Preorders are becoming increasingly popular in the eCommerce space, with nearly 75% of U.S. consumers trying new shopping behaviors and many planning to continue, emphasizing the need for businesses to stay adaptable. Preorders allow customers to purchase items before they are available, offering businesses valuable insights into demand while keeping customers engaged. BigCommerce simplifies preorder management with its BackOrder app. This post will guide you on how to manage BigCommerce preorder effectively using the BackOrder app.
Understanding BigCommerce Preorders
Preorders in eCommerce allow businesses to take orders before a product is ready to ship. On BigCommerce, this can help boost sales and maintain customer interest. In fact, the global eCommerce market is set to generate $5.8 trillion in revenue in 2024, with preorders playing a significant role in capturing early demand for new products. But what exactly is a preorder, and why should you use it?
What is a BigCommerce Preorder?
A BigCommerce preorder lets customers buy items that aren’t ready to ship yet. This is different from regular purchases where the product is in stock and can be shipped immediately. Preorders are especially useful for products expected to be in high demand. This can be a significant growth driver for businesses; in fact, according to McKinsey, successful consumer goods companies are seeing more than double their sales coming from online channels, including preorders, as they strategically manage product launches across various platforms. This allows businesses to build anticipation and secure sales even before the product hits the shelves.
- Early access for customers: Preorders give customers a chance to secure an item before it’s available to everyone.
- Measure interest: By offering preorders, you can see how much interest there is in a product before it launches.
- Different from regular sales: Unlike regular purchases, preorders involve a wait time while the product is being prepared.
BigCommerce preorders are a simple way to manage demand and keep your customers happy. By understanding what a preorder is, you can better manage your stock and meet customer needs. BigCommerce BackOrder app by GritGlobal can be a valuable tool in managing preorders. It allows products to be available for purchase even if they are not fully stocked, ensuring a seamless experience for both preorders and backorders.
Why Use Preorders on BigCommerce?
Using preorders on BigCommerce can help your business in several ways. They not only help predict how much product you’ll need but also keep customers excited about what’s coming next. However, there are some things to watch out for.
- Forecasting demand: Preorders let you know how popular a product might be, so you can plan your inventory.
- Engaging customers: Offering preorders keeps customers interested in your store, knowing they have secured a product ahead of time.
- Managing expectations: Clear communication about when the product will be available helps avoid customer disappointment.
RaceFX used BigCommerce preorders to increase their B2B sales. They used the BigCommerce BackOrder to continue taking orders even when items were not in stock, helping them avoid missed sales. This strategy allowed them to keep their customers informed and their sales steady.
Using preorders on BigCommerce is a smart way to keep sales strong and customers engaged. By knowing the benefits and challenges, you can use this feature to grow your business and satisfy your customers.
Setting Up Preorders in BigCommerce
Setting up a BigCommerce preorder is straightforward but requires attention to detail. This part will guide you through the steps needed to configure a preorder button in your store. It will also explain how to customize settings to make the process smooth for your customers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring Preorders
Configuring a BigCommerce preorder button involves several steps. These steps will help you set up the button, making it easy for customers to preorder items that are not yet available.
- Edit the product: Start by going to your BigCommerce dashboard. Select the product you want to set up for preorder. You will need to edit the product details.
- Adjust purchasability: Scroll down to the “Purchasability” section. Here, choose the option that allows preorders. This will change the “Add to Cart” button to a “Preorder” button.
- Set stock levels: Ensure that the stock levels are set accurately. This helps manage the inventory and ensures customers know when the product will be available.
- Save changes: After adjusting the settings, save the changes. Your product is now available for preorder in your store.
One limitation to note is that BigCommerce does not currently support bulk setup for preorders, meaning each product needs to be configured individually. To make this process more efficient, consider integrating the BigCommerce BackOrder. This app can automate the process, allowing out-of-stock products to still be ordered without requiring manual updates.
Customizing Preorder Settings
Once your BigCommerce preorder button is set up, the next step is to customize the settings. This includes setting up preorder messages, expected release dates, and stock notifications.
- Customize messages: You can add custom messages to inform customers about preorder details. This could include information about expected delivery dates or any delays.
- Set release dates: It’s important to provide an expected release date for the product. This helps manage customer expectations and reduces inquiries about availability.
- Manage stock notifications: Set up notifications to alert customers when the product is back in stock. This feature can help reduce cart abandonment.
Dollylocks, a company that experienced supply shortages, effectively used customized BigCommerce preorder settings, along with the BigCommerce BackOrder by GritGlobal, to maintain their sales. By clearly communicating with their customers and setting accurate expectations, they were able to capture more sales even during challenging times.
Customizing your BigCommerce preorder settings ensures a better customer experience. It helps keep customers informed and satisfied, which is crucial for maintaining trust and encouraging repeat business.
Leveraging the BackOrder App for Preorders
The BackOrder app is a useful tool that works with BigCommerce to help businesses manage BigCommerce preorders and out-of-stock items. It makes it easier to keep selling even when products aren’t available right away.
