If you’ve ever relied on a “Cart Waitlist” feature—like the one on CommentSold—you know the idea behind it: a customer adds an item to their cart during a live show, and the item is always in the customers cart. This promises the customer won’t miss out on the limited edition product. But what happens if they never check out? That item sits in limbo, and you’re left wondering whether to restock it (as it is immediately removed from your available inventory) or if the customer will eventually come back and pay.
That’s why we introduced Pre-Order. From your customers’ point of view, there’s no real difference between Cart Waitlist and Pre-Order. They still get to reserve the item they love and complete the purchase when they’re ready. They’ll never miss out just because someone else grabbed it first. In practice, it feels exactly like a waitlist to them—but for you, the seller, Pre-Order means far fewer headaches.
The biggest difference is that your customers don’t just “hold” the product in their carts; they’re placing a true order that converts into a sale. This prevents dead carts from clogging up your inventory. You won’t have to wrestle with whether to restock items that are stuck in someone’s cart, nor will you risk missing out on serious buyers who actually want to purchase right now. Essentially, Pre-Order lets you make real sales instead of crossing your fingers that folks will check out later.
Second, your customers will experience less frustration and fewer missed opportunities. If you have limited stock and it sells out, Pre-Order allows everyone who genuinely wants the item to buy it—no one loses out because someone else is holding it without actually paying. If the item really is in high demand, your shoppers know they can still get in line for the next restock without feeling left behind.
Another huge perk is fewer abandoned carts cluttering your system. With Cart Waitlist, it’s common for folks to add items and never return, leaving you with a bunch of inventory caught in limbo. Pre-Order streamlines this process by turning interest into an actual order, which keeps things moving for you and your customers.
You’ll also deal with less inventory confusion. When inventory disappears instantly under a Cart Waitlist, you’re never quite sure if the sale is truly going to happen. With Pre-Order, you get a clear picture of what’s sold, what’s available, and what’s on its way out for restocking. That means less guesswork and more accurate tracking—something every boutique owner can appreciate.
Finally, Pre-Order reduces the chances of fraud or “fake” holds. Some people might add items to their cart without real intent to purchase. But if they’re placing a Pre-Order, they’re actually paying for it, which discourages any mischievous behavior and keeps your store running smoothly.
The best part is that explaining Pre-Order to your customers is easy: reassure them that if their favorite product sells out—or is about to—they can still place an order. You’ll fulfill it as soon as you restock, so they get the item they love without fighting for “reserved” inventory. That’s what makes Pre-Order the new, improved way to give people the same security they had with Cart Waitlist, minus all the drawbacks. It’s simply a better way to ensure everyone wins: your customers get peace of mind, and you get confirmed sales without tying up your precious stock.
For more details to know how you can setup pre-order click here.
