---
title: "Send preorder SMS confirmations"
description: "Text customers a preorder confirmation right after checkout, through STOQ, Klaviyo, or Postscript."
url: https://help.stoqapp.com/preorders/send-preorder-sms-confirmations/
product: "Preorders"
section: "Notifications and integrations / Notifications"
last_updated: 2026-10-14
---

# Send preorder SMS confirmations

> Text customers a preorder confirmation right after checkout, through STOQ, Klaviyo, or Postscript.

STOQ can send an SMS confirming a preorder immediately after the customer checks out. A text lands faster and gets opened more than email, and it can include the shipping timeline so customers know when to expect their order. This is a paid feature and carries a per-message cost.

> **Note**
>
> SMS carries an additional per-message cost, billed on top of your plan and varying by country. See [SMS alert pricing and charges](https://help.stoqapp.com/account/sms-alert-pricing-and-charges/) and [How SMS segments work](https://help.stoqapp.com/account/how-sms-segments-work/).

## Before you begin

| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| A paid plan | Preorder SMS confirmations require a paid plan. On a free plan the toggle is disabled with an upgrade prompt. |
| Carrier verification | Before SMS can send, STOQ must verify your store with network carriers. Customers can still preorder in the meantime; sending is paused until verification completes. |
| A phone number at checkout | The customer must provide a phone number, otherwise there's nothing to text. |
| Toll-free registration | US and Canada stores may need to register a toll-free number with carriers before SMS can send. |

## Turn on preorder SMS

On a phone, this menu is collapsed. In the **Shopify mobile app**, tap the **STOQ** logo at the top of the screen to open it, then choose the section named below. There is no hamburger icon. See [Finding the STOQ menu](https://help.stoqapp.com/general/getting-started-with-stoq/#finding-the-stoq-menu).

1. **Open the preorder notifications**

   In the left menu bar of the STOQ app, click **Preorders**, then open **Settings** > **Notifications**.

   [Image: STOQ Preorders Settings Notifications sub-tab with markers: 1 Preorders in the left menu, 2 the Settings tab, 3 the Notifications sub-tab, showing the Preorder confirmed card with Customize email and Customize SMS](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-1.png)

2. **Open Customize SMS**

   On the 'Preorder confirmed' notification card, click **Customize SMS** to open the SMS editor.

   [Image: The Notifications page with marker 1 on the Customize SMS link on the Preorder confirmed card](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-2.png)

3. **Turn on Preorder SMS alerts**

   In the SMS editor, next to **Preorder SMS alerts**, click **Turn on** and confirm the notice about per-message SMS charges. The **Settings** list below then shows **Send SMS through** and **Content**.

4. **Choose how it sends**

   Under **Settings**, click **Send SMS through** and pick your **SMS platform**: **STOQ** (built-in), **Klaviyo**, or **Postscript**.

   [Image: The SMS editor showing Preorder SMS alerts Off with a Turn on button, and marker 1 on the Send SMS through item under Settings](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-3.png)

   [Image: The Send SMS through panel with the SMS platform options STOQ (selected), Klaviyo, and Postscript](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-4.png)

5. **Write the message**

   Go back, then under **Settings** click **Content**. Edit the **SMS Body**, using the **Variables** link to personalize it (see below).

   [Image: The SMS editor Settings with marker 1 on the Content item](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-5.png)

   [Image: The Content panel with marker 1 on the SMS Body field (using shop name and first product variables) and marker 2 on the Save changes button](https://help.stoqapp.com/images/general/send-preorder-sms-confirmations-6.png)

6. **Save**

   Click **Save changes** at the top right. Customers who preorder with a phone number now get a confirmation text.

## Variables you can use

Insert variables in the SMS body to fill in each order's details. The editor lists the full set; common ones:

| Variable | Inserts |
|---|---|
| `{{ customer.name }}` | The customer's name |
| `{{ first_product }}` | The first preordered product |
| `{{ products }}` | All preordered products as a comma-separated list |
| `{{ products_count }}` | How many preordered products are in the order |
| `{{ shipping_timeline }}` | The offer's shipping timeline message |
| `{{ order.name }}` | The order name, like `#1001` |
| `{{ shop.name }}` | Your store's name |

> **Note**
>
> Keep the message short. SMS is billed in segments of about 140 characters, and emojis or accented characters split it into more segments, which costs more. See [How SMS segments work](https://help.stoqapp.com/account/how-sms-segments-work/).

## Send through Klaviyo or Postscript instead

If you'd rather send from Klaviyo or Postscript, choose that provider under **Send SMS through** and set up the flow in that platform. See [Send SMS alerts through Klaviyo](https://help.stoqapp.com/back-in-stock/send-sms-alerts-through-klaviyo/) and [Send alerts through Postscript](https://help.stoqapp.com/back-in-stock/connect-postscript-for-back-in-stock/). Those platforms deliver and bill the SMS, so STOQ's per-segment pricing doesn't apply.

## Resend a confirmation manually

To re-send a confirmation for a single order, open **Reports** > **Preorders**, open the order, and choose **Send SMS confirmation** from the **Notify** menu.

## Troubleshooting

### The Preorder SMS alerts toggle is disabled

You're on a free plan, or your store hasn't submitted its toll-free registration where that's required. Upgrade, or complete registration. The toggle's tooltip shows which applies.

### Customers preorder but no text arrives

Sending is paused until carrier verification completes. Check the SMS panel for a verification banner; sending resumes automatically once it's done. Also confirm the customer actually provided a phone number.

### The message looks cut off or costs more than expected

The body is over one segment. Shorten it, and avoid emojis and accented characters, which use more segments. See [How SMS segments work](https://help.stoqapp.com/account/how-sms-segments-work/).

## Related guides

- [Send preorder confirmation emails](https://help.stoqapp.com/preorders/preorder-confirmation-notification/): The email version of the preorder confirmation.
- [Send SMS alerts through Klaviyo](https://help.stoqapp.com/back-in-stock/send-sms-alerts-through-klaviyo/): Route preorder and back in stock SMS through Klaviyo.
- [SMS alert pricing and charges](https://help.stoqapp.com/account/sms-alert-pricing-and-charges/): How STOQ's built-in SMS is priced.
- [Personalize Klaviyo preorder emails](https://help.stoqapp.com/preorders/customize-klaviyo-preorder-variables/): The full preorder variable reference.