Exclusive Early Access to New Collection in Shopify
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Giving Early Access to New Products
- Using a Paid App for Early Access
- Natively Giving Early Access
- Setting up Locksmith App
- Creating Locks with Locksmith App
- Customizing Lock Conditions
- Testing Locks with Locksmith App
- Creating a Custom Collection Template
- Creating a No Access Page
- Tagging Customers as VIP
- Testing the VIP Access Feature
- Hiding VIP Products from Other Collections
- Conclusion
Giving Early Access to VIP Customers
In this article, we will explore two methods to give early access to new products or collections to your most loyal customers. The first method involves using a paid app from the Shopify app store, while the second method utilizes native features within the Shopify platform. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to implement early access strategies for your VIP customers.
1. Introduction
Do you want to reward your VIP customers with exclusive access to new products? Offering early access is a great way to incentivize and retain your most loyal customers. In this guide, we will discuss two methods for giving early access: using a paid app and utilizing native features within the Shopify platform.
2. Giving Early Access with a Paid App
The first method we will cover involves using the "Locksmith" app from the Shopify app store. Locksmith is a powerful tool that allows you to control access to your online storefront. With Locksmith, you can create locks for specific products or collections and customize the conditions for customers to unlock them. This method requires a monthly fee, starting at $9, but provides a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
3. Natively Giving Early Access
For those who prefer a free option without relying on paid apps, Shopify offers native features that allow you to give early access to your VIP customers. By implementing a custom collection template and a "no access" page, you can create a seamless experience for your loyal customers while keeping costs low. While this method requires some coding, we will guide you through the process step by step.
4. Setting up Locksmith App
Before diving into the native method, let's explore the process of setting up Locksmith, the paid app for giving early access. Locksmith is a highly regarded app with excellent reviews and responsive support. We will walk you through the installation process, configuration options, and pricing details to help you decide if this app is the right fit for your business.
5. Creating Locks with Locksmith App
Once you have Locksmith installed, we will demonstrate how to create locks for your products or collections. Locksmith provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for specific items and apply locks based on various conditions. We will cover the different locking options, such as requiring a passcode, visiting before or after a certain date, or having a specific product in the customer's cart.
6. Customizing Lock Conditions
Locksmith offers advanced customization options for setting lock conditions. You can tailor the unlocking requirements to suit your business needs. From setting up customer tags to utilizing secret links, we will explore the various ways you can create a unique and secure early access experience for your VIP customers.
7. Testing Locks with Locksmith App
Before implementing locks on your live store, it's essential to test them to ensure everything works as expected. We will guide you through the testing process using Locksmith. By simulating the customer experience, you can confirm the effectiveness of the locks and make any necessary adjustments.
8. Creating a Custom Collection Template
Now let's dive into the native method of giving early access. We will start by creating a custom collection template that will be used to display early access products to your VIP customers. This template will utilize liquid code to check if a customer has the VIP tag and display the appropriate content accordingly.
9. Creating a No Access Page
To provide a seamless experience, we will also create a "no access" page that will be shown to customers who do not have early access privileges. This page will inform them that the collection is private and encourage them to join the VIP list for access to exclusive products. We will guide you through the process of creating this page using Shopify's built-in page editor.
10. Tagging Customers as VIP
To grant early access to your loyal customers, you need to tag them as VIP. We will show you how to add the VIP tag to customer profiles manually or in bulk. This tag is crucial for identifying which customers should have access to the early access products or collections.
11. Testing the VIP Access Feature
After setting up the collection template, the no access page, and tagging your VIP customers, it's time to test the VIP access feature. We will walk you through the testing process step by step, ensuring that only customers with the VIP tag can view the early access products. This step is crucial to verify that all the components are working correctly before granting early access to your VIP customers.
12. Hiding VIP Products from Other Collections
To create a truly exclusive experience, it's essential to hide the early access products from other collections, such as new arrivals or search results. We will provide guidance on how to modify your theme's code to ensure that these products are only visible to customers with early access privileges. By implementing this step, you can maintain the exclusivity of the VIP experience.
13. Conclusion
In conclusion, offering early access to new products or collections is a powerful way to incentivize and reward your VIP customers. Whether you choose to use the Locksmith app or leverage native features within Shopify, both methods can be effective in creating an exclusive and seamless experience. By implementing these strategies, you can strengthen customer loyalty and drive sales while providing exceptional value to your most dedicated customers.
Highlights
- Two methods for giving early access to VIP customers: using a paid app or leveraging native Shopify features
- Locksmith app provides advanced control over access to your online storefront
- Native method involves creating a custom collection template and a "no access" page
- Testing early access functionality is essential before granting access to VIP customers
- Hiding VIP products from other collections ensures exclusivity for early access customers
- Giving early access improves customer loyalty and drives sales by incentivizing VIP customers.
FAQ
Q: Can I use both methods simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can use both methods simultaneously. However, it is recommended to choose one method that best fits your needs to simplify the implementation process.
Q: Can I customize the message on the "no access" page?
A: Yes, you have full control over the content displayed on the "no access" page. You can customize the message to match your brand voice and provide clear instructions to customers.
Q: Can I offer early access to specific customer groups other than VIP?
A: Yes, you can create additional tags and modify the code to grant early access to different customer groups. This allows you to tailor the early access experience based on your business requirements.
Q: Will customers without access still see the locked products in search results?
A: By following the instructions provided, you can ensure that locked products are hidden from search results and other collections where they shouldn't be visible to customers without access.
Q: Can I offer early access to specific products rather than entire collections?
A: Yes, both methods allow you to set up locks for individual products or collections. You have the flexibility to choose which approach suits your requirements best.
