WooCommerce Pre-Orders and Backorders: The Ultimate Guide

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is built for anyone running a WooCommerce store who wants to sell products before they hit the warehouse floor. Whether you are launching a new product line, running a limited drop, or managing a catalog with out-of-stock items that still generate daily demand, understanding pre-orders and backorders will directly impact your cash flow and conversion rate.

• WooCommerce store owners who want to capture sales before inventory arrives and reduce the risk of over-ordering.
• Small business owners launching a new product or running a crowdfunding-style campaign within their existing store.
• Digital agencies and developers building or maintaining stores for clients who need a reliable pre-order workflow.
• B2B merchants who accept bulk orders for made-to-order or seasonal goods and need a clear way to manage payment and shipping timelines.
• Brand owners running limited-edition or high-demand product drops where selling out in minutes is the norm.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this guide you will understand how pre-orders and backorders differ, which approach fits your product type, and how to set up a reliable system inside WooCommerce. Here is what the guide covers in detail.

• The exact difference between a pre-order and a backorder, and when to use each one.
• How pre-orders help you validate product demand and improve cash flow before manufacturing.
• Which WooCommerce plugin options exist and how to choose the right one for your store.
• Step-by-step configuration for setting up your first pre-order product.
• Advanced strategies like discounting, payment timing, and automated email notifications.
• Best practices for writing product descriptions and setting customer expectations around shipping dates.
• Common mistakes that lead to unhappy customers and chargebacks, and how to avoid them.
• A practical checklist you can use to launch your first pre-order campaign without errors.

What Is a WooCommerce Pre-Order?

A WooCommerce pre-order lets customers purchase a product before it is available for immediate shipment. The store collects the order (and sometimes the payment) upfront, and fulfills it once the product arrives in stock. This differs from a standard order where the item ships within your usual handling time.

Pre-orders are common for product launches, crowdfunding campaigns, and seasonal items. They allow you to gauge demand before committing to a large production run. If you sell products with a known future release date, pre-orders are the most effective way to convert early interest into guaranteed revenue.

What Is a Backorder?

A backorder occurs when a customer purchases a product that is temporarily out of stock, with the expectation that it will ship as soon as new stock arrives. Unlike a pre-order, backorders typically happen for existing products rather than new launches. The item already exists in your catalog, but inventory has run out due to higher-than-expected demand or a supply chain delay.

Backorders are common in B2B and wholesale scenarios where customers need to place regular orders and accept a waiting period. They also appear in retail settings where a popular SKU sells out but still generates daily inquiries.

Why Use Pre-Orders and Backorders in WooCommerce?

Both pre-orders and backorders serve a clear business purpose: they let you sell when you do not have inventory on hand. But the benefits extend beyond simply keeping your store open during stockouts.

• Cash flow improvement. Pre-orders let you collect revenue (or partial deposits) before you pay for manufacturing or shipping. This can fund production for small brands and independent creators.
• Demand validation. A pre-order campaign tells you exactly how many units to produce. You avoid the risk of overstocking a product that nobody wants.
• Customer retention. A customer who wants your product will wait for it if you set clear expectations. Losing that sale to a competitor just because you mark the item as out of stock is unnecessary.
• Marketing momentum. Pre-order campaigns generate buzz. You can announce a launch date, offer early-bird discounts, and build a waiting list of customers who already committed to buying.

How Do Pre-Orders and Backorders Differ in WooCommerce?

The two concepts are often used interchangeably, but they have different implications for inventory management and customer expectations. The table below breaks down the key differences.

Which WooCommerce Pre-Order Plugin Should You Choose?

WooCommerce does not include built-in pre-order or backorder functionality. You need a plugin to add this feature. Several options exist, and the right one depends on your specific workflow requirements.

Our top recommendation for most stores is FMA Pre Order and Backorder. It covers both pre-orders and backorders, includes discount capabilities, supports pay-later options, and sends automated email notifications. It is compatible with standard WooCommerce flows and extensions, passes vulnerability checks, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here is how the leading options compare across the features that matter most to store owners.

