Order works easily on Shopify. With a simple install, you’re ready to configure products for pre-orders, whether they are products not yet available due to release dates or whether they are currently out of stock. All you need to do is select the product and enable the pre-order option. When this is done, the standardized, ‘add to cart’ button is replaced with the ‘pre-order’ button.
When the customer clicks on the ‘pre-order’ button, they will be taken to a regular order page. This allows them to complete the purchase. You can also set specific expectations with the audience by stating when the product will be available.
Globo Pre-Order Highlights:
- Enable or disable pre-orders for specific products/variants or when a product is out of stock.
- Set a specific number of stock that can be pre-ordered.
- Set dates for when products can be pre-ordered.
- Manage pre-orders from the admin page.
Pre-order Now - Pre-order
This Shopify app has lots of great features that allow you to sell products that aren’t on general release yet or when an item is out of stock for fulfillment later. There are some great features that make it perfect for most stores, including a mixed cart warning that will tell customers when they have a mixture of items in stock and out of stock in their cart.
And if items are in high demand, then the app can automatically change buy buttons to pre-order, or back-order buttons when they’re no longer available.
To help keep your customers in the know, there is an area for you to place a message on the website that displays when shoppers can expect to receive a product. This can help convert those who are unsure and is really useful if you have stock coming in for a popular out-of-stock product.
Pre-Order Now - Pre-Order Highlights:
- Replace the out-of-stock button with a pre-order button.
- Choose when you can start or stop pre-order sales.
- Free installation so it integrates seamlessly into your Shopify theme.
- Choose whether pre-orders apply to product variances or whole product lines.
Timesact
Timesact Highlights:
- Free guided setup call with a human specialist (even on the free plan);
- Combine preorder and back to stock functionalities for a seamless user experience;
- Partial payments for preorders;
- Preorder automation based on inventory levels;
- Discount, badges, cart labels applied automatically for preorders and backorders;
- 24/7 chat and email support on any plan;
- Flexible pricing based on monthly usage;
Pre-Order Manager 2.0 PreOrder
While this option is a little pricey, there are lots of features that allow you to sell pre-order, out-of-stock products to your website’s visitors. This app works by replacing the ‘add to cart’ button with a pre-order button. This can be customized so you can change the text, color and style so it is more matching to your current branding.
This app works straight out of the box. There is no need to customize your theme, like you might have to do with some other apps. The app is fully compatible with all popular Shopify themes, AJAX carts, collections and homepages and all quick-view pop-ups.
In addition, you can set up default setting for products in your catalog. This can be set for variants, products or even entire collections. You set these settings in bulk or individually, depending on your specific needs.
Pre-Order Manager 2.0 PreOrder Highlights:
- Automatically enable pre-order when products are out-of-stock.
- Set default settings for products, collections and variance.
- Analyze pre-orders to see if there are any trends.
- Customize many elements of the pre-order buttons.
Advanced Pre-Order
Advanced Pre Order changes the ‘add to cart’ button into a pre-order button when an item is out-of-stock. This allows you to get orders even when you can’t immediately fulfil the order. Of course, there may be times when you might not want this, which is why this app allows you to turn this option off.
This app allows you to also schedule pre-order options when you have products that are coming into stock at a later date. Or when you have a release date for a future product (i.e. DVD, music, games, clothing line, etc.). In addition, you can also make the product completely unavailable until a certain date. This is often used to build up hype for a product. Customers can know when they can buy or pre-order the product through the notify option within the Shopify app.
Advanced Pre-Order Highlights:
- Set pre-order partial payment. This allows you to take a discount for products that can be pre-ordered and other payments taken at a later date.
- Set timers to increase the urgency.
- Set the partial payment as a fixed price or percentage of the order.
- Sell products that are out-of-stock or aren’t available for sale yet due to a future release.
PreOrder Me
One of the simplest Shopify pre-order apps, this is a great option if you want something that will work right out of the box. All you need to do, once you’ve installed the app onto your e-commerce store, is find the product and enable the pre-order option on it. As a result, this will showcase the PreOrder Me button on the product page.
