How to Create an Order on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Ecommerce Professionals

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Order Types in Shopify
3. Creating a Standard Order in Shopify
4. Creating a Draft Order in Shopify
5. Advanced Features for Order Creation
6. Tips for Optimizing Your Order Processes
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 75% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to a complicated checkout process? As ecommerce professionals, we understand that every detail counts when it comes to optimizing the customer experience. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the ability to create orders efficiently in Shopify—whether it's a regular customer order or a draft order for special cases.

In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of how to create an order on Shopify, discussing everything from the basics to advanced features, including how to utilize the PowerCommerce eStore Suite to enhance your order management processes. By the end of this post, you will have a thorough understanding of the order creation process, including best practices and insights that can help streamline your operations and improve your overall ecommerce performance.

We’ll cover the following key points:

• The different types of orders you can create in Shopify
• Step-by-step instructions for creating standard and draft orders
• Advanced features that can enhance your order management
• Tips for optimizing your order processes
• How PowerCommerce can support your ecommerce growth

Let’s get started by exploring the various types of orders available in Shopify and their significance.

Understanding Order Types in Shopify

Before diving into the specifics of creating an order, it's essential to understand the different types of orders Shopify supports. There are primarily two ways to create an order:

1. Standard Orders

Standard orders are created when customers complete their purchases directly through your online store. This process is straightforward and typically involves the customer selecting products, entering shipping details, and completing payment.

2. Draft Orders

Draft orders are used for special circumstances, such as when you want to sell directly to a customer without them going through the checkout process. This can be beneficial for B2B transactions or when creating orders on behalf of customers who may require special pricing or custom products. Draft orders allow for flexibility in payment terms, discounts, and product selections.

Understanding these two types of orders will help you navigate the creation process more effectively. Now, let’s explore how to create each type of order in Shopify.

Creating a Standard Order in Shopify

Creating a standard order in Shopify is a seamless experience, primarily handled through the Shopify admin dashboard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Access the Orders Dashboard

• Log into your Shopify admin panel.
• Navigate to the Orders section on the left sidebar.

Step 2: Add a New Order

• Click on the Create Order button. This will take you to a new order page where you can start adding products.

Step 3: Select Products

• Use the product search bar to find the items the customer wants to purchase.
• Select the products and specify quantities.

Step 4: Customer Information

• If the customer already exists in your database, search for their name and select it.
• If they are new, click on Add Customer to create a new profile with their contact details.

Step 5: Shipping and Payment Options

• Select the shipping method based on the customer’s location.
• Choose a payment method. If the customer is paying immediately, you can process credit card payments directly here.

Step 6: Review and Complete the Order

• Review all order details, including product selection, customer information, and payment methods.
• Click on Mark as Paid or Complete Order to finalize the transaction.

Summary of Standard Order Process

Creating a standard order in Shopify is efficient, allowing you to manage transactions quickly while ensuring customer satisfaction. This process is ideal for regular customers who prefer a straightforward checkout experience.

Creating a Draft Order in Shopify

Draft orders are particularly useful when you want to facilitate a customized shopping experience for your customers. Here’s how to create a draft order in Shopify:

Step 1: Access the Drafts Page

• From your Shopify admin, navigate to Orders and then click on Drafts.

Step 2: Create a New Draft Order

• Click on the Create Order button.

Step 3: Add Products

• Search for and select the products to include in the draft order.
• Specify quantities and any necessary variations.

Step 4: Customer Information

• Just like with standard orders, either search for an existing customer or create a new customer profile.

Step 5: Customize the Order

• Discounts: You can apply discounts directly on the draft order.
• Shipping Options: Choose the shipping method based on the customer’s address.
• Payment Terms: Set payment terms, such as "Payment due later," allowing you to invoice the customer later.

Step 6: Save and Send Invoice

• Click Save Draft to keep the order for later adjustments.
• You can send an invoice directly from the draft order page by clicking on Send Invoice.

Summary of Draft Order Process

Draft orders provide flexibility and customization options that standard orders do not. They are particularly beneficial for B2B transactions or when you need to handle special customer requests.

Advanced Features for Order Creation

Shopify provides various advanced features to enhance your order management process. Here are some noteworthy options:

1. Price Locking

This feature allows you to lock product prices in draft orders, ensuring customers receive consistent pricing even if there are price changes in your store. This is especially useful for maintaining quoted prices.

2. Inventory Reservation

When creating draft orders, you can reserve inventory for specific products, preventing other customers from purchasing them until the draft order is finalized. This is crucial for managing stock levels effectively.

3. Multi-Currency Support

If you operate in multiple markets, Shopify allows you to set prices in local currencies based on the customer’s shipping address. This ensures a seamless shopping experience for international customers.

4. Custom Tags

Organizing orders with tags can help streamline your order management process. You can filter orders by tags, making it easier to access specific orders quickly.

5. Payment Terms for Draft Orders

For businesses that operate on a credit basis or need to establish payment terms, Shopify offers options to set payment deadlines and deposit requirements in draft orders.

Tips for Optimizing Your Order Processes

To maximize efficiency in your order creation process, consider the following tips:

• Utilize the PowerCommerce eStore Suite: Our suite offers advanced analytics and insights that can help you optimize your order management and streamline your operations. Explore our PowerCommerce eStore Suite for more information.
• Leverage Automation: Automate repetitive tasks such as sending invoice reminders or processing orders to save time.
• Regularly Review Inventory Levels: Maintain updated inventory information to prevent overselling and improve customer satisfaction.
• Training Staff: Ensure your team is well-trained in using Shopify’s features to create orders efficiently.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of Shopify updates and new features that can enhance your order management processes.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored how to create an order on Shopify, highlighting the differences between standard and draft orders, the step-by-step processes for each, and the advanced features that can enhance your order management. By understanding these elements, we can ensure a smoother and more efficient order creation process, ultimately leading to better customer satisfaction and business growth.

As you refine your order processes, consider how the PowerCommerce eStore Suite can further empower your ecommerce strategy. Explore our suite today and take your Shopify store to new heights.

FAQ

1. Can I create an order without a customer profile? Yes, you can create an order without a customer profile, but it is recommended to have one for better tracking and customer relationship management.

2. Are draft orders automatically converted to standard orders? No, draft orders remain in draft status until you manually mark them as paid or fulfill them.

3. How can I apply discounts to a draft order? You can easily apply discounts during the draft order creation process in the designated discount field.

4. What happens if I reserve inventory for a draft order? Reserved inventory will not be available for other customers until the draft order is either completed or deleted.

5. How can I manage multiple currencies in my orders? Shopify allows you to set up multi-currency pricing based on the customer’s location. Ensure that your currency settings are correctly configured in your Shopify store.

For further assistance, feel free to book a free audit with us, and let’s discuss how we can enhance your ecommerce operations together.