Preorders give small retail businesses a powerful way to boost sales and manage stock more effectively. By allowing customers to secure products before they’re available, retailers can improve cash flow, validate demand, and reduce the risk of overstocking or understocking. Shopify makes this process easier through dedicated preorder apps designed to streamline order handling and customer communication. These tools help retailers stay competitive, build customer trust, and maintain smoother operations. This guide introduces 6 of the best Shopify preorder apps that small businesses can use to maximize sales opportunities and better plan their inventory. Let’s find out!
Highlights
- Shopify preorder apps help small retailers secure revenue before stock arrives and capture customer interest without losing sales opportunities.
- Easy setup, flexible payment options, automated notifications, real-time integrations, and campaign analytics are essential for a smooth preorder process.
- To choose the right app, match features to business needs, review integrations, consider budget, and check customer support quality.
Key Features to Look for in a Shopify Preorder App
When choosing a Shopify preorder app, small retailers should focus on features that make the process smooth for both the business and the customer. A strong app will simplify setup, support flexible payments, keep shoppers informed, and provide insights for better planning. Here are the key features to prioritize:
- Easy preorder setup and management: The app should let you activate preorders quickly without complicated steps. It should also provide options to manage preorder products separately from regular inventory.
- Flexible payment options: Customers appreciate choice. A good app allows full upfront payments, partial deposits, or buy now, pay later (BNPL) options, making preorders more appealing.
- Automated customer notifications: Look for tools that automatically send order confirmations, updates, and estimated arrival times. Clear communication builds trust and reduces customer inquiries.
- Integration with Shopify POS and other tools: Seamless integration ensures preorder data stays consistent across online and offline channels. It also helps staff manage sales, inventory, and fulfillment without confusion.
- Reporting and analytics for preorder campaigns: Insightful data helps retailers measure demand, track performance, and adjust marketing strategies. Reports on revenue, conversion rates, and product popularity guide smarter decisions.
Top 5 Shopify Preorder Apps for Small Retail Businesses
Let’s check out the best Shopify preorder apps for your business!
1. ConnectPOS – Preorder & Backorder Management
ConnectPOS offers a powerful solution for small retailers who want to manage preorders and backorders with ease. Designed to streamline operations, this app helps businesses handle customer demand without losing sales opportunities. Its key strengths include:
- Centralized preorder and backorder support: Manage both preorder and backorder requests in one system, reducing complexity and improving order accuracy.
- Real-time inventory syncing across online and offline channels: Stock levels are updated instantly, ensuring customers see the correct availability no matter where they shop.
- Automatic ETA notifications to customers: Shoppers receive clear updates on product availability and delivery timelines, creating a more transparent experience.
- Omnichannel integration with payment gateways and marketplaces: The app connects with multiple sales channels, making it easier to process payments and track sales across platforms.
Beyond preorder management, ConnectPOS empowers businesses with advanced eCommerce automation. Retailers can rely on its reporting tools, seamless integrations, and user-friendly interface to optimize workflows. This makes it easier to balance supply with demand, improve customer trust, and maintain steady cash flow.
For small retail businesses aiming to scale efficiently, ConnectPOS stands out as a reliable tool that enhances every aspect of preorder and backorder operations.
2. Notify Me! PreOrder | Back in Stock
Notify Me! is a practical tool for retailers who want to capture customer interest even when items are unavailable. By combining preorder and back-in-stock features, it ensures that businesses can keep sales momentum strong and reduce the risk of losing customers to competitors. Key highlights include:
- Preorder and back-in-stock notification features: Customers can secure products in advance or sign up to be notified when items return to stock.
- Automated alerts: The app sends instant notifications via email when products become available again, keeping customers engaged without extra effort from the retailer.
- Demand capture and reduced lost sales: By letting customers reserve products or stay updated, businesses can convert interest into revenue and better predict demand.
- Easy integration with Shopify themes and product pages: Setup is simple, and the app blends seamlessly with store design for a consistent shopping experience.
Notify Me! makes it easier for small retailers to manage customer expectations and recover potential missed sales. With its automation and straightforward setup, the app gives businesses a reliable way to connect with shoppers, improve product sell-through, and keep customer satisfaction high.
3. Timesact Preorder
Timesact is a trusted app designed to simplify preorder operations for small retailers. It helps businesses keep products available for purchase even before restocks or official launches, ensuring steady revenue flow. Some of its key features include:
- Schedule product preorders in advance: Retailers can set preorder dates for upcoming releases, product launches, or restocks, keeping customers engaged and excited.