You can customize for variances on products, so different variations can have different views.
When your pre-order product is added into the cart, the app will identify it to the customer. This is done via a label.
There are lots of configuration options. This includes the style and text for PreOrder button for the product page. You can also customize the label style, which identifies the way that pre-order products are shown on the website and the tag on the cart page.
PreOrder Me Highlights:
- Customize a lot of the pre-order app settings.
- Have different settings for product variances.
- Works straight after being installed.
- Identify which products can have the pre order functionality.
In Stock Alerts
In Stock Alerts doesn’t allow you to have pre-orders straight away. However, it does allow you to have people coming back to your website when products come back in stock. This is done via notifications sent to customers. There are lots of plans available for this Shopify app. One of these is free, but there is limited functionality, and you’re better to actually use one of the premium versions.
This Shopify app allows users to subscribe to a specific variants based on size, color or something else. When an item comes back in stock, customers are automatically sent an email letting them know the product is available again. There is also a link directly to your product. You can also push for sales using follow-up re-stock reminders to improve conversions.
This app can link to several email programs including: MailChimp, Klaviyo, Bronto, Listrak, Retention Science, and Facebook.
In Stock Alerts Highlights:
- Send customers automatic back in stock notifications via email.
- Can integrate with your MailChimp account.
- Send follow-up emails to increase conversions.
- Users don’t need to sign up for a user account to receive notifications.
Coming Soon Products Preorders
With a free seven-day trial, there is a great reason why this Shopify pre-order app might be a good one to try. With it you can create coming soon products on your store and start collecting orders before they are available. Shipping can then be done when the products are available to be shipped.
There are two product types in the app. The first is the pre-order product. This allows your website visitors to place an order before the product becomes available officially. The app will display a date when the product will be available. This label can be customized, for example, changing the ‘available from’ to ‘will dispatch on’.
The app automatically changes the ‘add to cart’ to ‘pre-order now’.
There is also the coming soon product. This will display a coming soon label instead of add to cart button. Customers can’t buy this product until you make it available or at a selected date if you add one in.
Coming Soon Products Preorders Highlights:
- Can use two different types of pre-orders, one which allows orders to be made and one not.
- Easy to install, can be used within 10 seconds of installation.
- Product pages will be automatically updated.
- Can make products available as normal products on set dates.
Pre-order PRO | Pre-orderly
As with the previous Shopify pre-order app, this has two modes in which you can sell products through this app. The first is one that replaces the standard ‘add to cart’ button with a ‘pre-order’ button on your Shopify store. This allows your customers to purchase items before they’re available.
There is another mode, which enables you to automatically allow customers to pre-order products when they go out of stock. This mode changes the out-of-stock button to one that reads ‘pre-order’. For this mode to work, however, you need to be sure that your Inventory Management is being handled by Shopify. If not, then the products will be shown as sold out.
Preorderly will clearly convey a message to your customers about the availability of the product and the delivery expectations. This allows you to generate a lot of goodwill with your customers.
Just a quick word or warning. This app is not compatible with the availability Schema attribute.
Pre-order PRO | Pre-orderly Highlights:
- Order tagging available so you can quickly find orders containing products that are pre-ordered.
- Completely customize elements of the app that display information exactly how you want them to look.
- Set start and end dates for pre-order products that aren’t available yet.
- Set pre-order settings for variants or entire products.
Handy • Preorder and Bar
This app offers many features for managing pre-orders on your Shopify store. There is a ‘pre-order now’ button that can be added to both product and collection pages for those that want to be first in line for exciting new products on your store. You can also have this set up separately for variations on products.
The bar tool is a really useful way of creating an announcement or information banner such as delivery information or news. This app will suit any theme and blend in seamlessly with your brand’s look.
Handy • Preorder and Bar Highlights:
- Multilingual for international stores.
- Includes many pre-order features all in one app.
- A bar tool to highlight specific information or announcements.
- New features in development and coming soon.
