Pre-Orders with Upfront Deposit

When to use#

High-demand launches (limited fashion, tech, collectibles) where you want to secure reservations without charging the full price on day one.

What you can achieve#

• Open pre-orders with a deposit: the customer pays a percentage or fixed amount to guarantee their unit.
• Collect the balance near availability: when the availability date arrives, the customer completes payment and you ship.
• Set clear expectations: PRE-ORDER badge, visible availability date, and concise messaging (“deposit now, pay the balance later”).

How it looks in practice#

1) Customer reserves with a deposit#

On the product page, the customer sees PRE-ORDER, the availability date, and the Deposit option (e.g., 20%). They confirm the reservation by paying only the deposit.

2) Clear reservation confirmation#

The order shows the amount paid and remaining balance, alongside the availability date for transparency.

3) Balance payment and fulfillment#

As the availability date approaches, the customer pays the balance. The order moves to processing and you prepare shipment.

Best practices#

• Use a percentage deposit (10–30%) for higher-priced items.
• Add a short PDP note: “Reserve today with a deposit. Pay the balance when the product is available.”
• Optionally enable a countdown on the PDP to reinforce urgency until the availability date.
  
  

Key benefits#

• Higher conversions by lowering the upfront cost.
• Secured reservations that validate demand.
• Fewer cancellations thanks to commitment via deposit.
• Clarity on what’s paid now and what’s due later.

Frequently Asked Questions#

For more details, check our FAQs section under “Extras.”

Updated on June 23, 2026 · Need help? Open a support ticket