Shopify Back in Stock Trigger

What is the Back In Stock trigger?

The Back In Stock trigger lets shoppers subscribe to be notified when an out-of-stock product—or even a specific variant like size, color, or style—becomes available again. When inventory is replenished, TapOnIt automatically sends subscribers a notification so they can return and complete their purchase.

This feature helps you capture demand that would otherwise be lost, while creating a better experience for shoppers who don’t want to keep checking back for availability.

Key Features:

  • Variant-Level Sign-Ups – Customers can subscribe to the exact product variant they want.

  • Text Message Alerts – Send SMS/MMS notifications to bring shoppers back the moment inventory is replenished.

  • Flexible Opt-In Options – Choose whether sign-ups are only for “Back In Stock” alerts, or if shoppers should be fully opted into your text club.

Table of Contents


How it works

  1. A customer visits a product page and selects a variant that’s out of stock.

  2. They click the “Notify Me via SMS” button.

  3. They enter their phone number (and/or email) and get a confirmation message.

  4. When the product is restocked, TapOnIt automatically sends them a text message.

  5. The customer clicks through and completes their purchase.

You control how the opt-in is presented on your product page. When setting up Back In Stock, you can choose:

  • Back In Stock Only – Shoppers are prompted just to sign up for the notification.

  • Back In Stock + Marketing – Shoppers are prompted with the option to sign up for your marketing texts in addition to the Back In Stock alert.


Why it’s beneficial

  • Recover lost sales – Instead of losing a customer to another retailer, you can bring them back the moment inventory is available.

  • Capture demand insights – Every notification sign-up gives you data about which products (and variants) are in high demand, helping with forecasting and restocking.

  • Improve the shopping experience – Customers don’t have to check back repeatedly. They get the product they want, and you get the sale.

  • Flexible opt-in options – Choose whether Back In Stock sign-ups are part of your ongoing marketing or just a one-time notification.

  • Seamless automation – Once set up, everything runs automatically in the background, saving time while driving conversions.


How to set it up in Shopify

  1. In Shopify, go to Online Store > Themes.

  2. Click Customize on your active theme.

  3. From the dropdown, select your Default Product page.

  4. Click into the Product Information section.

  5. Hover between blocks (we recommend placing Back In Stock under the Buy Button).

  6. Click Add Block > Apps.

  7. Select Back In Stock Notify.

  8. In the right-hand settings panel, choose your Notification Mode:

    • Fully Marketing (opt into your text club + Back In Stock).

    • Single Notification (only receive the Back In Stock alert).

  9. Click Save to publish your changes. Now head to your TapOnIt Admin to:

    • Set up the opt-in flow for Back In Stock sign-ups.

    • Edit the messages subscribers will receive when items are available again under Shopify > Create Automation > Back in Stock


    View a full walkthrough on how to add back in stock to your Shopify Store

 


Best practices

  • Place the Back In Stock form directly under the Buy Button for best visibility.

  • Keep your message copy short, clear, and urgent (e.g., “It’s back! Don’t miss out on [Product Name]. Shop now before it sells out again.”).

  • Use Back In Stock sign-ups as a signal for high-demand items when planning future inventory.


💡 The Back In Stock trigger is one of the simplest and most effective ways to recover sales, grow your subscriber list, and create a better customer experience—all with zero extra work after setup.