How to Set Up Pre-Orders in WooCommerce

Setting up a pre-order in WooCommerce requires a plugin like FMA Pre Order and Backorder. The process is straightforward once you understand the configuration options. Here are the general steps that apply to most pre-order plugins.

• Install and activate the plugin. Go to Plugins in your WordPress dashboard, upload the plugin file, and activate it. Ensure you have WooCommerce active first.
• Create or edit a product. Open the product you want to offer as a pre-order. You can use a simple product or a variable product depending on your setup.
• Enable pre-order mode. Look for a new section in the product data meta box labeled Pre-Order or Backorder. Toggle the option to enable pre-orders for this item.
• Set the availability date. Enter the date when the product will be ready to ship. This date displays on the product page so customers know when to expect their order.
• Configure payment options. Choose whether to collect full payment upfront, a deposit, or allow pay-later (if your plugin supports it). Pay-later options let customers place the order without paying immediately.
• Add discount if applicable. Some plugins let you offer a percentage or fixed discount for pre-order customers. This can incentivize early purchases.
• Set email notifications. Configure automated emails that notify customers when their pre-order is about to ship or has shipped. This reduces support inquiries about order status.
• Update and test. Save the product and run a test order to confirm the pre-order badge displays, the checkout process works correctly, and the order shows the correct status in your admin panel.

Best Practices for Running Pre-Orders and Backorders

Following best practices helps you avoid customer frustration and administrative headaches. Pre-orders and backorders work well when expectations are crystal clear from the start. According to a guide on WooCommerce pre-order best practicesyou should create a dedicated landing page for your pre-orders, install a reliable plugin, be specific about when items will ship, and invest in marketing to drive traffic to the campaign.

• Set a realistic shipping date. Under-promise and over-deliver. If you think production will take four weeks, set the availability date to five weeks. Early shipments create delighted customers.
• Display the shipping date prominently. Place the release or restock date directly on the product page, in the cart, and in the order confirmation email. Customers should never have to guess when their order will arrive.
• Use email notifications for updates. If the shipping date changes, send an update immediately. Silence frustrates customers more than a delay.
• Offer a discount for pre-orders. Early adopters take a risk by paying upfront for something they cannot receive immediately. A small discount or free shipping rewards that behavior.
• Limit pre-order quantities. If you have a fixed production run, cap the number of pre-orders you accept. Overselling a pre-order campaign can damage your brand reputation.
• Communicate the backorder policy. For backorders, clearly state that the item is temporarily out of stock and provide an estimated restock date. Customers appreciate honesty.
• Create a dedicated landing page. A landing page that explains your pre-order process, timeline, and FAQ can reduce support tickets and improve conversion rates. This aligns with the best practice of creating a landing page for pre-orders.

Common Mistakes When Managing Pre-Orders and Backorders

Even experienced store owners make errors that lead to chargebacks, negative reviews, and support overload. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Setting an unrealistic shipping date. This happens when you underestimate production time or supply chain delays. Always pad your timeline. A delayed shipment frustrates customers, but a canceled order after a long wait is worse.
• Failing to update customers about delays. Silence is the enemy. If you know a shipment will be late, send an email and offer the option to cancel for a full refund. Waiting for customers to contact you first erodes trust.
• Collecting payment without clear terms. If you charge customers upfront but have no refund policy for long delays, you risk chargebacks and disputes. State your refund policy clearly at checkout.
• Mixing pre-orders and in-stock items in the same cart without clear messaging. Customers might not realize one item will ship much later than the others. Use separate shipping groups or a clear notice at checkout.
• Not testing the workflow before launch. A broken checkout flow during a high-traffic campaign is a disaster. Place a test order yourself and verify that the order status, email notification, and inventory tracking all work correctly.
• Ignoring inventory management for backorders. If you accept unlimited backorders without tracking supplier lead times, you might end up with a backlog you cannot fulfill. Set a maximum backorder quantity or turn off backorders when stock hits a certain level.

Advanced Strategies for WooCommerce Pre-Orders

Once you have the basic setup running, you can move into more advanced tactics that improve conversion rates and operational efficiency.

