In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, online stores must find ways to boost customer loyalty, increase sales, and minimize losses. One effective tool to achieve these goals is a pre-order system. In this article, we’ll discuss why pre-orders are essential for online stores, how to set them up in PrestaShop, and the advantages they bring to your business.
What is Pre-Order, and Why Is It Important?
Pre-ordering allows customers to reserve products that are either temporarily out of stock or not yet released. It’s a perfect solution for:
- Selling new arrivals. Pre-orders help build anticipation and generate sales before an official launch.
- Restocking popular items. Customers can secure their purchase even when the product is temporarily unavailable.
- Demand forecasting. Pre-orders provide insights into product demand, helping you optimize inventory management.
Benefits of Pre-Orders for Your Online Store
- Boosted sales. Capture sales even when inventory is low, preventing customers from shopping with competitors.
- Improved customer experience. Pre-orders allow customers to reserve their desired items conveniently.
- Optimized procurement. Plan purchases and production more accurately based on real demand.
- Enhanced trust. A pre-order system demonstrates that you care about your customers' convenience.
How to Set Up Pre-Orders in PrestaShop
To implement a pre-order system in your PrestaShop store, you’ll need a dedicated extension. A great solution is the “Pre-order of products” module from Ewonta. Let’s explore how it works and what it offers.
Key Features of the Module
- “Pre-order” Button. A button appears on product pages where items are temporarily unavailable, enabling customers to place pre-orders.
- Contact Collection Form. Customers can fill out a form with their contact details, so you can notify them when the item is back in stock.
- Dedicated Pre-order Page. Create a page listing all products available for pre-order.
- Admin Panel Notifications. Track all pre-order requests through your admin panel, simplifying management.
- Manual Request Entry. Add pre-orders received via phone or other channels directly into the system.
Steps to Configure the Module
- Install the module. Upload and activate it in the “Modules and Services” section of your PrestaShop admin panel.
- Configure settings. Select categories eligible for pre-orders and customize the data collection form.
- Enable notifications. Ensure you receive alerts for new pre-order requests.
- Create a pre-order page. Showcase pre-orderable items and provide customers with detailed information about the feature.
Real-Life Examples of Pre-Order Usage
Example 1: Launching a New Clothing Line
Your online store sells clothing, and you’re preparing a new winter collection. Enabling pre-orders allows you to collect customer requests before the products are in stock, creating a sense of exclusivity and boosting sales.
Example 2: Restocking a Popular Item
A best-selling smartphone in your electronics store is temporarily out of stock. By offering a pre-order option, you retain customer interest and ensure future sales once the item is back.
Example 3: Gauging Demand for a New Product
You’re adding a new item to your inventory but are unsure of its popularity. Pre-orders help assess customer interest before committing to large-scale stocking.
Why Choose the "Pre-order of products" Module?
This module from Ewonta not only enables pre-order functionality but also simplifies its management. With its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and support for both registered users and guests, it’s an ideal solution. Automated notifications and seamless admin panel integration save you time and effort.
Integrating a pre-order system in PrestaShop is a strategic move to boost sales, enhance customer loyalty, and streamline operations. With the “Pre-order of products” module from Ewonta, you can easily set up this feature and enjoy tangible results.
Have you already implemented pre-orders in your online store? Share your experience in the comments!