Boost Sales by Offering Pre Order Option in Prestashop
In the competitive world of e-commerce, missing out on potential sales due to out-of-stock products can be frustrating for both store owners and customers. One effective solution is to offer a PrestaShop pre order option. This feature allows shoppers to reserve products before they are officially available, ensuring you don’t lose customers to competitors.
Pre-orders are not just about maintaining sales during stock shortages — they can also create excitement, improve cash flow, and help you forecast demand more accurately. By enabling pre orders in your PrestaShop store, you can turn potential missed opportunities into confirmed sales.
Why Pre Orders Boost Sales
Pre orders encourage customers to commit to buying a product before it’s available. This benefits your store in several ways:
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Secures early revenue – You receive payment in advance, improving cash flow.
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Increases customer loyalty – Shoppers feel valued when given the chance to reserve products early.
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Builds anticipation – Creates hype around product launches and restocks.
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Prevents lost sales – Keeps customers from going to competitors when products are out of stock.
Customer Benefits of Pre Orders
From the customer’s perspective, pre orders offer:
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Guaranteed availability – They don’t have to worry about missing out on popular or limited-edition items.
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Convenience – They can secure their purchase without constantly checking stock updates.
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Exclusive offers – Many stores give special discounts or bonuses for pre-ordering.
These benefits can significantly enhance the overall shopping experience.
How to Offer Pre Orders in PrestaShop
Step 1: Set Up the Product for Pre Order
Go to your PrestaShop back office and navigate to Catalog > Products. Select the product you want to make available for pre order.
Step 2: Adjust Stock and Backorder Settings
In the Quantities tab, set the product quantity to zero and enable the backorder option so customers can still purchase it even when it’s out of stock.
Step 3: Add Pre Order Messaging
Use the “When out of stock” field to display a clear message, such as “Available for pre order – ships on [date].” This ensures customers understand they won’t receive the product immediately.
Step 4: Specify Availability Dates
Set an estimated availability date to manage customer expectations and reduce confusion.
Step 5: Test the Functionality
Place a test order to make sure the pre order process works smoothly and the messaging is displayed correctly.
Best Practices for Pre Order Success
To maximize the effectiveness of your pre order strategy:
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Be transparent – Always state when the product will be available.
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Send updates – Keep customers informed of shipping dates or changes.
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Offer incentives – Discounts, free gifts, or exclusive perks encourage pre orders.
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Limit availability – Limited pre-order quantities can create urgency.
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Highlight on product pages – Make pre order options clear and easy to find.
Using Pre Orders as a Marketing Tool
Pre orders can be a powerful marketing tool. You can use them to:
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Generate buzz for new product launches.
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Test demand for upcoming products before committing to large inventory orders.
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Build exclusivity with early access offers.
Promote pre orders through email newsletters, social media posts, and targeted ads to maximize visibility.
The Role of Pre Orders in Inventory Management
Pre orders help you make smarter inventory decisions by showing you exactly how many customers are interested in a product before it’s available. This reduces the risk of overstocking or understocking, which can save you money and improve operational efficiency.
SEO Benefits of Pre Orders
Pre order product pages can be indexed by search engines even before the product is released. This means customers searching for “coming soon” or “pre order” items may find your store first. Be sure to:
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Use descriptive product titles.
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Include relevant keywords naturally.
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Add engaging product descriptions.
Conclusion
Offering a PrestaShop pre order option is a smart way to boost sales, build anticipation, and keep customers engaged even when products aren’t immediately available. It turns potential lost sales into confirmed orders and provides valuable insights into customer demand.
By combining clear communication, effective marketing, and strategic inventory management, pre orders can become a powerful sales driver for your PrestaShop store.