Waitlist and Back in Stock Examples
Ready-to-copy configurations for common waitlist scenarios.
For step-by-step setup instructions, see How to Set Up a Product Waitlist.
1. Limited Edition / Drop Launch
Scenario: You're launching a limited edition product in two weeks. You want to collect signups now and email everyone the moment it goes live.
Rule configuration:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Target products | Products with tags — limited-edition |
| Priority | 0 (default) |
| Minimum inventory to trigger notifications | 1 |
| Notifications per batch | High enough to cover your full signup list (e.g. 1000) |
| Minutes between batches | 0 |
| Channels | Email + Browser push |
Also:
- Tag the product
limited-editionin Shopify before launch — this is what the campaign targets. - Email suggestions: subject "{{ product_title }} is now available — limited quantities", button "Shop now".
- Optional: update the signup form text in the theme editor to "Join the launch list."
2. High-Demand Restock
Scenario: A popular item sells out fast. You want enough inventory to meet initial demand before sending notifications.
Rule configuration:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Target products | Specific products — select by title or ID |
| Priority | 0 (default) |
| Minimum inventory to trigger notifications | 10+ (adjust based on typical demand) |
| Notifications per batch | 100 |
| Minutes between batches | 5 |
| Channels | Email + Browser push |
Also:
- Email suggestions: subject "{{ product_title }} is back in stock", button "Shop now".
- Higher threshold prevents a rush on limited units that would frustrate most subscribers.
3. VIP / Early-Access Waitlist
Scenario: You want VIP customers to get first access before the general waitlist.
Rule configuration:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Target products | Products with tags — waitlist-vip |
| Priority | 5 (higher than standard campaign) |
| Minimum inventory to trigger notifications | 1 |
| Notifications per batch | Match your VIP signup count |
| Minutes between batches | 0 |
| Channels | Email + Browser push |
Also:
- Tag the same product with both
waitlist-vipandwaitlist. Create two campaigns: VIP at priority 5, standard at priority 2. - Email suggestions: subject "{{ product_title }} — VIP early access", button "Shop before everyone else".
- Optional: update the VIP signup form heading to "Join the VIP waitlist."
4. Discontinued / Back-Ordered Item
Scenario: An item is temporarily unavailable with no confirmed restock date. You want to set expectations for a longer wait.
Rule configuration:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Target products | Products with tags — back-order |
| Priority | 0 (default) |
| Minimum inventory to trigger notifications | 1 |
| Notifications per batch | 500 |
| Minutes between batches | 0 |
| Channels | Email + Browser push |
Also:
- Tag the product
back-orderin Shopify to capture signups. - Email suggestions: subject "{{ product_title }} is finally available", button "Get yours now".
- Update the signup success message to "You're on the waitlist. This may take several weeks."