How to test and configure a pre-order button?

Creating a Test Pre-Order: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Back In Stock App

Before you fully launch pre-orders to your customers, it's highly recommended to place at least one test pre-order. This ensures everything is set up correctly, from your Shopify checkout process and payment settings to inventory deduction, shipping calculations, and confirmation emails.

You can place a test pre-order using two primary methods:

Method 1: Using Shopify Payments Test Mode (Recommended for Shopify Payments users)

If you are using Shopify Payments as your payment gateway, this is the safest and easiest way to test your pre-order flow without actual financial transactions.

1. Enable Test Mode in Shopify Payments:
   • Go to your Shopify Admin.
   • Navigate to Settings > Payments.
   • In the Shopify Payments section, click "Manage".
   • Scroll down to the "Test mode" section and ensure "Enable test mode" is checked.
   • Click "Save".
2. Place a Test Order as a Customer:
   • Go to your online store (as if you were a customer).
   • Visit a product listing that has preorders enabled.
   • Ensure the product is added via the Preorder button. Remember you have control over the text from the app.

• On the cart and checkout page, you should be able to see details like discounts and partial payment settings reflected.
• Proceed to checkout.
• At the payment stage, use one of Shopify's test credit card numbers (you can find these in Shopify's help documentation, e.g., for a successful transaction, use card number 1 ).
• Complete the order.
1. Verify the Order in Shopify:
   • Go to Shopify Admin > Orders.
   • Check that the pre-order appears with the correct fulfillment status (e.g., "Unfulfilled" or "On hold," depending on your BIS app configuration).

   • Verify the inventory deduction (if your policy is "Order is placed").

     Check Notifications:

   • Confirm that you, as the "customer," receive the pre-order confirmation email.

Method 2: Using a Real Transaction (for other Payment Providers or comprehensive testing)

You can place a test order using a real payment provider. Be aware: You will be charged, and while you can immediately cancel and refund the order, you might be subject to transaction fees from your payment processor (these fees are typically not returned upon refund).

1. Ensure Payment Provider is Live:

   • Make sure your desired payment provider (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, etc.) is fully set up and active in your Shopify Settings > Payments.

     Purchase as a Customer:

   • Go to your online store to add a pre-order product listing.
   • Visit a product listing that has preorders enabled.
   • Ensure the product is added via the Preorder button. Remember you have control over the text from the app.

• Proceed to checkout and complete the purchase using your genuine credit card or payment method details.

  Confirm Funds Processed (if using 3rd party):

• For third-party payment providers, you might need to log into their platform to confirm the funds were successfully processed.

  Immediately Cancel and Refund the Order:

• Go to Shopify Admin > Orders.
• Find your test pre-order.
• Click "More actions" > "Refund" (or similar, depending on your Shopify version) to process a full refund.

• Confirm the refund in your payment provider's dashboard if necessary.

  Verify and Test:

• Check the order status, inventory deduction, shipping settings (e.g., if discounts were applied correctly based on order value), and email notifications just as you would for Method 1.

What to Verify During Your Test Pre-Order:

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to check:

• Pre-order button: Does it appear correctly when the item is out of stock?
• Product page messaging: Is the estimated shipping timeline clear?
• Checkout process: Does the payment breakdown (full vs. partial) appear correctly?
• Shopify Order Status: Is the order marked as "Unfulfilled" or "On hold" as configured?
• Inventory Deduction: Is inventory deducted at the correct time based on your "Inventory policy" setting?
• Email Notifications: Do customers receive the pre-order confirmation email?

By thoroughly testing your pre-order setup, you can ensure a smooth and reliable experience for your actual customers. If you encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance!