To use Stripe to accept pre-order payments for product launches and events, we recommend that you use our API to collect your customers’ card details up front and charge them when you are ready to ship.

Alternatively, you can design your own payment flow. Because there are risks associated with pre-order campaigns, especially when manufacturing physical goods, we recommend considering how you will handle surges or drops in demand for your product, as well as customer requests for refunds and cancellations. It is best practice to accept partial deposits, limit the number of orders you will accept, finalise contracts with manufacturers as early as possible, and set realistic expectations for your customers as to when they are likely to receive their product. It is also important to make sure you always have adequate cash on hand to finance any refunds or disputes.