Empire version 7.0.0 and later includes built-in pre-order product templates. These templates let you offer products for pre-order without installing an app or editing theme code.
When a product is assigned to a pre-order template, Empire replaces the standard Add to cart button with a Pre-order button on the product page.
Note: Empire’s pre-order feature changes the product page display only. Shopify order processing, inventory tracking, payment capture, shipping timelines, and customer notifications are still managed through Shopify admin settings.
Before you begin
Before setting up a pre-order product, review the following:
- Confirm you are using Empire version 7.0.0 or later.
- Decide which products should be available for pre-order.
- Confirm whether the product should continue selling when inventory is unavailable.
- Review your Shopify payment, shipping, and notification settings.
- Prepare clear pre-order messaging for customers, such as expected shipping dates or fulfillment timelines.
Pre-order details should be clearly communicated before checkout so customers understand when they can expect their order.
Select product(s) for pre-order and connect products to pre-order template through the Products admin, then customize the pre-order template with the theme editor.
How to Use Pre-Orders to Validate, Pre-Sell, and Build Hype for a Product
Select product(s) for pre-order
First, determine which products will have the pre-order setup. Not all products need to be pre-order. Include several or a selection of pre-order products in your catalog along with standard product templates.
It may be worth starting with one product to get familiar with the feature with lower stakes
This feature is limited to the theme, so additional changes to your Shopify settings are recommended (e.g. automated order and shipping notifications). We recommend contacting Shopify support to confirm all admin-related settings are ready for selling pre-order products.
Connect products to pre-order template
There are two options for pre-order templates: pre-order and pre-order 3-columns.
These are alternate versions of the Default product and 3-columns template that replace the add-to-cart (ATC) button with a Pre-order button.
Open a product in the Products admin, then change the Theme template to pre-order or pre-order 3-columns. The templates available here depend on the Tailor theme being published, so consider publishing your theme or wait to assign products after customizing the pre-order template.
You can also assign a template to multiple products at once by using bulk changes
Customize the pre-order template
Use the page selector to open Products, then pre-order or pre-order-3-columns.
Customize these templates as you would any other product page template. Keep in mind that these templates are separate from other product templates, so settings may need to be repeated or adjusted for different purposes.
For example, the Key details block offers an eye-catching text block to share information about pre-order products and when customers can expect their order.
Troubleshooting pre-order products in Empire
The pre-order template is not showing in Shopify
- Product templates available in the product admin depend on the published theme. If the pre-order template does not appear, confirm that the Empire theme with the pre-order templates is published or available in your theme library.
- Also confirm that you are using Empire version 7.0.0 or later.
The button still says Add to cart
- If the product button still says Add to cart, check that the product is assigned to the correct pre-order template.
- Go to Products > product name > Theme template, then select pre-order or pre-order 3-columns.
Customers cannot purchase the pre-order product
- Check the product and variant inventory settings in Shopify. If the item is out of stock, you may need to enable Continue selling when out of stock for the relevant variants.
- Also confirm that the product is active and available on the Online Store sales channel.
The product page content looks different from the default product page
- Pre-order templates are separate templates. Sections and blocks from the default product page may not automatically carry over.
- Open the pre-order template in the theme editor and add or adjust the sections and blocks you want to display.
The pre-order button appears, but checkout does not mention pre-order details
- Empire controls the product page button and product page content. Checkout, payment, and order notification messaging are controlled by Shopify.
- Add clear pre-order details to the product page, cart, policies, and customer notifications where appropriate.
FAQ
Does Empire support pre-orders?
- Yes. Empire version 7.0.0 and later includes built-in pre-order product templates.
Do I need an app to set up pre-orders in Empire?
- No. Empire includes pre-order templates that can be used without installing an app or editing code. However, some stores may still choose to use a pre-order app if they need advanced pre-order features.
What does the Empire pre-order template do?
- The pre-order template replaces the standard Add to cart button with a Pre-order button on the product page.
Does the pre-order template manage inventory?
- No. Inventory is managed in Shopify. If you want customers to purchase a product before inventory is available, review the product’s inventory settings and enable Continue selling when out of stock if needed.
Can I use pre-orders for only some products?
- Yes. You can assign the pre-order template only to specific products. Other products can continue using the default product template.
Can I bulk assign the pre-order template to multiple products?
- Yes. You can use Shopify’s bulk editor to assign the pre-order or pre-order 3-columns template to multiple products.
Can I customize the pre-order product page?
- Yes. Open the pre-order or pre-order 3-columns template in the Empire theme editor and customize it like any other product template.
Why should I add pre-order messaging?
- Pre-order messaging helps customers understand when the item will ship, when they will be charged, and what to expect if their order includes both in-stock and pre-order items.
Summary
To set up a product for pre-order in Empire:
- Confirm you are using Empire version 7.0.0 or later.
- Choose the products you want to offer for pre-order.
- Adjust inventory settings in Shopify, if needed.
- Assign the product to the pre-order or pre-order 3-columns template.
- Customize the pre-order template in the Empire theme editor.
- Add clear pre-order messaging.
- Review Shopify notifications, policies, and fulfillment settings.
- Preview and test the product before launch.
Empire’s pre-order templates control the product page display, while Shopify controls inventory, payments, checkout, notifications, and order fulfillment.
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