Vitals
Vitals has one of the best reputations of apps on Shopify, with more than 40 functions that are hidden away in the app. Therefore, you can improve the function of your website with ease. The app includes the essential pre-order options that can be applied to both new products and out-of-stock items.
In addition, you can use the app to help you build your mailing list, an essential in any pre-order campaign. Or you can improve your website’s SEO profile with better metadata and more.
While the app is more expensive than others, it has numerous features that mean the sum total is less than you would pay if you were to buy apps to get all these functions in numerous other apps. And there are new ways that you can grow your website traffic. Some of the best features of the app include gamification options and popup.
Vitals Highlights:
- There are more than 40 functions included with this app.
- There is an Amazon-like frequently bought together feature.
- Improves your rank on Google and other search engines.
- Can take pre-orders to help you sell before the product is available.
Back In Stock: Customer Alerts
You don’t have to lose out on sales just because you’ve run out of stock. Use this app to notify potential customers when you’ve got new stock available at your store. This is great for those stores that have lots of very popular products that regularly go out of stock. All customers need to do is to sign up to a ‘back in stock’ alert. Then, when an item is available again, they are notified via email or SMS.
There is no manual work with this app. It can all be done automatically, making it a great time saver, and there is a free plan available that can make it very cost-effective. The email messages are detailed, aesthetically pleasing and are known to convert subscribers into customers.
Back In Stock: Customer Alerts Highlights:
- Notify customers when popular items are back in stock with a simple email or SMS message.
- All automated, so you don’t have to do a thing.
- Free plan available, so great for those who are on a tight budget.
- Easy to install and use. No coding or special training needed.
Pre‑order Autopilot - Inactive
This Shopify pre-order app automatically does a lot of the work for you, making it a great asset for your e-commerce site. It will allow you to let customers buy products from you that are currently out of stock or not yet released as a standard order. You can then track all pre-orders from your store’s backend.
The installation for this app is really easy. There is no need to know code to integrate it with your Shopify theme, and you can use it immediately after you’ve installed the app. Once installed, go over to the functionality tabs and set the parameters you want to use for your store. Then, your website will automatically manage the out-of-stock scenarios, allowing you to concentrate more on promoting your business.
The app showcases all the relevant information to you in one dashboard. Therefore, you can see what is currently going on and make arrangements to bring stock back in stock or limit sales as you need.
Pre‑order Autopilot Highlights:
- Automate the whole pre-order system, so there is less work for you.
- All orders containing pre-ordered items is tagged.
- Change the labels, so you can customize information displayed on your website.
- Easy to install and use.
Pre-Order Hero - Pre Order - Inactive - Inactive
This app allows you to set up pre-ordering on your website with ease and with no coding knowledge needed. Therefore, you can collect orders for products that aren’t available currently but will be in the future. You can easily see all pre-orders from your dashboard.
This app is very friendly for mobile devices, therefore, you can tap into a great market of mobile shoppers. However, this app also allows you to sell perfectly well on desktop.
Pre-Order Hero - Pre Order Highlights:
- Mobile friendly app.
- Can sell products before they’re available for shipping.
- See exactly what pre-orders have been made.
- Easy to install and simple to use app. There is also great support available.
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How are pre-orders different from backorders?
Pre-orders are for upcoming products, while backorders allow purchases of temporarily out-of-stock items.
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Can I limit the quantity available for pre-order?
Yes, many pre-order apps allow setting a maximum limit for pre-order quantities to manage inventory effectively.
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Can customers cancel their pre-orders?
Policies vary; check the app’s settings and your store’s policy on pre-order cancellations and refunds. It’s always best to check the specific policies of the online store, manufacturer, and applicable legal regulations before placing or accepting pre-orders.
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Why should I use a Pre-Order App on my Shopify store?
Using a Pre-Order App helps maintain sales momentum, manage inventory more effectively, and build hype for new product launches, ensuring you don’t miss out on revenue even when items are temporarily unavailable.
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Can I customize the pre-order button and messaging?
Yes, most pre-order apps allow you to fully customize the pre-order button text, color, and placement, as well as the messaging that appears on the product page and during checkout.
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Do Pre-Order Apps integrate with my existing inventory system?
Many Pre-Order Apps offer inventory management features that sync with your existing Shopify inventory, helping you track pre-orders and avoid overselling.
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How do Pre-Order Apps handle payments?
Pre-Order Apps offer flexible payment options, including charging customers immediately at checkout or when the product is ready to ship, depending on your preference.
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Can I offer discounts or promotions on pre-ordered products?
Yes, most Pre-Order Apps are compatible with Shopify’s discount codes and promotions, allowing you to offer special deals on pre-ordered items to encourage early purchases.
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How do customers know when their pre-order will ship?
Pre-Order Apps typically include automated email notifications that keep customers informed about their order status, including expected shipping dates and any updates.
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What are the benefits of collecting partial payments for pre-orders?
Collecting partial payments can secure customer commitment while maintaining cash flow, with the remainder of the payment collected when the product ships.
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Can I manage multiple pre-orders at once?
Yes, most Pre-Order Apps are designed to handle multiple pre-orders simultaneously, making it easy to manage large-scale product launches or multiple items on pre-order.
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Are Pre-Order Apps mobile-friendly?
The best Pre-Order Apps are fully optimized for mobile, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers on any device.
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How do I know if a Pre-Order App is working correctly?
Most Pre-Order Apps include reporting and analytics tools that let you track pre-order performance, monitor sales, and ensure everything is running smoothly.
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Can I set limits on how many pre-orders can be placed?
Yes, many Pre-Order Apps allow you to set limits on the number of pre-orders per product to prevent overselling and manage production schedules.
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Do Pre-Order Apps support multiple languages and currencies?
Many Pre-Order Apps support multiple languages and currencies, making them ideal for stores with an international customer base.
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Can I use Pre-Order Apps for backordered items?
Yes, Pre-Order Apps are perfect for managing backorders, allowing customers to purchase out-of-stock items with an expected restock date.
When you have products that are going on sale soon, it is great to get some pre-order sales going. Some popular products where these works are music, DVDs, and video games. Pre-orders allow you to raise revenues before the product comes out. This can help offset the costs of ordering products before they’re out. Shopify pre-order apps are the exact solution you need.
At the same time, using pre-order apps allow you to better predict demand for certain products. This can help you with purchasing decisions later on. Finally, pre-ordering allows you to upsell as you offer other products the customer might like in the run-up to a release.
Shopify Pre-Order Apps - What to look for?
There are many aspects you might need when deciding which of the Shopify apps for pre-order to use. The first thing you need, obviously, is the ability for customers to put a pre-order product into their basket and make a purchase.
You might also need to have other functions that make it easier for the customer to know what is going on with their pre-order. For instance, there could be warnings about the dates for pre-orders or restricting pre-orders to certain locations/territories/customers.
You can also use many Shopify pre-order apps to showcase and sell products that are popular, out-of-stock, and coming back in soon. This can help you keep revenues flowing into the business even if big-earning products are currently unavailable.
Why Use Pre-Order Apps?
There are many reasons why you might want to use pre-orders in your selling strategy. For one, loyal customers love it. And if you add urgency or build a rapport with an influencer, you can be sure that your pre-order campaigns will get off to a good start.
The first day of pre-orders is really important. According to statistics, about 28% of pre-orders are made on the first day. So you need to be sure that in any campaign, you get off to a good start. Though, there are often other spikes in sales. Research has shown that regular campaigns can cause more sales, but you have to give the customer a compelling reason why they should buy them.
Pre-Order Apps: Things to Consider
Implementing pre-order options through Shopify apps can be a breakthrough for e-commerce businesses. However, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure that this strategy yields the desired results, enhancing both the customer experience and the store’s profitability.
User-Friendliness of Pre-Order App
The user interface of the pre-order app should be intuitive and easy to navigate for both the store owners and customers. A user-friendly design ensures that customers can easily place pre-orders, while store owners can manage these orders efficiently.
