Pre-order stores allow businesses to validate demand and generate revenue before producing physical products. This reduces risk, supports small-batch manufacturing, and keeps your business cash-flow positive. Squarespace offers built-in tools to create a pre-order sales system without additional software.
Using a Squarespace discount code at checkout helps you launch affordably while setting up a storefront that is visually consistent and easy for customers to navigate.
Step 1: Choose a Product Category and Store Layout
Set up your website using any template with strong product display sections. Templates like Clove, Foster, and Paloma provide clean store layouts.
Create product categories for:
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Apparel
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Limited-edition items
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Art prints
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Handmade goods
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Seasonal releases
Step 2: Configure Product Pages for Pre-Orders
Inside the product settings:
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Mark the item as physical.
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Add expected shipping dates in the product description.
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Optional: Use the Product Badges feature to label items as Pre-Order.
Clear visibility prevents confusion and builds customer trust.
Step 3: Set Customer Expectations
Include:
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Estimated delivery timelines
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Refund/return policy
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Manufacturing or production notes
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Contact support details
Transparent communication reduces support messaging later.
Step 4: Accept Payments and Automate Confirmations
Enable payments via:
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Stripe
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PayPal
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Apple Pay (depending on region)
Squarespace automatically sends email confirmations. You can edit messaging to reinforce delivery dates.
Step 5: Apply a Discount Code at Checkout
When activating your plan, use a Squarespace discount code to save on your subscription cost. This is especially beneficial when launching a small-batch product to test interest.
Conclusion
By setting up a pre-order system with clear communication and structured product pages, you can launch merchandise or limited-run products efficiently and affordably. Squarespace simplifies this workflow, making pre-order stores practical for small brands, artists, and creators.