How do I send a draft order invoice on Shopify?

Once you create a draft order, click "Send invoice." You can then customize the message and email it directly to the customer.

Can I apply discounts to Shopify Draft Orders?

Yes, you can apply both line-item discounts and overall order discounts to any draft order before sending the invoice.

Shopify Draft Orders: Complete Guide for Shopify Stores

Q: What are Shopify Draft Orders?

Shopify Draft Orders are manual orders created by a merchant on behalf of a customer. They allow you to add products, apply discounts, and send an invoice for payment.

Managing an online store often requires more than just automated checkouts. Sometimes, you need to step in and create an order manually. This is where Shopify Draft Orders become your best friend. Whether you are handling a wholesale deal or a custom request, this tool is essential.

In this guide, we will explore everything about Shopify Draft Orders. You will learn how to create draft order Shopify style and manage them for growth.

What Are Shopify Draft Orders?

Shopify Draft Orders are orders created by the merchant rather than the customer. They allow you to build an order from the backend of your store. You can add products, set custom prices, and apply manual discounts.

Think of a draft order as a "pending" sale. It stays in your system until the customer pays or you mark it as paid. It is the perfect solution for Shopify manual order management.

When Should You Use Shopify Draft Orders?

There are many scenarios where a standard checkout won't work. Here are the most common times to use Shopify Draft Orders:

Custom Orders

If a customer wants a unique bundle or a personalized product, use a draft order. You can add custom items that aren't in your regular catalog. This makes Shopify custom order handling simple.

Phone Orders

When a customer calls to place an order, you can't send them to a URL easily. Instead, take their details and create draft order Shopify side while on the phone.

Wholesale Orders

Wholesale buyers often need specific pricing. You can create a draft order with bulk discounts and send a Shopify draft order invoice for payment.

Manual Invoices

If you need to charge a customer for a service or a shipping adjustment, a draft order is the way to go. It acts as a professional Shopify invoice order.

Preorders

For high-demand items, you can create draft orders for your VIP customers. This ensures they get their items before the general public.

Key Benefits of Shopify Draft Orders

Using Shopify Draft Orders offers several advantages for your business:

Flexibility: You can change any detail of the order before it is finalized.
Custom Pricing: Easily adjust prices for specific customers or deals.
Manual Discounts: Apply discounts that aren't available to the general public.
Customer Invoices: Send professional emails that lead directly to a secure Shopify draft order checkout.
Better Order Management: Keep track of pending sales that aren't yet in your main order list.

How to Create Shopify Draft Orders (Step-by-Step)

Creating a manual order is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Create Draft Orders on Desktop

Step 1: Navigate to Orders Log in to your Shopify admin. Click on "Orders" in the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Click Create Order In the top right corner, click the "Create order" button. This opens the draft order interface.

Step 3: Add Products Search for existing products or click "Add custom item" for something unique. You can adjust quantities and prices here.

Step 4: Add a Customer Search for an existing customer or create a new one. This is required to send an invoice.

Step 5: Review and Save Check the taxes, shipping, and discounts. Once ready, you can save the draft or send the invoice immediately.

Create Draft Orders on Mobile

You can also create draft order Shopify side using the mobile app.

Open the Shopify app.
Tap the "Orders" tab.
Tap the "+" icon.
Add products and customer details.
Save or send the invoice.

How to Send a Draft Order Invoice to Customers

Once the order is ready, you need to get paid. Click the "Send invoice" button on the draft order page.

You can customize the subject line and the body of the email. The customer will receive a professional email with a link. This link takes them to your Shopify draft order checkout page. There, they can enter their payment details securely.

How Customers Complete Draft Orders

When a customer clicks the link in their Shopify draft order invoice, they see a standard checkout page. All the products and discounts you added are already there.

They simply choose their shipping method and enter their payment info. Once they pay, the draft order automatically converts into a regular order.

How to Convert Draft Orders into Regular Orders

If you have already received payment (e.g., via bank transfer or cash), you don't need the customer to checkout.

On the draft order page, click "Mark as paid." This will instantly convert the Shopify manual order into a regular order. It will then appear in your main "Orders" list for fulfillment.

How to Edit or Delete Draft Orders

Draft orders are not permanent until they are paid.

To Edit: Simply open the draft and change the items, customer, or discounts.
To Delete: If a customer changes their mind, click "Delete draft order" at the bottom of the page.

Shopify Draft Orders vs Regular Orders

| Feature | Regular Order | Draft Order | |---------|---------------|-------------| | Created By | Customer | Merchant | | Custom Items | No | Yes | | Manual Discounts | Limited | Unlimited | | Payment Status | Usually Paid | Usually Pending | | Inventory | Reserved at Checkout | Not Reserved until Paid |

Real Business Use Cases for Draft Orders

Wholesale Order

A boutique wants to buy 50 units of your top seller. You create a draft order with a 40% discount and send the Shopify invoice order.

Custom Product Request

A customer wants a custom engraving. You add the base product and a "Custom Item" for the engraving fee.

Offline Payment Order

A customer pays you at a local market. You create draft order Shopify side and mark it as paid to keep your inventory in sync.

Bulk Orders

A corporate client needs 100 gift sets. You build the order manually to ensure the shipping rates are calculated correctly for a pallet.

Shopify Draft Order Best Practices

Set Expiry Dates: Remind customers that their invoice is only valid for a certain time.
Double Check Shipping: Manual orders often need custom shipping rates. Don't lose money on freight.
Use Tags: Tag your draft orders (e.g., "Wholesale") to filter them easily later.
Communicate Clearly: Use the invoice note to explain any custom terms or discounts.

Common Mistakes Store Owners Make

Forgetting Taxes: Ensure you have the "Charge taxes" box checked if applicable.
Inventory Issues: Remember that draft orders do not reserve inventory. A product could sell out before the customer pays the invoice.
Wrong Customer Info: Always verify the email address before sending a Shopify draft order invoice.

Advanced Tips for Using Shopify Draft Orders

Automate with Apps: Use apps like "Draft Order Helper" to add more functionality.
Pre-fill Cart Links: Some apps can turn a draft order into a "pre-filled cart" link for social media.
B2B Features: If you are on Shopify Plus, use the B2B features which build upon the draft order logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use discount codes on draft orders?

No, you cannot use standard discount codes. However, you can apply manual discounts of any amount.

Do draft orders expire?

No, they stay in your system until you delete them or they are paid.

Can I change the shipping address on a draft order?

Yes, you can edit the shipping address at any time before the order is paid.

Does a draft order reserve inventory?

No. Inventory is only deducted once the order is marked as paid or the customer completes the checkout.

Can I create a draft order for a product not in my store?

Yes, use the "Add custom item" feature to sell anything.

How do I see all my draft orders?

Go to "Orders" and then click the "Drafts" tab at the top.

Final Thoughts

Shopify Draft Orders are a versatile tool that every merchant should master. They bridge the gap between automated ecommerce and personalized service. By knowing how to create draft order Shopify style, you open up new revenue streams like wholesale and custom commissions.

Start using them today to provide better service and close more complex sales.

Need help with your Shopify strategy? Talk to our experts at eCeez and let's grow your store together.

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