Set Variable Products and Variations to Preorder

For variable products, preorder settings can be configured per variation. This is useful when only some sizes, colors, or options are available later.

Configure a Variation

1. Edit the variable product.
2. Open Variations.
3. Expand the variation that should be available for preorder.
4. Enable stock management for the variation if needed.
5. Enable Pre-order for this variation.
6. Set available date, cart limit, and expected restock quantity.
7. Save changes.

Frontend Behavior

Variable products keep the default button until a variation is selected. After the customer selects a preorder variation, the button text and availability message update for that variation.

Testing Checklist

1. Select a regular variation and confirm normal Add to Cart behavior.
2. Select a preorder variation and confirm preorder button text.
3. Confirm the available date changes correctly.
4. Add the preorder variation to cart.

Common Mistake

Do not configure only the parent variable product and assume every variation inherits the same availability. Test each variation that should behave differently.

Variation-level preorder setups should also be checked against Configure Backorder Available Dates and Manage Preorder and Backorder Orders.