Set a Simple Product to Preorder

Use preorder when a product can be purchased now but will be available later.

Configure the Product

1. Go to Products and edit the product.
2. Open the Inventory area.
3. Enable Manage stock if you want stock quantity and expected restock logic.
4. Enable On preorders.
5. Set Available date.
6. Set Pre/Backorder cart limit if customers should not buy unlimited quantity.
7. Set Expected restock if you want stock quantity to increase on available date.
8. Save the product.

What Happens After Saving

If stock is managed and On preorders is enabled, the plugin forces the product stock status to On preorder. Customers can buy it even when normal stock is not available.

Frontend Result

The product page can show a message such as “Available on preorder” or “This item will be available on [date]”. The Add to Cart button uses your preorder button text.

Test It

1. Open the product page in a private browser.
2. Confirm the button text says Pre-order now or your custom text.
3. Add the product to cart.
4. Confirm cart and checkout show preorder information.

After enabling preorder on a product, review customer-facing timing in Configure Backorder Available Dates and shipping behavior in Set Up Preorder and Backorder Shipping.