Offer Tiered Discounts for Early Orders

Instead of a flat discount, offer a percentage off that decreases as more pre-orders are placed. The first 50 customers might get a larger discount, the next 100 get a smaller discount, and remaining customers pay full price. This creates urgency without alienating late buyers.

Use Pre-Orders for Market Validation

Before investing in a large production run, run a pre-order campaign with a minimum order quantity. If you reach the threshold, you manufacture. If not, you refund everyone and reconsider the product. This approach reduces financial risk for new product lines.

Combine Pre-Orders with Subscription Models

If you sell consumable products (coffee, supplements, skincare), offer a pre-order that converts into a subscription. The first shipment is a pre-order, and subsequent shipments are recurring. This builds recurring revenue from launch day.

Automate Order Status Changes

Use plugins like Control Order Status to automate status transitions. When a pre-order ships, the status changes automatically, and the customer receives a tracking update. This saves administrative time during fulfillment spikes.

Integrate with Wholesale Order Forms

For B2B stores, combine pre-orders with a Wholesale and Bulk Order Form. Bulk buyers often place large orders for out-of-stock items. A dedicated form makes the process faster and reduces cart abandonment.

Pre-Order Campaign Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for your next pre-order launch. Each item helps you avoid common issues and ensures a smooth experience for your customers.

• Select a pre-order plugin that supports your payment model (pay-later, deposit, or full payment).
• Test the checkout flow with a real product and a real payment method.
• Set the estimated shipping date in the plugin configuration and on the product page.
• Write a product description that explicitly states the pre-order terms and shipping timeline.
• Enable email notifications for order confirmation, shipping updates, and delay alerts.
• Create a dedicated FAQ page or landing page that explains your pre-order process.
• Set a maximum pre-order quantity if you have limited production capacity.
• Configure refund or cancellation policies in your store terms and conditions.
• Send a test email to yourself to verify that the notification templates look correct.
• Prepare a backup communication plan in case the shipping date changes unexpectedly.
• Monitor pre-order orders in your admin panel daily during the campaign period.
• Confirm that your payment gateway supports delayed capture if you use a pay-later model.

Recommended Tools and Resources

Beyond the core pre-order plugin, several complementary tools help you manage pre-orders and backorders more effectively. These are not required for every store, but they address specific scenarios that frequently arise.

• FMA Pre Order and Backorder. The most complete solution for WooCommerce pre-orders and backorders. Supports discounts, pay-later options, and automated email notifications. Compatible with standard WooCommerce extensions.
• Customer Order Cancellation. If you need to allow customers to cancel their pre-orders before shipping, this plugin streamlines the process. It reduces support tickets by letting customers handle cancellations directly from their account page.
• Order and Share on WhatsApp. Useful for stores that want to send order updates via WhatsApp. Faster notification delivery reduces confusion around pre-order timelines.

Related Guides

These guides cover adjacent topics that complement your understanding of pre-orders and backorders in WooCommerce.

• Control Order Status for WooCommerce Automate order status transitions and reduce manual admin work during fulfillment.
• Customer Order Cancellation for WooCommerce Allow customers to cancel pre-orders without contacting your support team.
• Wholesale and Bulk Order Form for WooCommerce Optimize the ordering experience for B2B customers who place large pre-orders or backorders.

Key Takeaways

Pre-orders and backorders are not the same thing, and treating them interchangeably leads to confusion. Pre-orders work for new product launches and allow you to validate demand before manufacturing. Backorders work for existing products that are temporarily out of stock and help you retain customers who would otherwise shop elsewhere.

WooCommerce does not include built-in pre-order functionality, so you need a plugin. FMA Pre Order and Backorder covers both scenarios, supports discount and pay-later options, and sends automated email notifications. It is compatible with standard WooCommerce flows and comes with product updates and support.

The most important factor for success is communication. Set realistic shipping dates, display them clearly, and update customers immediately when timelines change. A well-managed pre-order campaign builds trust and repeat business. A poorly managed one creates chargebacks and negative reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions