Navigating Changes to Shopify POS Save Cart and Draft Orders

Understanding the Recent Changes to Shopify POS

Shopify recently made significant changes to its Point of Sale (POS) system, affecting many merchants who rely on this feature for their day-to-day operations. One of the most notable changes was the removal of the popular “Save Cart” function, which has been replaced with a new “Save as Draft Order” feature. This change has sparked considerable discussion and concern among Shopify users, particularly those running brick-and-mortar stores.

The Disappearance of Save Cart

What Happened to Save Cart?

The Save Cart function, which allowed merchants to quickly save and retrieve customer carts, has been removed from both Shopify POS Lite and POS Pro versions. This change was implemented without prior notice to many users, causing confusion and disruption to established workflows.

The New Alternative: Save as Draft Order

In place of the Save Cart function, Shopify has introduced a new feature called “Save as Draft Order.” This new functionality is designed to allow merchants to create, send, retrieve, edit, save, and checkout draft orders directly from the POS without requiring access to the admin interface.

Impact on Merchants

The removal of the Save Cart feature has significantly impacted many merchants, particularly those who relied heavily on this function for managing multiple customers simultaneously or for handling complex orders. The change has forced many to adapt their processes and seek alternative solutions.

Exploring the New Draft Order Functionality

How Draft Orders Work

Creating a Draft Order

To create a draft order for a customer, merchants can build the cart as usual and then tap the “More actions” button to save it as a draft order. This process allows for the creation of an order that can be completed at a later time.

Editing and Retrieving Draft Orders

To edit a draft order, merchants can find the draft in the Orders tab, then tap Edit or Check out. From here, products in the cart can be edited, and the order can be checked out. If further changes are needed, tapping the trash icon allows for saving changes to the draft order.

Synchronization Across Devices

One advantage of the new draft order system is that it supports seamless movement of draft orders across multiple devices, locations, and sales channels. This feature aims to create a more efficient process and decrease cart abandonment and incompletion of open draft orders.

Limitations and Challenges

Discount Code Issues

A significant limitation of the new draft order system is that it does not support the application of discount codes. This poses challenges for merchants who frequently use discounts, especially for industry clients or special promotions.

Increased Complexity

Many users have reported that the new draft order process is more complex and time-consuming compared to the previous Save Cart function. It often requires more clicks and steps to accomplish the same tasks, potentially slowing down the checkout process during busy periods.

Administrative Burden

The new system has created additional administrative work for some merchants. Draft orders created through POS are now mixed with those created in the Shopify Admin, making it more challenging to manage and track orders effectively.

Adapting to the New System

Best Practices for Using Draft Orders

Efficient Order Management

To make the most of the new system, merchants should familiarize themselves with the draft order workflow. Regularly checking and managing draft orders can help prevent clutter and ensure that no potential sales are lost.

Staff Training

Providing comprehensive training to staff on the new draft order system is crucial. This includes explaining the new process for saving and retrieving orders, as well as any workarounds that may be necessary for common scenarios.

Utilizing Customer Profiles

Attaching customer profiles to draft orders can make it easier to retrieve and manage orders, especially for returning customers or complex sales situations.

Potential Workarounds and Solutions

Third-Party Apps

Some merchants have found success in using third-party apps to replicate some of the functionality of the old Save Cart feature. For example, some have mentioned using bar tab apps that can work for saved orders of any type.

Manual Tracking Systems

In some cases, merchants have resorted to manual tracking systems, such as keeping notes or using separate spreadsheets to manage customer orders that are in progress.

Feedback and Feature Requests

Many users are actively providing feedback to Shopify about the changes and requesting improvements or the return of certain functionalities. Engaging with Shopify support and community forums can be a way to voice concerns and potentially influence future updates.

The Future of Shopify POS

Ongoing Development and Updates

Shopify has indicated that they are continuing to work on improving the draft order functionality based on merchant feedback. While the exact nature and timeline of these improvements are not specified, it’s clear that the system is still evolving.

Potential for Feature Restoration

While Shopify has stated that the Save Cart feature as it existed previously will not be returning, there is potential for the draft order system to be enhanced to better meet the needs of merchants who relied heavily on the Save Cart function.

Considering Alternatives

Some merchants are exploring alternative POS systems that better fit their specific needs. However, it’s important to consider the integration with the broader Shopify ecosystem when evaluating other options.

In conclusion, the removal of the Save Cart function from Shopify POS has presented challenges for many merchants. While the new draft order system offers some advantages, it also comes with limitations that have disrupted established workflows for many users. As Shopify continues to develop and refine its POS system, merchants are adapting their processes and providing feedback to shape future updates. For now, understanding the new system, implementing best practices, and exploring potential workarounds can help merchants navigate this transition period.