Balance Pre-order deposits for fashion and limited drops
A deposit tells you how many to make before you commit to the run. The balance is taken when the stock arrives, never before.
In short: Fashion brands usually take a small deposit, 10% to 25%, when a pre-order opens and the balance when the stock arrives. Use a 'when the order is ready' plan so the charge waits for the delivery, however late the factory runs.
The usual plan
Set a 20% deposit and the balance rule to 'when the order is ready', with an outer limit past the expected arrival. When the delivery is checked in, mark the orders ready and the balances are charged; ship the ones the morning digest shows as paid in full.
Example: £120 jacket on pre-order, 20% deposit. £24 at checkout, £96 when the stock lands.
Sizes and partial deliveries
If some sizes arrive before others, mark ready only the orders you can fulfil; the rest wait without being charged. The customer's payment page shows the deposit paid and the balance still to come.
Drop dates that slip
A 'when ready' plan means nothing needs changing when the factory is late. If you told customers a date, move the balance date on the orders and each customer gets a fresh reminder. More in pre-order deposits on Shopify.
Cancellations
In the UK, stock items bought online are usually covered by the 14-day right to cancel, which runs from delivery, so pre-order deposits on standard items are generally refundable if the customer cancels. This is general information, not legal advice.
Fashion pre-order drops questions
Should I take a deposit or the full price on pre-orders?
A small deposit lowers the barrier to committing months ahead and still tells you real demand. The full price up front is simpler but asks more of the customer.
Can customers use Shop Pay or Apple Pay?
Not through the express checkout buttons. Deposit orders go through Shopify's standard checkout, where the card is saved for the balance.
What if only some sizes arrive?
Mark ready only the orders you can ship. The rest wait, uncharged, until their stock is in.
Not on the list?
If your customers commit before the work is done, Balance Due fits. Tell us what you sell and we will suggest a plan.