Product waitlists offer the most effective way to manage pre-orders for out-of-stock items, automatically notifying customers when products become available. Here's how to set up and manage pre-orders effectively:

Creating Pre-Order Products

1. Add your product normally, but make these key adjustments:

• Set stock levels above zero to keep products visible
• Include clear shipping timeframes in the product description
• Change the "Add to Cart" button text to "Pre-Order"

To modify the button text:

1. Navigate to product editor
2. Scroll to Checkout section
3. Click Customize
4. Enable custom label
5. Enter "Pre-Order"
6. Click Apply

Important Pre-Order Details

Always include in your product description:

• Expected shipping date
• Order cancellation policy
• Return policy
• Payment terms

Managing Pre-Orders

1. Set appropriate stock levels based on:

• Manufacturing capacity
• Expected demand
• Delivery timeline

2. Keep customers informed through:

• Regular email updates
• Blog posts about production progress
• Announcement bars for important updates

Fulfillment Process

When products arrive in stock:

1. Process orders in chronological order
2. Update customers on shipping status
3. Fulfill orders through the Orders panel
4. Follow up with tracking information

Best Practices

• Enable product waitlists for interested customers
• Create content about the production process
• Maintain clear communication with buyers
• Consider using promotional pop-ups
• Set realistic delivery expectations

Remember to consistently update customers about their order status and any changes in the expected delivery timeline to maintain trust and satisfaction.

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