How to Add a Waitlist to Your Shopify Store

Adding a waitlist to your Shopify store is a smart way to handle customer interest, especially when you launch new products or run out of stock. A waitlist lets customers sign up to be notified when a product is available again.

In this article, we’ll show you how to add a waitlist feature to your Shopify store in no time.

How to Add a Waitlist to Your Shopify Store?

You can add a waitlist to your Shopify store in several ways: using apps, custom code, or Shopify’s built-in features. Here are the easiest options:

1. Using Shopify Apps

The simplest way to add a waitlist is by using apps from the Shopify App Store.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Choose a Waitlist App

Some popular waitlist apps include:

Notify!: This app lets customers sign up for alerts when products are back in stock, so they don’t miss out.
Stoq: This inventory management tool helps store owners track stock and fulfill orders easily.
Krtbite: This app helps merchants show personalized product recommendations to customers, increasing engagement and sales.

In this article, we will be using Notify! as an example. Your chosen app’s features and processes may slightly vary.

Step 2: Install the App

Go to the Shopify App Store.
Search for the waitlist app you want.
Click on the app, then click Install.
Follow the instructions to install it.

Step 3: Set Up the App

After installing the app, configure its settings:

Customize Email Notifications: Personalize the emails that customers will receive when products are back in stock.
Choose Notification Methods: Decide how customers will be notified (like by email or SMS).
Add the Waitlist Button: Make sure the app adds a “Join Waitlist” button on your product pages.

2. Custom Code Solution

If you want more control and have some coding skills, you can add a waitlist feature directly to your theme. Here’s how:

Step 1: Create a Waitlist Form

Go to your Shopify admin panel.
Click on Online Store > Themes.
Click Actions next to your theme and select Edit code.
Create a new section or snippet for your waitlist form. Use the following code to create a form that collects customer emails:

<form id="waitlist-form" action="/contact#contact_form" method="post">

  <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Enter your email" required>

  <input type="hidden" name="product_id" value="{{ product.id }}">

  <button type="submit">Join Waitlist</button>

</form>

Step 2: Set Up Form Handling

You’ll need to make sure that the submitted email addresses are collected. You can use a service like Mailchimp to gather these emails.

Step 3: Add to Product Pages

Place the waitlist form code in your product template so that it shows up when a product is out of stock.

3. Using Shopify’s Built-In Features

Shopify has features that can help with waitlisting. For example, you can mark a product as “Sold Out” and add a message on the product page telling customers they can sign up for notifications.

Edit Product Details: Go to your Shopify admin and click on Inventory under Products. Select the product you want to change.

Mark as Sold Out: Change the inventory to zero to show that it’s out of stock.
Add a Custom Message: In the product description, add a note like, “Join our waitlist to be notified when this product is back in stock!”

Why Should You Add a Waitlist?

Before we get into the details, let’s look at why a waitlist is a good idea for your business:

Manage Demand: A waitlist helps you see how many customers want a product before you restock. This can help you avoid ordering too many items.
Engage Customers: Customers who join a waitlist are more likely to return when the product is back. It keeps them interested in your store.
Create Excitement: A waitlist can make a product feel special and encourage customers to buy it quickly when it’s available.
Collect Leads: Gathering email addresses from waitlist sign-ups allows you to reach out to interested customers later.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While setting up a waitlist, you might run into some problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

1. Waitlist Button Not Showing Up

Check App Settings: If you’re using an app, make sure it’s installed and set up correctly. Check the app settings to ensure the “Join Waitlist” button is turned on.
Theme Compatibility: Some apps may not work well with all themes. Look at the app’s documentation for any specific requirements.

2. Emails Not Being Sent

Email Settings: Make sure your email notifications are set up correctly in the app. Confirm that you have the right email address for notifications.
Spam Filters: Sometimes, emails may end up in the spam folder. Ask customers to check their spam or junk folders if they don’t see notification emails.

3. Form Submissions Not Being Collected

Form Handling: If you customized the waitlist form, check that the form action is correct and that you have a way to collect the submissions.
Testing: Submit the form yourself to see if the email gets collected. If not, review the code for mistakes.

Final Steps: Promote Your Waitlist

Once your waitlist is set up, make sure to promote it:

Email Marketing: Let your email subscribers know about the new waitlist feature.
Social Media: Share posts on your social media accounts about the waitlist.
Website Banners: Use banners on your homepage or product pages to highlight the waitlist feature.

Conclusion

Adding a waitlist to your Shopify store can improve customer experience and help you manage inventory better. Whether you use an app, customize your theme, or leverage Shopify’s built-in features, a waitlist can benefit your business. By implementing a waitlist, you can keep customers interested, increase engagement, and ultimately boost sales.

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