Show the shipping timeline on preorders
The shipping timeline tells preorder customers when to expect their order. It shows on the product page next to the Preorder button, as "Shipping: " followed by your message. The default message depends on the offer's fulfillment status, and you can edit it.
Show the shipping timeline
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.
Open the Shipping section
- In the left menu bar of the STOQ app, click Preorders.
- Click the Offers tab, then click the offer you want to edit.
- On the Overview tab, click Customize to open the offer editor.
- In the editor's sidebar, click Shipping.
Turn the timeline on
Under Display, check Show shipping timeline.
Set the message
Edit the Message field. Its default depends on your Fulfillment status (see below), and you can change the wording or use the available variables.
(Optional) style the timeline
Set the Border radius, Text color, and Background color to match your theme.
Save changes
Click Save changes in the top right of the offer editor. The timeline shows on the product page for products in this offer.
The default message depends on your fulfillment status
In the same Shipping section, under Fulfillment status, you choose how preorders are fulfilled. The shipping timeline Message defaults to match, and you can edit it:
- Unfulfilled: the message defaults to Shipping: As soon as possible. Edit it directly in the Message field, for example "Shipping: Ships in 2 to 3 weeks".
- Scheduled: the message defaults to
Shipping: {{ date }}. Choose On a specific date and pick a date, or Set number of days after purchase and enter a number of days. STOQ fills that value into the{{ date }}variable, so customers see a real date. - On hold: the message defaults to Shipping: To be confirmed. Edit it directly in the Message field.
Variables you can use in the message
Under the Message field, STOQ shows Variables available: {{ date }}, {{ month_year }}, {{ year }}.
| Variable | Inserts |
|---|---|
{{ date }} | The full ship date (from the specific date, or calculated from days after purchase) |
{{ month_year }} | The month and year only, for example "Dec 2025" |
{{ year }} | The year only |
Set a different timeline per product
By default the offer uses one timeline for every product (Same timeline for all products). To vary it:
Choose per-product timelines
In the offer editor's Shipping section, under the Shipping timeline heading, select Different timeline for each product instead of Same timeline for all products.
Fill in each product's timeline
Go to the offer's Products section and enter the shipping timeline for each product in the Shipping column.
Save
Click Save in the top bar on the Overview tab of the offer.
Turn the shipping icon on or off
STOQ shows small icons next to the quantity and shipping details on the product page. To remove them (or add them back):
Open the Limits & terms section
- In the left menu bar of the STOQ app, click Preorders.
- Click the Offers tab, then click the offer you want to edit.
- On the Overview tab, click Customize to open the offer editor.
- In the editor's sidebar, click Limits & terms.
Toggle the icons and save
The icons live with the disclaimer, so make sure the disclaimer is on:
- Under Preorder limits, choose Preorder limits apply.
- Under Customer display, choose Show preorder limit in disclaimer.
- Click Customize, then turn Use icons for quantity & shipping details on to show the icons, or off to hide them.
- Click Save changes in the top right of the offer editor.
Check your setup
Open a preorder product on your live storefront and confirm the shipping timeline shows your message next to the Preorder button, with or without the icon as you set it.
FAQ
Where does the shipping timeline appear?
On the product page for products in the offer, next to the Preorder button, as "Shipping: " followed by your message.
How do I show a real ship date?
Set the Fulfillment status to Scheduled, then choose On a specific date or Set number of days after purchase. The {{ date }} variable in the message fills in with that date.
Can I show a different shipping date per product?
Yes. In the Shipping section choose Different timeline for each product, then set each product's timeline in the Shipping column of the offer's Products section.
Why is the shipping icon still showing (or missing)?
It's controlled by Use icons for quantity & shipping details in the Limits & terms section, not the Shipping section. It sits with the disclaimer, so turn on Preorder limits apply and Show preorder limit in disclaimer, click Customize, and toggle it there.
Can I translate the shipping message?
Yes. Use the language option in the Shipping section to edit the message for your store's other languages.
Related guides
Choose a fulfillment setup
Decide how and when preorder orders ship: unfulfilled, scheduled, or on hold.
Design the preorder widget
Style the preorder button, badge, and messaging.
Set preorder order limits
Cap how many units customers can preorder.
Set up preorders
Create your first offer and add products.
