In Stock notifications and special ordering / pre orders for Square Online

[simonp]

We would like to see the ability for customers to request a notification when an "out of stock' item is back in stock. Most eCommerce sites have this option and surprised to see it is not available with Square.

Similar to this we would like the customer to have the option to place an order for an out of stock item so that the item can be dispatched  when it comes back into stock. This could also be used to allow us to put "special order" items on the site that are not held in stock as they are high value or need to be custom made once ordered.

[Seamus]

Thanks for the suggestion @simonp - I agree this would be handy, we'll use this thread to track demand moving forward and I'll post an update here if I have any news on this feature.

The ability to pre-order items is something I've heard before, there are a couple requests for it in this thread. I don't have any set timelines to share for specific features, but if you subscribe to our Product Updates board we tend to post Square Online update posts about once a month!

[Rocknrollmtb72]

Hi, we are also looking for this feature.  We have a large inventory of stock online and sometimes the next order is coming within a few days but we are losing the customers as all they see is that its out of stock with no options for contacting us to ask if they could pre order or when the next batch is coming in.

We need a way for the client to be able to see clearly if they go into an item online that is out of stock that firstly is says "Out of Stock" - I know it does this on the initial listings page but when you go into an actual item there is no message that says Out of stock at all.

It would be great if in each item that's out of stock a message comes up in red such as "Out of stock - Request Special Order" or "Out of Stock - Contact Us for Pre Orders" etc.

Is there anyway we can do this!

[Arie]

Hi @Rocknrollmtb72,

Thanks for writing in and adding your vote for this feature! 

Pre-orders aren't currently available on Square Online. As a workaround, you could set up a pop-up banner, or include more details about the re-stocking date in the item description, to let customers know to check back for the item. Adding a contact form to your website would also allow you to collect customer email addresses if they're interested in a particular item that's not currently in stock. 

I can definitely see how this feature would be useful, and we'll let you know as soon as we have an update. Our product team frequently checks the community for feedback and suggestions like this, and we appreciate you taking the time to share how you'd utilise this feature for your business.   

[cbridge]

We are a Record store and will order in stock for people when they contact but need a pre order function as well. We would like to be able to add to our inventory when an item in stock and make it available for the purchaser who has requested only, so they can purchase online (in lockdown this is the only option), not for general public unless the person who pre ordered no longer wants. 

[Seamus]

Thanks for adding your feedback @cbridge!

Hopefully we'll see some pre-order options in the future - we're tracking this feature request and our eCommerce team are aware of the demand.

In the meantime as a workaround you can create a seperate item, eg "Pre-Order - Artist - LP Title" and also making a "Pre Order" category of items. You'd have to note the item availability date in the item description though - with no specific Pre Order option at the moment your standard fulfilment options would still appear in checkout.

I'll update this thread if I hear any news on this feature in the future!

[NicLay]

Is there a button we can add to our online "out of stock" items where the customer enters their email to be notified when the stock has arrived?

I

[NicLay]

Hi, Im just adding my interest to this - I would definitely benefit from having a "let me know when this is back in stock" button where the customer can add their email address.  I have done this a couple of times with online companies and bought the product as soon as they email me to let me know its in stock again.

[Arie]

Thanks for adding your vote here, @NicLay! I also regularly use this feature, and can see how useful it would be to have for your store. We'll tag you here to let you know if we have any news about this feature. 

[Arie]

Hey @NicLay,

I've moved your post to this thread where we're tracking this feature request! 

[Cycspd]

Just adding my view here too!

Our business has a moderate sized web store, but unfortunately due to COVID induced delays etc we frequently run out of stock on what would usually be key items for us.

I'd like to see the following added:

 'notify me when back in stock' option on the website (that I can generate a report of and see which items have a lot of customers waiting for it to come back into stock, so I can prioritise these items)

Adding a 'call to enquire' or 'email to enquire' button with an option for customers to leave details on a particular item and we can contact them to discuss availability etc.

Thanks!

Josh
Cyclespeed, Brighton (Melbourne)