Introduction to the BackOrder App
The BigCommerce BackOrder app by GritGlobal is a powerful tool designed to seamlessly integrate with BigCommerce stores. It helps businesses manage out-of-stock products and BigCommerce preorders, ensuring that customers can continue purchasing items even when inventory is low. This app is particularly useful for keeping sales consistent, as it allows products to be available for purchase, whether they are fully stocked or not.
- Simple integration: The BackOrder app integrates directly with your BigCommerce store. This makes it easy to set up and use without needing technical skills.
- Manage out-of-stock items: The app allows you to continue selling products that aren’t in stock. Customers can place orders, and the app will notify them when the product is available.
- Preorder capabilities: With the BackOrder app, you can offer preorders for new products. This keeps your customers excited and ensures they get the products they want as soon as they’re ready.
The BackOrder app is a must-have for any BigCommerce store that wants to keep sales steady and customers happy, even when products aren’t immediately available.
How BackOrder Enhances Preorder Management
BigCommerce BackOrder does more than just handle out-of-stock items, it also enhances how you manage BigCommerce preorders. This app ensures that your store can continue selling products, even when they are temporarily unavailable, by automating many aspects of the preorder and backorder processes.
- Continue selling with backorders: The app allows products to be sold on backorder, ensuring that stock-related interruptions don’t halt your sales. Customers can place orders for products that are out of stock, and the app will notify them when the item is available.
- Automation features: The BackOrder app automates the preorder and backorder process, reducing the need for manual updates and making it easier to manage multiple orders. This includes sending notifications to customers when products are back in stock or when preordered items are ready to ship.
- Continuous sales channel: By supporting backorders, the app helps keep your sales channel open, allowing you to continue generating revenue even when stock levels are low.
MDT, a company specializing in precision rifles, found the BigCommerce BackOrder to be the perfect solution for their inventory management challenges. By using the app, they were able to efficiently handle preorders and maintain a steady flow of sales, even during periods of high demand. This case study highlights how the BackOrder app can be an important tool for businesses looking to streamline their preorder and inventory management processes.
Best Practices for Managing BigCommerce Preorders
Managing BigCommerce preorders effectively can help boost sales and keep customers happy. Following best practices ensures that you handle preorders smoothly, from promotion to post-sale follow-up.
Marketing Your Preorders Effectively
Promoting your BigCommerce preorder is essential for generating interest and driving sales. A well-planned marketing strategy can make a big difference in how successful your preorders are.
- Use email marketing: Send out emails to your existing customers to let them know about the preorder. Highlight the benefits of ordering early and any special offers available for preorders.
- Leverage social media: Promote your preorder on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use eye-catching visuals and clear messaging to attract attention and encourage shares.
- Create a preorder timeline: Plan a timeline that outlines key dates for your preorder campaign. This helps maintain interest and keeps your customers engaged until the product is available.
By marketing your BigCommerce preorders effectively, you can ensure that customers are aware of the opportunity to order early, leading to higher sales and better customer satisfaction.
Setting Clear Policies and Payment Methods
Clear communication is key when handling BigCommerce preorders. Customers need to know what to expect when they place a preorder, including how payments are handled and when they can expect their product.
- Communicate payment options: Make sure your customers understand how payments will be processed. Will they be charged immediately or when the product ships? Clear communication can prevent confusion.
- Set clear delivery times: Provide an estimated delivery date for the preorder. This helps manage customer expectations and reduces the likelihood of cancellations.
- Offer easy refunds: Make your refund policy clear from the start. Let customers know how they can cancel their preorder if needed and what the process will be for getting their money back.
By setting clear policies and offering straightforward payment methods, you can minimize misunderstandings and keep your BigCommerce preorder process running smoothly.
Optimizing the Post-Sale Experience
The experience after the preorder is just as important as the initial sale. Good follow-up can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer. Here’s how to optimize the post-sale experience for your BigCommerce preorder customers.
- Follow up with updates: Keep customers informed about the status of their preorder. Send regular updates, especially if there are any delays in production or shipping.
- Provide support: Offer easy access to customer support for any questions or concerns they might have after placing a preorder. This helps maintain trust and ensures a positive experience.
- Encourage feedback: After the product has been delivered, ask customers for their feedback. This shows that you value their opinion and can provide insights for future improvements.
Sunglass LA successfully used the BigCommerce BackOrder app to manage customer expectations during Black Friday, a high-demand period. By keeping customers informed and providing excellent support, they were able to prevent sales loss and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Optimizing the post-sale experience for your BigCommerce preorder customers helps build long-term relationships and encourages repeat business, which is key to sustaining growth.
Conclusion
Handling preorders on BigCommerce using the BigCommerce BackOrder from GritGlobal can greatly benefit your business. It allows you to continue selling even when stock is low and helps keep customers engaged. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage preorders, boost sales, and improve customer satisfaction.
For more information or help with setting up your BigCommerce preorders, contact us today!