- Mixed cart checkout: Shoppers can purchase preorder and in-stock items in the same transaction. This creates a smoother shopping experience and reduces abandoned carts.
- Automated preorder cutoffs: When stock is replenished, the app automatically ends preorders, preventing overselling and keeping inventory accurate.
Timesact also offers customization options for preorder buttons and messages, helping retailers align the experience with their store branding. Automated email notifications keep customers informed about their orders and expected delivery timelines. The system is built to reduce manual work while improving transparency for buyers.
4. PreOrder Globo
PreOrder Globo is a flexible solution that helps small retailers manage preorders with ease. It focuses on customization, payment flexibility, and clear insights, giving businesses the tools they need to maximize sales opportunities. Its main features include:
- Easy customization of preorder buttons and messages: Retailers can adjust the look and wording of preorder options to match their store’s branding and create a seamless shopping experience.
- Partial payment and deposit support: Customers can choose to pay a deposit instead of the full amount upfront, making preorders more appealing and accessible.
- Preorder management dashboard with real-time insights: The dashboard gives businesses a clear view of preorder activity, including product performance and customer interest, to support smarter inventory planning.
PreOrder Globo also provides automated email notifications to keep customers updated on order status and expected delivery times. Its integration with Shopify ensures smooth operation without requiring a complex setup. The app is built to reduce manual work while keeping retailers in control of preorder campaigns.
5. PreOrder Now
PreOrder Now is one of the most popular preorder apps for Shopify, trusted by many small retailers to secure sales before products become available. It combines ease of use with advanced settings that help businesses create tailored preorder campaigns. Key features include:
- Customizable preorder widget: Retailers can design preorder buttons and labels to fit seamlessly with their store’s branding and provide a professional look.
- Email automation for preorder updates: Customers receive timely notifications about order confirmations, product availability, and estimated delivery dates, reducing uncertainty and inquiries.
- Mixed cart and advanced campaign settings: Shoppers can combine preorder and in-stock items in one checkout. Retailers can also set rules for specific products, collections, or timeframes to fine-tune campaigns.
The app provides detailed reporting so businesses can track preorder performance and measure customer interest. It also integrates smoothly with Shopify stores without requiring complex configuration. By automating communication and simplifying preorder management, PreOrder Now helps retailers reduce manual work and maintain customer trust.
How to Choose the Best Shopify Preorder App for Your Business?
Selecting the right preorder app can make a big difference in how effectively your business manages sales and customer expectations. The best option depends on your store’s size, resources, and long-term goals. Here are the main factors to consider:
- Match features with business size and needs: A small boutique may only need simple preorder buttons and notifications, while larger operations benefit from advanced automation, reporting, and multi-channel support.
- Consider budget and ease of use: Some apps come with premium pricing for advanced features. Choose an app that fits your budget without adding unnecessary complexity for your team.
- Look at integration with existing tools: If you use Shopify POS or ERP software, select an app that integrates smoothly. This ensures consistent inventory data and reduces manual updates.
- Evaluate customer support and reviews: Reliable support can save time when issues arise. Check user feedback to see how responsive the app provider is and how well the app performs in real stores.
In Summary
Choosing the right preorder app can transform the way small retail businesses manage inventory, generate early sales, and strengthen customer trust. The tools highlighted above offer flexible features such as customizable widgets, automated notifications, and seamless integrations that make preorder campaigns both effective and easy to manage. By aligning the app’s capabilities with your store’s specific needs, you can reduce lost sales, plan stock more accurately, and create a better shopping experience.
Ready to streamline your preorder strategy and boost revenue with an ultimate Shopify preorder app? Contact ConnectPOS today.
FAQs: Shopify Preorder App
Can I use preorder apps for both online and offline sales?
Yes. Many preorder apps integrate with Shopify POS, allowing retailers to manage preorders across both online stores and physical locations with synced inventory data.
Do preorder apps support partial payments or deposits?
Several apps offer flexible payment options, including full upfront payment, partial deposits, or buy now, pay later (BNPL), giving customers more choice and increasing conversion.
How do preorder apps handle out-of-stock products?
Preorder apps let customers place orders for out-of-stock items and receive updates on availability or delivery timelines. Some apps automatically switch products back to normal sales once stock is replenished.
Are preorder apps suitable for seasonal or limited-edition launches?
Absolutely. Preorder apps are an excellent fit for seasonal items, exclusive collections, or limited-edition products, helping retailers capture demand early and manage supply more effectively.
