Why does it display “You cannot add items to this order because it contains an item with a fixed selling plan.” when I try to update my customer's pre-order, and how can I edit this?

If a customer wants to change the variant of a pre-ordered item (e.g. switch to a different size or color), you might run into an issue where Shopify prevents order edits due to the "selling plan" attached to the pre-order:

"You cannot add items to this order because it contains an item with a fixed selling plan."

This is a Shopify limitation, but there’s a workaround that may help.

How to edit a pre-order if a customer needs a different variant

1. Go to Orders in your Shopify Admin.
2. Open the customer's order and remove the pre-ordered item from the order.
3. Save the changes.
4. Once the pre-order item is removed, Shopify will allow you to edit the order.
5. Add the correct variant (or any other necessary changes).
6. Save the order with the new variant added.
7. Inform the customer about the change.

Important notes

• The new item you add won't be recognized as a pre-order by Shopify or Early Bird.
• Deferred payments and fulfillment dates from the original pre-order will not apply to the newly added item.
• Early Bird reporting will not track the new variant as part of the original pre-order campaign.
• If the change impacts fulfillment timing, be sure to notify your customer accordingly.

Need help?

If you have any questions about Shopify pre-orders or partial payments in general, feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn or email us at support@shopside.com.au to see how we can help!