Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Draft Orders
- How to Create a Shopify Draft Order
- Optimizing the Use of Draft Orders
- Integrating Draft Orders with Apps and API
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself in a scenario where you need to manually create an order for your Shopify store? Whether it’s for a custom deal, a phone order, or maybe a special arrangement for a high-value client, creating draft orders is a key functionality you should know about. With Shopify’s draft order feature, store owners can take orders in many ways that aren't possible through a traditional online checkout. In this post, we're going to delve into what draft orders are, their importance, how to create them in Shopify, and some tips to get the most out of this useful function. We'll cover everything from the basic steps to some advanced tricks, ensuring that by the end of this read, you'll be drafting orders like a pro!
Understanding Draft Orders
Shopify’s draft orders feature is a straightforward and powerful tool designed to give businesses flexibility. You can prepare orders on behalf of customers, customize details, apply discounts, and collect payment in various ways, all outside the standard automation of an online storefront.
Draft orders can be a boon for targeting B2B clients, allowing for personalized pricing and payment terms. They are essential when you’re operating in markets with varied currencies, pricing sensibilities, and tax laws.
Imagine this: a regular customer calls, asking for a quick restock on their usual order, or a local business wishes to make a bulk purchase with unique terms. Draft orders are your pathway to catering to these specific needs without a hitch.
How to Create a Shopify Draft Order
Creating a draft order is straightforward. Making a new draft is possible right from the Shopify admin, and here's how you do it, step-by-step:
- Navigate to your Shopify admin and click on “Orders,” followed by “Drafts.”
- Select “Create order.” This will start your draft.
- Add products to the order. You can add items available in your store or opt for custom products for specialized requests.
- Customize the order by adding discounts and setting shipping rates. Shopify allows you to apply discounts to individual items or the entire order. Remember, you can't stack discounts, so choose either item or order discounts carefully to avoid redundancy and confusion.
- Manage your inventory by reserving items if necessary. Reserved items are tagged as ‘unavailable,’ so they can’t be purchased by others.
- Set payment terms, especially if payment is expected later. Shopify lets you specify the due date and follow up accordingly.
- Send an invoice through Shopify with a secure link or share the checkout link directly with the customer for easy payment.
During the process, adding customer details is crucial, as it affects shipping rates based on location. Additionally, tags help organize your orders, and you can manage tax settings according to the customer's address.
Optimizing the Use of Draft Orders
To maximize the benefits of draft orders, you must know how to optimize their use. Here are some pro tips:
- Real-time Currency Adaptability: If you have international customers, Shopify Markets update local currency, taxes, and duties based on the customer’s market, saving you from manual calculations.
- Reserve inventory strategically: You may prefer to reserve inventory the moment a draft order is created to avoid overselling, especially for hot-selling items or during peak sales period.
- Customization Is Key: Draft orders enable custom additions like personal notes, special packaging instructions, or bespoke products, fostering strong customer relations.
- Sealing B2B Deals: Utilize draft orders for B2B transactions where purchases aren't spontaneous and involve negotiations, POs, and tailored pricing.
Embrace these advanced functionalities to heighten your business's operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Integrating Draft Orders with Apps and API
For those seeking automation even within the realm of draft orders, Shopify’s API allows for integration with apps or custom-built functions. Apps like Cleverific Order Editor extend the capabilities of draft orders—think custom fields and bulk product add-ons. Meanwhile, platforms like Zapier can establish zaps to alert you of new draft orders if they form a significant part of your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you automatically send reminders for unpaid draft orders?
Shopify itself does not have an automated reminder system for draft orders. However, you can use email automation tools to set up reminders by connecting them to your Shopify store.
Is there a limit to the number of draft orders I can create?
No, Shopify does not impose a limit on the number of draft orders you can create. However, API restrictions may apply if you’re using that route.
Can I convert an abandoned cart into a draft order?
Yes, abandoned carts can be converted into draft orders. This tactic is particularly useful for recovery strategies, engaging potentially lost sales with distinct incentives.
How does editing draft orders affect inventory?
Inventory is not affected until the items are marked as 'reserved' within a draft order. Until then, they remain available for others to purchase.
Can I process payment for a draft order myself if I have the customer's details?
Shopify provides secure ways for you to process payments using the customer's credit card details if you have permission. Ensure compliance with PCI regulations and use Shopify Payments to avoid extra fees.
Conclusion
Creating draft orders on Shopify simplifies the complex world of personalized orders and B2B transactions. Moving beyond the constraints of a standard checkout process, drafts allow for flexing customer service muscles, fostering stronger business-client relationships, and satisfying unique customer needs. Wisely implemented, this can become the secret sauce that flavors your business with the competitive edge of personalization. Harness the power of draft orders to round out the shopping experience with that cherry-on-top finesse that customers do not always expect, but invariably appreciate.
