10 Back-in-stock Popup Ideas to Increase Subscriber Conversions
Product stockouts are both good news and bad.
While you’ve successfully managed to sell all the products, you’re now turning away other consumers who are interested in it. But it doesn’t have to be a dead-end.
Smart brands are using back-in-stock popups strategically to capture the purchase intent of buyers who came in ‘too late’.
In this post, we’ll tell you why it’s important to capture subscribers during stockouts, what a back-in-stock popup is and 10 ideas we’ve seen working to increase conversions.
Why do subscribers matter on product stockouts
While it does disappoint online shoppers to run into product stockouts, it does not mean they lose interest in it. There is still a chance to convert them into a customer when the product is restocked. If you’re able to convert a store visitor into a subscriber, you:
- Grow a qualified email/ SMS list
- Turn lost interest into future conversions
- Build waitlists to validate demand
- Reduce bounce rates on stockout pages
- Re-engage warm leads automatically when inventory returns
But a consumer doesn’t just leave their contact details with you. This is where a back-in-stock popup comes in.
What is a back-in-stock popup?
A back-in-stock popup is a small, attention-grabbing form that appears when an online shopper lands on a sold-out product or collection page. The goal of the popup is to prompt the visitor to subscribe for restock alerts via channels like email, SMS, push notifications or other channels.
While they serve the same purpose as the ‘notify me’ button, popups are more proactive. They make the offer obvious, urgent and hard to ignore and this increases the chances of conversions.
10 back-in-stock popup ideas to increase subscriber conversions
Even though popups are more proactive, they still need to appeal to the shopper psychology. Here are some back-in-stock popup ideas we recommend trying:
1. Urgency-based popup
Highlight past popularity and rapid sellouts to create a sense of urgency around the stocked out product. You can also use countdown timers or phrases like ‘limited restock’ to nudge visitors into subscribing for the alerts.
For example, “Going fast again! Sign up now to get notified before this sells out again.”
2. VIP early access popup
Frame the subscription as an entry into an exclusive list. Use words like ‘early access’ or ‘first to shop’, or tags like ‘members-only’ or ‘priority access’ to increase the perceived value of the product.
For example, “Be the first in line - sign up for VIP restock alerts!”
3. Incentive-based popup
Add a small reward to sweeten the deal of subscribing to the restock alerts. You can offer a discount, free shipping or loyalty points to create a win-win deal on a stocked out page that creates disappointment.
For example, “Join the waitlist and get 10% off when it’s back!”
4. Minimal slide-in form
If you don’t want to make the back-in-stock popup too intrusive, a discreet, bottom-corner popup can work just fine. Use a product image thumbnail to reinforce visual memory - add product name and a ‘notify me’ CTA. This approach is best suited for luxury or minimalist brands.
5. Gamified popup
Go beyond the usual approach of ‘click to subscribe’ and gamify the process. Combine restock alerts with entry into a giveaway or spin-to-win that engages the store visitor.
For example, “Spin the wheel for early access + a surprise discount of up to 45%!”
6. Emotion-driven popup
Another back-in-stock popup idea you can explore is using a soft, emotional language. Add social proof like waitlist size or reviews to reinforce how much people love the product.
For example, “We know you love it. So did 2,500 others. Get notified when it’s back!”
7. Back-in-stock with bundle suggestion
You can do more than just sell the product once restocked. Offer bundle upgrades or pairings in the restock alert. Ensure you clearly mention that the product will restock with a limited-time bundle to tease the value to drive signup interest.
For example, “Waiting for this product? Sign up now and get bundle access when it’s back!”
8. Restock poll popup
Let users ‘vote’ for a restock on the product. This vote can then be converted into an email or SMS signup which can be followed by a back-in-stock notification. The popup idea creates a sense of contribution and demand validation.
For example, “Want this product back? Let us know and get notified!”
9. Mobile-first sticky popup
If your Shopify store drives majority traffic from mobile devices, this back-in-stock popup idea is for you. Add a sticky bar or popup that appears after scrolling halfway down the product page. Just ensure you keep the form fields minimal!
10. Personalized variant-based popup
The best way to drive conversions is to make a campaign contextual. Dynamically pull selected variants (size/ color/ etc), tailor the popup message accordingly and nudge visitors to subscribe for the restock alerts.
For example, “Your size (L) is currently out of stock. Want a heads-up when it returns? Sign up now.”
How to set up a back-in-stock up using the STOQ app
STOQ is one of the best Shopify apps to set up automated restock alerts. Here’s how set up back-in-stock popups with it:
1. Install the STOQ app
If you don’t already, search for ‘STOQ’ and install the app from the Shopify App Store. The app will become available on your Admin dashboard.
2. Go to the back in stock alerts section
Log into your account and head to Shopify Admin. Click on STOQ from the list of installed apps and navigate to ‘back in stock alerts’.
3. Customize the signup widget
Under the Signup Widget, click ‘Customize button’. This is where you can edit the look, text and placement of the ‘notify me’ button.
4. Enable popup mode
Within the customization settings, select or enable ‘popup form’ for out-of-stock products instead of the inline buttons.
5. Adjust placements and triggers
Choose when and where the popup appears. This could be when the product page loads, on variant selection or on exit-intent/ delay.
6. Tailor to product or collection
Use product tags in Shopify to enable or disable the back-in-stock popup for specific products or collections.
7. Save and preview
Hit ‘save’, then preview how your back-in-stock pop up appears and functions across devices.
8. Monitor performance
Use STOQ’s analytics dashboard to track sign-ups per popup, alert conversions and best-performing formats.
Conclusion
Stockouts don’t have to mean lost sales.
And getting an interested shopper to subscribe for the restock alerts doesn’t have to be too passive.
Popups are often used to help brands promote new products or encourage subscriptions with first-purchase discounts - we have tested that they have the same impact on product stockouts.
Want to try this conversion strategy? Install the STOQ app today.
