How to Update Shipping Information When Taking a Break (Without Pausing Shopify Store Sales)
Taking a break doesn’t mean a Shopify store needs to be paused. Many store owners assume that pausing Shopify store operations is the only option during a holiday, but this isn’t the case. With a few updates to shipping information and clear communication, the store can stay open, allowing customers to shop while knowing exactly when their orders will be shipped.
Here’s how to update shipping information for a seamless experience:
1. Use an Announcement Bar
An announcement bar is a simple way to display the next shipping date. It’s visible across the site, ensuring that every visitor sees the message.
For example:
“📦 Taking a short break! Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date].”
This approach keeps customers informed without pausing Shopify store functionality
2. Update Product Pages
On your product pages, make sure customers know which shipping options will arrive before Christmas and which won’t. You can add a text block above the Add to Cart button with your pre/post Christmas shipping details.
3. Add a Note to the Shopping Cart
A reminder in the shopping cart ensures customers are aware of the updated shipping schedule before checkout.
Example message:
“📅 Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date]. Thank you for understanding!”
This reduces potential confusion and prevents unnecessary follow-up questions.
4. Include Updates on the FAQ Page
FAQs are a great place to address common questions about shipping during a holiday.
Q: Are orders still being accepted during the holiday?
A: Yes, orders are still being accepted while shipping is paused. Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date].
This addition makes it clear that pausing Shopify store orders isn’t necessary—customers can still shop as usual.
5. Use Shopify Inbox Quick Replies
Quick replies in Shopify Inbox are perfect for responding to customer questions about shipping times.
Customer Question: “When will my order be shipped?”
Quick Reply: “Thanks for reaching out! Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date]. Let us know if anything else is needed.”
This feature ensures fast, consistent responses, even during a break.
6. Adjust Order Confirmation Emails
Order confirmation emails are another opportunity to share the shipping schedule.
Add a note like this:
“Thank you for the order! Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date]. Please reach out with any questions.”
This reassures customers and keeps communication consistent.
7. Share Updates on Social Media
Social media is a great platform for sharing updates about shipping during a break.
Example post:
“We’re off for a short holiday 🌴 Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date]. Thanks for the patience and understanding!”
This keeps customers informed and engaged without the need for pausing Shopify store operations.
8. Automate Responses for Customer Inquiries
An out-of-office autoresponder can be set up for customer inquiries during a holiday.
Include the shipping details to manage expectations:
“Thanks for getting in touch! Orders placed after [date] will ship on [next shipping date]. Replies will be sent as soon as possible after [next working day].”
This ensures customers feel attended to, even while the team is away.
Why Pausing Shopify Store Sales Isn’t Necessary
Pausing Shopify store operations isn’t required when taking a break. By updating shipping information and communicating clearly, customers can continue to shop, and orders can still flow in. Instead of stopping operations entirely, these small updates keep the store running smoothly while ensuring a positive customer experience.
Need Help Making These Updates?
For assistance with implementing these changes, support is available to set up everything from announcement bars to email templates. It’s easy to keep the store running without pausing Shopify store functionality.
Enjoy the well-deserved break!