Pre-orders
Taking pre-orders is a great way to build excitement around a product launch and gauge demand before your product is ready. It allows you to validate interest and start generating sales ahead of time.
While Payhip doesn't currently offer a dedicated pre-order feature, there are simple workarounds you can use to achieve the same result. In this article, we will walk you through how to set up and manage pre-orders.
- Use the Beta Content Editor
- Upload a placeholder file
- Delivering your final product
- Frequently Asked Questions
Setting up pre-orders
To take pre-orders, you'll need to create a product that customers can purchase before the final version is available. Instead of delivering the finished product immediately, you'll provide instructions or a placeholder and deliver the actual file later.
Option 1: Use the beta content editor
If you enable the beta content editor for your digital product, you don't need to upload a file. Instead, you can add a message that will appear directly on the download page.
You can use this space to thank the customer for their purchase, let them know when the final product will be delivered, and include any relevant instructions or updates. This provides a simple way to manage pre-orders without needing to upload a temporary file.
Option 2: Upload a placeholder file
If you prefer not to use the beta content editor, you can upload a placeholder file when creating your product instead. To do this, go to Products, click Add New Product, select Digital Product, and upload a placeholder file.
Your placeholder file can include a message like: " Thanks for purchasing this product. The final version will be delivered on [date]."
This allows you to start selling your product before it's ready while clearly setting expectations for your customers.
Delivering your final product
When your product is ready (for example, on your launch date), you can upload the final version.
To do this, you can follow the steps below:
- Go to your Products Dashboard
- Click Edit on your product
- Remove the placeholder file
- Upload your final product file
- Click Save Changes
If you're using the beta content editor, you can simply upload your file directly there.
Once your product is live, you can send an email update to your customers with the download link so they can access the final version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel pre-orders if needed?
Yes, you can cancel pre-orders by refunding the payments made by your customers. Refunds are processed through the payment provider connected to your account. You can find the complete instructions here: How to Refund a Transaction.
Can I limit how many pre-orders I accept?
Yes, you can control availability by limiting the number of sales. When editing your digital product, go to Advanced Settings, enable the option to limit the number of times the product can be sold, and set your desired limit.
Can I change the price after launching pre-orders?
Yes, you can update your product price at any time. However, any changes will only apply to future purchases and will not affect existing pre-orders.
What happens if I don’t upload the final product on time?
Customers will continue to have access to the placeholder content until the final product is uploaded, so it's important to keep them informed with updates if there are delays.