Do you feel like your preorder could use some more juice? Maybe it feels a little stale? I want to give you 7 questions to ask yourself and your staff to see what you can do to boost your preorder:

7 Essential Questions to Fix a Preorder

Preorders are an excellent way to generate early sales, gauge customer interest, and manage inventory efficiently. However, many brands struggle when their preorder campaigns underperform. If you’ve noticed fewer orders than expected or lukewarm responses, it’s time to take action and fix a preorder strategically. By asking the right questions and analyzing your campaign, you can identify the bottlenecks and implement changes that drive results.

In this article, we’ll explore seven crucial questions that will help you assess and revamp your preorder strategy.

1. Where Did You Announce the Preorder?

The first step in fixing a preorder is evaluating your announcement strategy. Where and how you communicate your preorder offer can make or break its success.

• Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest are ideal channels for visual promotions. Did you post engaging content and stories to inform your audience?

• Email Marketing: Your subscribers are some of your most loyal customers. Did you send personalized emails highlighting the preorder details?

• Website & Landing Pages: Ensure the preorder option is highly visible on your site with clear CTAs.

• In-Person Promotions: If you have a physical location, using signage or word-of-mouth announcements can reach customers who may not follow you online.

A multi-channel approach ensures your message reaches a wider audience, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

2. How Often Did You Remind Your Audience?

Announcing your preorder once isn’t enough. To fix a preorder, you need consistent and strategic reminders.

• Social Media Posts: Plan multiple posts leading up to the preorder deadline. Utilize countdowns, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content to keep the excitement alive.

• Email Follow-Ups: Send reminders at key intervals, like one week before, three days before, and the final day of preorder. Personalized messages can encourage hesitant buyers to act.

• Customer Engagement: Engage directly through comments, messages, and in-person conversations to answer questions and remind customers about the preorder.

Frequent reminders keep your preorder top-of-mind and create a sense of urgency

3. Did You Clearly Explain the Purchase Process?

Complex or unclear instructions can derail your preorder campaign. To fix a preorder, you need to ensure your customers understand exactly how to place an order.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Provide clear steps from selection to checkout.

• Payment Options: Offer multiple payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and financing if applicable.

• Confirmation & Follow-Up: Let customers know their order is confirmed and provide an estimated shipping date.

A seamless process minimizes friction, reducing abandoned preorders and boosting sales.

4. Did You Offer Sizing or Product Samples?

One of the biggest hurdles for preorders, especially in apparel or product-based businesses, is uncertainty. Customers hesitate to order without experiencing the product.

• Sizing Samples: Offering sample sizes for clothing allows customers to try before committing.

• Demo or Sample Products: For gadgets, accessories, or custom items, a sample or demo builds confidence.

Highlighting the availability of samples in your marketing can significantly increase conversions and help Franchise HQ staff that isn’t performing.

5. Did You Communicate Limited Availability?

Scarcity drives urgency. If customers think they can order anytime, they may delay purchasing, hurting your preorder numbers. To fix a preorder, emphasize limited inventory or exclusive bonuses:

• Limited Quantity: Clearly communicate that the product won’t be restocked.

• Exclusive Access: Early adopters could receive special perks, such as discounts or exclusive colors/styles.

• Deadline Reminders: Reinforce that the preorder ends on a specific date.

Creating a sense of urgency motivates customers to act quickly rather than postponing their decision.

6. Was Your Staff or Team Actively Promoting the Preorder?

Your team plays a crucial role in driving preorder sales. Even with excellent marketing, engagement from staff can boost conversions.

• Frontline Engagement: Staff should inform and remind customers in-person or through customer service interactions.

• Social Media Ambassadors: Encourage team members to share the preorder on their personal social profiles.

• Incentives for Promotion: Consider rewards or recognition for staff who help drive the most preorders.

Active promotion from a trusted team can be the difference between an underwhelming preorder and a successful one.

7. Did You Provide Incentives?

Incentives are a powerful motivator for hesitant customers. To fix a preorder, consider adding value that encourages immediate action:

• Discounts or Special Offers: Offer a limited-time discount or bundle deal.

• Exclusive Products or Swag: Give early buyers access to exclusive items.

• Priority Shipping: Provide faster delivery options for preorders.

Incentives not only reward early buyers but also enhance their perception of value and urgency.

How to Take Action and Fix a Preorder

After reviewing these seven questions, it’s time to act. Here’s a practical plan:

1. Audit Your Campaign: Check which areas are underperforming and why.

2. Update Marketing Channels: Adjust your announcements and reminders across social media, emails, and in-person promotions.

3. Simplify the Buying Process: Ensure clear instructions, payment options, and confirmations.

4. Leverage Scarcity and Incentives: Communicate limited availability and add value for early buyers.

5. Engage Your Team: Train staff to actively promote the preorder and answer questions.

6. Track and Measure: Use analytics to monitor sales, engagement, and traffic sources.

Consistent evaluation and adaptation are key to fixing a preorder and turning it into a successful campaign.