Waitlist Sign-ups
Definition
Waitlist sign-ups refer to the number of people who register interest in a product that is currently out of stock or not yet available.
It’s a way to capture potential demand and re-engage users when the item becomes available.
Good or Bad?
Good?
Yes, especially if your product frequently sells out or you’re launching something new, a healthy waitlist indicates strong interest and validates product-market fit.
Bad?
If few people sign up, it might suggest weak demand, poor visibility of the feature, or ineffective communication.
Why does it matter?
- Helps you gauge demand before restocking
- Reduces lost sales by keeping customers engaged
- Enables personalized re-engagement when stock is back
- Can guide how much inventory to reorder
- Generates excitement and urgency
Common Mistakes
- Not informing customers when products are back
- Making the waitlist sign-up hard to find
- Not using the collected data in marketing campaigns
- Failing to differentiate waitlist from newsletter
- Ignoring analytics from waitlist behavior
How to Improve It?
- Add clear “Notify Me” buttons for out-of-stock items
- Use email or SMS alerts when stock returns
- Show customers their spot in the queue
- Use urgency messaging like “Limited spots”
- Highlight upcoming restocks on product pages
Recommended Plugin
Back In Stock Notifications for WooCommerce
This plugin allows users to join a waitlist for out-of-stock items and sends automatic alerts when inventory is replenished.
It supports email, SMS, and works with variable products.
Real-World Example
An online sneaker store added a waitlist option on hyped releases.
In one month, over 7,000 users signed up for a single product, when restocked, 35% of waitlisted users converted within 24 hours.
Related Terms
- Out-of-Stock Management
- Product Alerts
- Preorder Campaigns
- Conversion Recovery
- Lead Generation
FAQs
What’s the difference between a waitlist and a preorder?
A waitlist shows interest with no payment. A preorder is a paid order before release.
Should I limit the waitlist size?
Only if scarcity is part of your strategy. Otherwise, let everyone register interest.
Can waitlists help forecast sales?
Yes. They provide real-time insight into future demand and help prevent understocking.
