Restock Alert and Tracker Ideas for Shopify
If you run a Shopify store, you know how frustrating it can be when a customer wants to buy a product that’s out of stock. Not only do you miss out on a sale, but the customer may decide to look elsewhere for the item they want. That’s where restock alerts come in. Restock alerts let customers know when a product is back in stock. Setting up restock alerts on your Shopify store can improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.
Today, we’ll explore restock alerts in more detail, discussing what they are, how to set them up, and the different types of restock alerts available. We’ll also look at some restock alert tracker ideas and provide answers to common technical questions about restock alerts. So, if you’re ready to learn how restock alerts can benefit your Shopify store, keep reading.
What are restock alerts?
Restock alerts inform customers when a product that was previously out of stock is available again. Depending on the customer’s preference, these alerts can be delivered via email, SMS, or push notification.
Why are they important for customers?
Restock alerts are essential for customers because they allow them to purchase products they want that were previously unavailable. Customers appreciate being notified when a product is back in stock, saving them the hassle of repeatedly checking the website.
These alerts can also improve customer loyalty, as customers will be more likely to return to your store if they know they can be notified when products they are interested in become available.
Why are they important for stores?
For store owners, restock alerts can increase sales and revenue by providing an additional opportunity to sell products that were previously out of stock. Restock alerts can also help you gauge demand for a particular product. The number of restock alert sign-ups can give you an idea of how many customers are interested in purchasing the item.
They can also improve your customer engagement and overall user experience, as customers will appreciate being notified when products they are interested in become available again.
Types of restock alerts
There are several different types of restock alerts available for Shopify store owners. These include:
In-stock notifications
In-stock notifications are the simplest type of restock alert. When a customer visits a product page that is out of stock, they can enter their email address or phone number to be notified when the item is back in stock. This type of restock alert is built into Shopify and does not require a third-party app.
Back-in-stock notifications
Back-in-stock notifications are similar to in-stock notifications, but they are triggered when a product previously out of stock becomes available again. This type of restock alert can be delivered via email or SMS and is typically provided by a third-party app.
Pre-order notifications
Pre-order notifications allow customers to sign up to be notified when a product that is not yet available for purchase becomes available. This restock alert is useful for new or popular products expected to sell out quickly. Pre- order notifications can be delivered via email or SMS and are typically provided by a third-party app.
Waitlist notifications
Waitlist notifications allow customers to sign up to be notified when a product is back in stock, even if it has not yet been restocked. This restock alert can be helpful for products that are frequently out of stock or have extended lead times. Waitlist notifications can be delivered via email or SMS and are typically provided by a third-party app.
Examples of stores that use these restock alerts include Fashion Nova, which uses in-stock notifications, and Glossier, which uses back-in-stock notifications. For pre-order notifications, brands like Supreme and Apple use this feature frequently. Brands like Sephora and Lululemon use Waitlist notifications.
How to set up restock alerts on Shopify
Setting up restock alerts on Shopify is a simple process.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Enable the ‘Notify Me’ button: Shopify has a built-in ‘Notify Me’ button that allows customers to sign up for in-stock notifications. To enable this button, go to your product page and click on ‘More actions’ -> ‘Edit website SEO and metadata’ -> ‘Show dynamic checkout button’ -> ‘Notify me’ and enable it.
- Install a restock alert app: If you want to offer back-in-stock, pre-order, or waitlist notifications, you will need to install a third-party app. Some popular options include Back in Stock, In Stock Alerts, and Waitlist Me.
- Configure the app: Once you have installed the app, you will need to configure it to suit your needs. This will typically involve setting up notification templates, choosing which products to monitor, and customizing the appearance of the ‘Notify Me’ button.
- Test the restock alert system: Before launching your restock alert system, it’s important to ensure it works correctly. This may involve signing up for notifications and testing the delivery method and timing.
- Launch the restock alert system: Once you are confident that your restock alert system is working correctly, you can launch it for your customers. Promise the new feature on your website and social media channels to encourage sign-ups.
Best Practices
Some best practices for setting up restock alerts on Shopify include:
- Use clear and concise messaging: Make sure the language you use to describe your restock alert system is easy to understand and encourages customers to sign up.
- Offer multiple restock alerts: Offering a range of restock alert options will allow customers to choose the one that suits them best, improving the chances of a successful sale.
- Use eye-catching graphics: Consider using eye-catching graphics or animations to draw attention to the ‘Notify Me’ button and encourage sign-ups.
- Test and monitor the system regularly: It’s important to test your restock alert system regularly to ensure it’s working correctly and monitor sign-up rates to identify any areas for improvement.
Restock alert tracker ideas
In addition to standard restock alert notifications, Shopify store owners can implement restock alert trackers to keep track of inventory levels and provide more targeted restock notifications.
Here are some restock alert tracker ideas for Shopify store owners:
Google Sheets inventory tracker
Using Google Sheets, store owners can create a custom inventory tracker that automatically updates with new stock levels. This tracker can then be linked to a restock alert system, providing customers with near-real-time notifications when their desired product becomes available again. Example: The online fashion retailer ASOS uses a Google Sheets inventory tracker to manage stock levels and provide restock alerts to customers.
Custom API integration
For store owners with more advanced technical skills, a custom API integration can be created to track inventory levels and trigger restock alerts. This integration can be tailored to suit the store’s specific needs, allowing for more targeted restock alerts. Example: The online sneaker marketplace StockX uses a custom API integration to track inventory levels and provide customers with restock notifications.
Automated email notifications
Store owners can set up automated email notifications for restock alerts using an email marketing automation tool such as Klaviyo or Mailchimp. These notifications can be triggered by changes in inventory levels, providing customers with personalized and targeted restock alerts. Example: The sustainable fashion brand Reformation uses Klaviyo to send automated restock alerts to customers based on their product preferences.
Social media notifications
Store owners can use social media platforms such as Twitter or Instagram to provide restock alerts to customers. This can be done by creating a dedicated account or hashtag for restock notifications and posting updates when new stock becomes available. Example: The sneaker and streetwear retailer Kith uses Twitter to provide restock alerts to customers, with dedicated accounts for each store.
Push notifications
For store owners with a mobile app, push notifications can provide customers with restock alerts. This method provides an obvious and immediate notification to customers, increasing the chances of a successful sale. Example: The fashion retailer Zara uses push notifications to provide restock alerts to customers via their mobile app.
Each restocks alert tracker idea provides a unique way for store owners to track inventory levels and provide targeted restock alerts to customers. By implementing these ideas, store owners can improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a restock alert?
A restock alert is a notification that a product is back in stock.
How do I set up restock alerts on Shopify?
Go to the product page and click on “Notify me when this product is available,” or use a third-party app.
Can I customize the restock alert message for my store?
Yes, many third-party restock alert apps allow you to customize the message.
How do restock alerts benefit my customers?
Restock alerts help customers purchase products they want that are currently out of stock.
Can restock alerts improve my SEO?
Yes, offering a stock alert can improve your SEO by increasing user engagement and driving more traffic to your site.
Conclusion
Implementing restock alerts on a Shopify store can benefit both store owners and customers. If you’re a Shopify store owner, it’s essential to consider implementing restock alerts to take advantage of these benefits. With the various restock alert types and tracker ideas available, there’s a solution to suit every store’s needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your store’s customer experience and increase your sales – start implementing restock alerts today.
