Pre-Order in Distribution and Wholesale

What Is a Pre-Order in Distribution?

A pre-order is an order placed before a product becomes available for delivery. In the world of distribution and CPG, this system helps brands, wholesalers, and distributors anticipate demand before goods hit the warehouse.

For example, a snack manufacturer might let retailers reserve stock ahead of a seasonal release. This approach ensures better production planning, fewer stockouts, and more efficient delivery scheduling.

Advance ordering also supports collaboration between sales and operations teams. It turns customer interest into clear data, helping brands adjust production and logistics before the first shipment leaves the factory.

How Advance Orders Work in Practice

The advance order process starts with an announcement or product launch. Customers then place commitments through digital platforms or sales reps before inventory arrives.

Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Product Launch: The brand announces an upcoming item.

2. Order Collection: Distributors or retailers submit early reservations.

3. Production Planning: The brand adjusts manufacturing volume using these figures.

4. Fulfillment: Once products arrive, shipments follow the original queue.

5. Billing: Payment and invoicing happen upon delivery.

For instance, a beverage company could collect early commitments for a limited-edition flavor. This allows production and logistics teams to prepare materials, packaging, and transportation in advance.

In addition, field reps can record early commitments in SimplyDepo’s mobile system. As a result, distributors, managers, and suppliers stay in sync about upcoming orders, launch timing, and fulfillment priorities.

Key Benefits for Teams and Operations

Advance ordering programs create measurable value for both brands and distributors.

1. Smarter Forecasting

Early commitments show real demand, helping companies plan production and purchasing accurately.

2. Stronger Cash Flow

Confirmed sales before shipment create predictable revenue and smoother budget cycles.

3. Fewer Stockouts

Because stock is reserved early, fulfillment teams can allocate inventory efficiently and avoid missed sales.

4. Improved Distributor Relations

Giving partners first access to new products strengthens trust and long-term loyalty.

5. More Efficient Operations

Digital order tools simplify scheduling, reduce manual work, and connect departments around shared visibility.

In short, early order systems turn guesswork into predictable performance across the entire supply chain.

How SimplyDepo Supports Advance Ordering

SimplyDepo allows distributors and brands to manage early orders with clarity and automation. The platform connects every step — from setup to delivery — inside one easy-to-use system.

Using Order Management and Retail Execution features, teams can create future-dated entries, set release dates, and monitor fulfillment progress automatically.

Key benefits include:

• Custom order windows for upcoming products

• Digital forms for easy data capture

• Real-time tracking of confirmed quantities

• Automated alerts for delivery status

• Seamless integration with ERP and logistics systems

By digitizing the process, SimplyDepo ensures that early orders move smoothly from commitment to completion — improving forecast accuracy and reducing human error.