> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sitesbyseth.gitbook.io/sitesbyseth-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sitesbyseth.gitbook.io/sitesbyseth-docs/reign/free-gift-tiers/preorder-metafield.md).

# Pre-Orders (Metafield)

Running pre-order drops? Reign can display a per-product pre-order notice pulled from a **metafield** — set the shipping estimate once on the product, and it appears automatically in the product page accordion.

## What the theme supports

The **Accordion** section's rows have a setting: **"Show product preorder metafield above content (product pages)"**. When enabled on a row (e.g. your *Shipping Info* row), the theme checks the product for a metafield at **`custom.preorder`** and, if present, prepends its text above the row's normal content.

So a pre-order hoodie can say *"⏳ Pre-order — ships the week of May 12"* in its shipping accordion, while in-stock products show your standard shipping copy — same template, no duplicated sections.

## Step 1: Create the metafield definition

1. In Shopify admin, go to **Settings → Custom data → Products**
2. Click **Add definition**
3. Name: `Preorder` — then click the **Namespace and key** field and set it to exactly `custom.preorder`
4. Type: **Single line text** (or multi-line if you want longer notes)
5. Save

## Step 2: Fill it in per product

1. Open a pre-order product under **Products**
2. Scroll to the **Metafields** area
3. In the **Preorder** field, type your notice — e.g. `Pre-order: ships the week of May 12. All pre-orders locked after May 1.`
4. Save. Leave the field **empty** on regular products — the notice only shows when the metafield has content.

## Step 3: Turn it on in the theme

1. Theme editor → product template → your **Accordion** section (or add one)
2. Click the row where the notice should appear (Shipping Info is the natural home)
3. Check **Show product preorder metafield above content (product pages)**
4. Save

## Making it a real pre-order

The metafield handles *communication*; selling beyond stock is a Shopify inventory setting:

1. On the product's variant, under **Inventory**, check **Continue selling when out of stock**
2. Say the shipping date **everywhere**: the metafield notice, the product description, and your [shipping timeline on the password page](/sitesbyseth-docs/reign/getting-started/drop-mode.md#the-shipping-timeline-modal) if you're in drop mode

💡 **Pro tip:** During a pre-order campaign, also add the [Countdown timer bar](/sitesbyseth-docs/reign/sections/announcement-countdown.md) with "PRE-ORDERS CLOSE" and a fixed end date, and keep the password page's shipping timeline progress updated. Fewer "where's my order" DMs, more trust.


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