How to Create Draft Order in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Draft Orders in Shopify
3. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Draft Orders in Shopify
4. Best Practices for Managing Draft Orders
5. Scenarios Where Draft Orders Shine
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that approximately 69.57% of online shopping carts are abandoned? This statistic underscores the increasingly competitive nature of e-commerce and the importance of providing a seamless shopping experience. As e-commerce professionals, we must look for innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. One such solution is the use of draft orders in Shopify, which allows businesses to create orders on behalf of their customers, manage sales efficiently, and ultimately reduce cart abandonment.

In this blog post, we will explore the process of creating draft orders in Shopify, why they are advantageous for your business, and how they can enhance your customer experience. We will cover the step-by-step process of creating, managing, and converting draft orders into complete transactions. Additionally, we will delve into various scenarios where draft orders can be particularly beneficial, especially for B2B businesses and those with unique customer needs.

By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create draft orders in Shopify and how leveraging this feature can drive conversions and improve your overall e-commerce strategy.

Understanding Draft Orders in Shopify

What Are Draft Orders?

Draft orders are a unique feature in Shopify that allows store owners to create orders on behalf of customers. These orders can contain customer details, product selections, and payment information, which can be modified as needed. Draft orders are not finalized until payment is processed or the order is marked as paid, allowing for greater flexibility in managing sales.

Why Use Draft Orders?

Draft orders offer several benefits, including:

• Flexibility in Sales: Draft orders allow businesses to cater to various customer needs, such as B2B transactions, custom orders, or bulk purchases.
• Reduced Cart Abandonment: By creating draft orders, businesses can send invoices directly to customers, minimizing the chances of cart abandonment.
• Streamlined Operations: Draft orders enable businesses to organize and manage orders more efficiently, especially when dealing with multiple sales channels.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Draft Orders in Shopify

Creating draft orders in Shopify is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Access the Drafts Page

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Orders in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Click on Drafts to view your existing draft orders and create new ones.

Step 2: Create a New Draft Order

1. Click on Create order.
2. You will be directed to a new page where you can add products to the draft order.

Step 3: Add Products to the Draft Order

1. In the Products section, search for the products you want to include in the draft order.
2. Select the desired products and specify the quantity.
3. Optional: Reserve the inventory for the draft order to ensure the items cannot be purchased by other customers.

Step 4: Customize Customer Information

1. In the Customer section, either select an existing customer or create a new one.
2. Ensure that the customer's contact details are accurate, as this information will be used for invoicing.

Step 5: Add Shipping and Discounts

1. If shipping is applicable, click on Add shipping to select a shipping method.
2. You can also apply discounts in the Discounts section by entering a discount code or specifying a percentage.

Step 6: Set Payment Terms

1. In the Payment section, you can choose to set payment terms that allow for delayed payments if necessary.
2. For immediate payments, you can provide a link for customers to pay online.

Step 7: Save the Draft Order

1. Once all details are filled in, click Save draft to store the order.
2. You can return to the draft later for modifications or to process payment.

Step 8: Send Invoice or Checkout Link

1. To finalize the order, send an invoice to the customer via email or provide a checkout link.
2. Customers can then complete the payment process from the invoice or link provided.

Best Practices for Managing Draft Orders

Organizing Draft Orders

To effectively manage draft orders, we recommend implementing a tagging system. Tags can help categorize draft orders by type, such as “Retail,” “Wholesale,” or “Pending Payment.” This organization allows for quick filtering and retrieval of specific draft orders as needed.

Monitoring Draft Order Status

Regularly review your draft orders to ensure that they are either converted into completed orders or removed if no longer needed. This practice helps maintain a clean order management system and reduces clutter in your Shopify admin.

Leveraging Automation with Shopify Flow

For businesses that frequently use draft orders, consider automating certain processes using Shopify Flow. By setting up triggers and actions, you can streamline the conversion from draft order to finalized order based on specific criteria, such as tags or customer behavior.

Scenarios Where Draft Orders Shine

B2B Transactions

Draft orders are particularly useful for B2B transactions where customers may require quotes or need to negotiate terms. By creating draft orders, businesses can provide tailored offerings, including bulk pricing or special conditions, making the purchasing process smoother for wholesale clients.

Custom Orders

For businesses that offer custom products, draft orders enable a personalized ordering experience. Customers can specify their requirements, and businesses can create drafts reflecting these specifications before finalizing the transaction.

Managing Seasonal Sales

During peak seasons or special sales events, draft orders allow businesses to handle a surge in demand more effectively. By preparing draft orders in advance, businesses can quickly convert them into finalized orders as customers make their selections.

Conclusion

Creating draft orders in Shopify is an invaluable tool for e-commerce professionals looking to enhance their sales process and customer experience. By understanding how to effectively create and manage draft orders, we can minimize cart abandonment, streamline operations, and cater to diverse customer needs.

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FAQ

What is a draft order in Shopify?

A draft order is a partially completed order that can be created by store owners on behalf of customers. It allows for flexibility in managing sales and can be finalized once payment is processed.

Can customers create draft orders themselves?

No, draft orders can only be created by store owners or staff members. However, with custom app development, it is possible to allow customers to initiate draft orders.

How do I manage multiple draft orders efficiently?

You can manage draft orders by tagging them for easy categorization and retrieval. Additionally, using Shopify Flow can automate processes related to draft orders.

What happens to draft orders if they are not completed?

Draft orders can remain in your Shopify admin indefinitely unless manually deleted. It is advisable to review and manage them regularly to keep your order management system organized.

Can I apply discounts to draft orders?

Yes, you can apply discounts to draft orders by entering a discount code or specifying a percentage discount in the draft order details.

By understanding the ins and outs of draft orders, we can harness their potential to create a more efficient, customer-friendly e-commerce environment. So, let’s embrace innovation and optimize our digital strategies for sustainable growth!