6 Examples of Successful Preorder Strategies for Your Shopify Store

Every Shopify merchant who is doing a preorder approach for their store, always looks to their peers for inspiration before launching their own campaigns. Right? 

While, seeing real strategies in action can spark ideas to amplify the success of the campaign. That’s why we’ve rounded up six success stories that go beyond the typical “add a preorder button and pray” approach.

By looking at these real examples from Shopify stores, we hope to inspire the discovery of exactly how other stores set up their systems and what messaging worked with their customers. 

Let’s dive into this article where you will find practical takeaways that can easily be adapted for any Shopify store that wants to run preorders on products.

This is a perfect example of what happens when artisan craftsmanship meets smart preorder strategy. Sienna Studios hit the jackpot with their “Martina Vase” collaboration. By offering this handcrafted vase in nine colors exclusively through preorders, Sienna Studios generates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, capitalizing on the “fear of missing out” (FOMO).

This wasn’t just any product launch—it was an event. By limiting availability and creating that “get it before it’s gone” feeling, they not only guaranteed sales before production but also built a waitlist of eager customers.

The success of Sienna Studios‘ preorder strategy lies in transparency and storytelling. They clearly communicate an estimated delivery timeframe of 2-3 weeks for preorders, setting realistic customer expectations. 

Furthermore, by sharing the story behind the vase, highlighting its Argentinian origins and the collaboration with Martina Palacios, Sienna Studios adds a layer of authenticity and emotional connection. This narrative approach transforms a simple purchase into an experience.

Swilled Dog uses a preorder strategy for their Barrel Strength Gift Set, which offers several benefits.

From the customer’s perspective, preordering guarantees access to a limited or high-demand item, ensuring they don’t miss out, especially during peak gifting seasons like holidays. It also gives customers a great sense of satisfaction, because they secured their desired gift on time. Not worrying anymore about gifting options and availability.

And Shopify merchants can accurately forecast production needs, reducing risks associated with overstocking or understocking.

The detailed tasting notes are an amazing touch provided during the preorder phase that can increase anticipation and excitement, which further drive demand.

Playtronica nailed this challenge with their Playtron device preorders. Instead of just taking orders for their innovative gadget that turns everyday objects into musical instruments, they identified a crucial moment in the customer journey. 

When someone decides to preorder the Playtron, they’re excited about making music—but might not realize they’ll need adapters to connect it to their phone or computer. By strategically offering these accessories during checkout, Playtronica solves a problem customers don’t even know they have yet. 

Have you been thinking – what essential add-ons could complement your main product?

The preorder approach with upsell benefits both the customer and the merchant. Customers appreciate the convenience of purchasing all necessary components together, and Playtronica benefits from increased revenue through additional sales of adapters and other accessories.

Fireside Brew Coffee cracked the code with their Christmas Special Reserve blend. Instead of launching their limited-edition holiday coffee and hoping for the best, they offered an irresistible preorder deal: 15% off for anyone willing to reserve their bags early. This wasn’t just a random discount—it was strategic. 

By analyzing their production capacity and shipping timeline, Fireside determined they could afford to trade some margin for guaranteed sales and smoother operations during their busiest season.

Coffee lovers appreciated both the savings and the guarantee they wouldn’t miss out on the seasonal favorite that consistently sells out by mid-December. Perhaps most importantly, these early bird customers became some of Fireside’s most loyal year-round patrons, with preorder customers showing a 40% higher retention rate than those who purchased at regular price.

The Footybro is thinking outside the box. Why not maximize revenue and preorder strategy by offering bundles and free shipping across Australia and New Zealand. 

When combined with the bundle option, businesses can offer multiple products together as a single pre order package. This approach allows customers to purchase related items at once, often at a discounted rate. Bundling preorders not only boosts revenue but also improves customer convenience and engagement.

FootyBro’s product page for their Trainer shows exactly how to build confidence during the preorder process.

They feature clear videos demonstrating the product in action, detailed descriptions explaining exactly how the training tool works, and prominently display authentic customer reviews that build trust (like Alana B.’s comment about her son practicing against a brick wall).

By combining these elements with their smart bundle pricing that incentivizes multiple purchases, FootyBro removes all the barriers to buying. The page makes it crystal clear what you’re getting, how it works, why others love it, and the value of ordering more than one.

The Boys‘ approach to their Smiley Trucker Hat preorders creates a perfect balance of exclusivity and transparency. By clearly communicating the January 20th, 2025 ship date upfront, they transform what could be a deterrent (waiting) into part of the appeal. Let’s see how The Boys are implementing their preorder strategy:

• • They have a huge Pre-Order CTA button on the product page 
  • Clearly communicating shipping date estimations
  • Their product pages feature high-quality images from multiple angles
  • Each preorder page includes detailed sizing information to reduce return concerns
  • They send automated email updates when production milestones are reached
  • Customers can cancel preorders with no questions asked up until shipping begins
  • They offer more payment options with installments to split the purchase over time with no fees

What makes this preorder strategy particularly effective is how Akumu surrounds the future product with current offerings. They showcase complementary items below the hat—socks, bandanas, tees, and hoodies that are available now. It gives customers something they can enjoy immediately while waiting for their exclusive hat, and it naturally encourages bundle purchases.

Looking at these real-world examples, some clear patterns emerge in successful Shopify preorder strategies. What makes certain preorders convert while others flop? It’s rarely about the button color or exact wording—it’s about the strategic approach these merchants take to the entire customer experience.

• • They’re transparent about timing, with clear shipping dates that set realistic expectations
  • They offer something to offset the wait (immediate value through discounts, free items, or bundled products)
  • They create compelling product pages with detailed information and high-quality visuals
  • They leverage payment flexibility options for higher-priced items
  • They maintain communication throughout the waiting period with order updates
  • They connect preorder products with available items to encourage immediate purchases

Ready to implement these strategies in your own store? 

While you could build a custom preorder system, many Shopify merchants find success with specialized apps Timesact Preorder which automatically converts your “Add to Cart” buttons to “Pre-Order” when products are out of stock. 

Look for solutions that offer flexible payment options, automated customer communications, and inventory management features that align with your specific preorder strategy.

Book a discovery call with one of our industry specialists and learn exactly how Timesact can be tailored to your specific needs.