Send preorder SMS confirmations
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.
SMS carries an additional per-message cost, billed on top of your plan and varying by country. See SMS alert pricing and charges and 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
Open the preorder notifications
In the left menu bar of the STOQ app, click Preorders, then open Settings > Notifications.
Turn on Preorder SMS alerts
Enable Preorder SMS alerts. Confirm the notice about per-message SMS charges to continue.
Choose how it sends
Click Customize SMS, then open Send SMS through and pick your provider: STOQ (built-in), Klaviyo, or Postscript.
Write the message
In Customize SMS, edit the message body. Use the available variables to personalize it (see below).
Save
Click Save changes. 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 |
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.
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 and Send alerts through Postscript. 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.
Related guides
Send preorder confirmation emails
The email version of the preorder confirmation.
Send SMS alerts through Klaviyo
Route preorder and back in stock SMS through Klaviyo.
SMS alert pricing and charges
How STOQ's built-in SMS is priced.
Personalize Klaviyo preorder emails
The full preorder variable reference.
