Understanding Draft Orders on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Draft Order on Shopify?
3. Key Features of Draft Orders
4. Creating a Draft Order on Shopify
5. Benefits of Using Draft Orders
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself juggling multiple orders with unique requirements, only to wish for a more streamlined approach to accommodate special requests and personalized service? If so, you’re not alone. In an increasingly competitive ecommerce landscape, offering flexibility and customization is vital for merchants looking to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales. Enter draft orders—a powerful feature on Shopify that empowers merchants to create, customize, and manage orders with ease.

Draft orders are not just a means to facilitate sales; they represent a shift in how we think about order management. By allowing merchants to create orders manually, draft orders open the door to a world of possibilities, from managing complex sales scenarios to building stronger customer relationships. In this blog post, we will explore what a draft order is on Shopify, delve into its benefits, and provide practical insights on how to utilize this feature to elevate your ecommerce operations.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of draft orders, including how they differ from regular orders, the steps to create and manage them, and the various ways they can enhance your business. Whether you are new to Shopify or looking to refine your existing processes, this guide will serve as your roadmap to mastering draft orders.

What is a Draft Order on Shopify?

A draft order on Shopify is essentially a manually created order that allows merchants to customize various aspects before finalizing it. Unlike standard orders generated through the checkout process when a customer completes a purchase, draft orders can be tailored to meet specific customer needs or special circumstances. This feature is particularly useful for scenarios such as:

• Custom Orders: Merchants can add products that may not be available in their online store, allowing for a more personalized shopping experience.
• Bulk Orders: Draft orders are ideal for managing larger purchases, where quantities and items can be adjusted before finalization.
• Wholesale Transactions: Merchants can easily apply discounts and create wholesale-specific draft orders that cater to B2B clients.
• Pre-Orders: For items not yet in stock, draft orders can be created to secure sales while managing customer expectations.

Draft orders also allow merchants to override store settings, meaning they can create orders for products that may be unpublished or restricted in specific markets. This flexibility enhances the customer experience and fosters trust, as customers feel valued and understood.

Key Features of Draft Orders

Understanding the core features of draft orders is essential for maximizing their potential. Here’s a closer look at what makes draft orders a valuable asset for ecommerce merchants:

Customization Options

Draft orders can be tailored in numerous ways, including:

• Adding Custom Items: Merchants can include items that aren't part of their regular inventory. This feature is particularly beneficial for unique customer requests.
• Applying Discounts: You can apply custom discounts or special pricing for bulk orders, ensuring that your customers receive the best value.
• Adjusting Quantities: Easily modify item quantities based on customer requirements, making it simple to accommodate varying order sizes.

Payment Flexibility

Draft orders streamline the payment process by allowing merchants to:

• Charge Vaulted Credit Cards: For B2B transactions, draft orders can be charged directly to stored credit cards, reducing time and effort on both sides.
• Send Invoices: Merchants can email invoices to customers, allowing them to complete their payments through a secure link, enhancing the payment experience.

Enhanced Customer Interaction

Draft orders foster better relationships between merchants and customers by enabling:

• Direct Engagement: Merchants can communicate with customers throughout the order creation process, addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.
• Personalized Experiences: By adding notes and customizations, merchants can create a more tailored shopping experience that resonates with customers.

Efficient Order Management

Draft orders simplify the management of complex sales, offering benefits such as:

• Tracking and Organization: Keep all aspects of a draft order organized, from product details to customer information, minimizing errors and improving workflow.
• Inventory Management: Reserve stock for draft orders, preventing overselling and ensuring that inventory levels are accurately maintained.

Creating a Draft Order on Shopify

Creating a draft order on Shopify is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow, whether you're using a computer or a mobile device:

On a Computer

1. Log Into Your Shopify Admin: Start by accessing your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Orders: Click on "Orders" in the left sidebar.
3. Create an Order: Click on the “Create Order” button.
4. Add Products: Select the products you want to include in the draft order by clicking "Add Products."
5. Customize Your Order: Adjust quantities, apply discounts, and add custom items as needed.
6. Choose Payment Options: Decide whether to charge a credit card or send an invoice.
7. Save the Draft Order: Click “Save Draft” to keep the order for future editing or review.
8. Email the Invoice: If desired, you can send the draft order invoice to the customer directly from this interface.

On a Mobile Device

1. Open the Shopify App: Log into your account via the Shopify app.
2. Go to Orders: Tap on "Orders" from the main menu.
3. Create an Order: Select “Create Order.”
4. Add Products: Use the “Add Products” option to select items.
5. Customize and Apply Discounts: Make necessary adjustments to products, quantities, and discounts.
6. Select Payment Method: Choose how you wish to process payment.
7. Save or Send the Draft Order: Save the draft for later or send the invoice directly to the customer.

Benefits of Using Draft Orders

Now that we've explored what draft orders are and how to create them, let's examine the benefits they offer for ecommerce merchants:

Improved Customer Experience

By enabling customization and direct engagement, draft orders enhance the overall shopping experience. Customers appreciate personalized service, which can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business.

Increased Sales Opportunities

Draft orders can convert potential sales that might otherwise be lost. By allowing customers to review and finalize orders at their convenience, we can address any purchase barriers and increase the likelihood of order completion.

Streamlined Operations

Managing complex sales scenarios becomes easier with draft orders. Whether handling bulk purchases or special requests, we can ensure that all aspects of the order are tracked and organized effectively.

Enhanced Flexibility

Draft orders offer the flexibility to override standard store settings, allowing for tailored solutions that cater to specific customer needs. This adaptability can set us apart from competitors and enhance customer satisfaction.

Boosted Revenue Potential

With the ability to apply discounts and manage custom items, draft orders have the potential to turn lost opportunities into revenue. By accommodating unique requests, we can foster a more inclusive shopping environment that appeals to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Draft orders on Shopify represent a significant opportunity for merchants looking to enhance their sales processes and improve customer relationships. By providing the flexibility to create personalized, customized orders, we can better serve our customers and streamline our operational workflows.

As you explore the capabilities of draft orders, consider how they can transform your ecommerce strategy. Are there specific scenarios in your business that could benefit from a more tailored approach?

By effectively leveraging draft orders, we can create a more engaging shopping experience, reduce barriers to purchase, and ultimately drive higher sales. If you're ready to take your order management to the next level, we encourage you to explore our interactive demo and see how ShipAid’s shipping protection solutions can further enhance your post-purchase experience.

FAQs

What is the difference between a draft order and a regular order?

Draft orders are manually created and customizable, allowing for adjustments before finalization. Regular orders are generated automatically when a customer completes a purchase through the checkout process.

Can I apply discounts to draft orders?

Yes, you can apply custom discounts, wholesale pricing, and promotional codes to draft orders, enhancing the value offered to customers.

How do I send a draft order to a customer?

Once the draft order is created, you can send an invoice directly to the customer via email. This invoice will include a secure link for the customer to complete their payment.

What happens if a customer fails to complete a draft order?

If a customer does not complete their draft order, the order will remain in draft status until you either delete it or the customer finalizes the payment through the provided invoice link.

How can draft orders improve my business?

Draft orders can enhance customer experiences, increase sales opportunities, streamline operations, and offer greater flexibility in managing unique customer requests, all contributing to overall business growth.

By harnessing the power of draft orders, we can better meet our customers' needs and elevate our ecommerce game. Ready to get started? Explore our free-to-install app today and see how we can help safeguard your shipments while maximizing revenue opportunities!