Consider the ease of setting up and customizing the pre-order options to align with the store’s branding and product offerings.
Flexibility and Customization on Pre-Order App
Flexibility and customization are key to catering to diverse customer needs and preferences. Evaluate the extent to which the app allows for customization of pre-order buttons, notifications, and other elements.
The ability to tailor the pre-order experience to each product or category can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and increase pre-order sales.
Pre-Order App Integration Capabilities
Integration with other Shopify apps and external platforms is crucial for a seamless operation. Assess the app’s compatibility with inventory management, marketing, and customer service tools.
Effective integration ensures real-time data syncing, automated processes, and a cohesive ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency and customer experience.
Pre-Order App Support and Updates
Reliable support and regular updates are essential to address any issues and adapt to changing e-commerce trends and technologies. Consider the quality of customer support, the availability of resources, and the frequency of updates.
An app backed by responsive support and regular enhancements ensures a sustainable and optimized pre-order strategy.
Security and Compliance in Pre-Order Apps
Security is paramount in e-commerce transactions. Ensure that the pre-order app adheres to industry-standard security protocols to safeguard customer data and payment information.
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is also essential to mitigate risks and build customer trust in the pre-order process.
Shopify Pre-Order Apps Enhance Customer Experience - How?
Understanding the pivotal role of customer experience in the e-commerce landscape, we have explored various strategies to enhance the shopping journey.
One effective approach is the integration of pre-order options, especially when dealing with out-of-stock or upcoming products. This not only retains customer interest but also boosts sales and enhances brand loyalty.
Streamlined Pre-Order Processes via Pre-Order Apps
Implementing a streamlined process for pre-orders is essential. It involves clear communication, easy navigation, and an intuitive interface.
Customers should be informed about the expected availability and delivery timelines to manage expectations and build trust. Transparency in these processes is key to fostering a positive customer experience.
Customization and Flexibility on Pre-Order Apps
Customization plays a crucial role. Offering personalized pre-order options, such as exclusive packages or customized products, can significantly enhance customer engagement.
Flexibility in payment and delivery options also adds to the convenience, making the pre-ordering process a delightful experience for shoppers.
Effective Communication Strategies with Pre-Order Apps
Effective communication is integral to a successful pre-order strategy. Keeping customers informed about the status of their orders, expected delivery timelines, and any potential delays ensures transparency and builds trust.
Utilizing automated notifications and updates can streamline this communication, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Optimizing Pre-Order Apps for Increased Sales
In the competitive world of e-commerce, optimizing pre-order strategies is paramount. It’s not just about offering products for advance purchase; it’s about creating an experience that is seamless, engaging, and rewarding for the customers.
This involves a combination of technology, strategy, and customer-centric approaches.
Analytics and Data-Driven Pre-Order
Utilizing analytics is fundamental to understanding customer behavior and preferences. Data-driven decisions can help in tailoring pre-order strategies to meet specific customer needs, leading to increased sales and customer retention.
Analyzing data trends also aids in inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and reducing overhead costs.
Integrating Technology in Pre-Orders
Technology integration is essential in automating and optimizing pre-order processes. From easy navigation and secure payment options to automated notifications and updates, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the customer experience.
It ensures efficiency, security, and convenience in the pre-ordering process.
Strategic Marketing in Pre-Orders
Strategic marketing amplifies the effectiveness of pre-order campaigns. Utilizing targeted marketing strategies, such as personalized emails, social media campaigns, and exclusive offers, can attract potential customers and drive pre-orders.
It’s about reaching the right audience with the right message at the right time to maximize impact and sales.
Conclusion: 12 Best Shopify Pre-Order Apps
Pre-orders are an important part of a lot of businesses. They can help you generate revenues before stock has become available, or when you’re waiting for new stock to arrive for a popular item. This allows you to keep on selling and see revenues come in. There are lots of Shopify pre-order apps available online to help you achieve long-lasting sales. The few above are the best that we think will help your business go from strength to strength. Which one will you choose and install?
