What this preorder page is for
Meal Prep Preorder Form collects reservations before you make, pack or source a limited batch. Customers choose from one page instead of separate messages, and can see quantities, a cutoff, pickup time and collection point before reserving.
Preorder Form keeps reservations and item totals together. On the free plan customers pay at pickup; sellers can download customer emails, orders, batches, items, prep lists and discount codes as CSV files. Automated emails and Stripe payments are planned paid features, not available yet.
Who can use this format?
- Small meal-prep kitchens planning weekly menus
- Customers arranging meals for the coming work week
- Cooks who need to portion ingredients to confirmed demand
Use it instead of spreadsheets, direct messages and market-day notes for one menu and quantity list.
Illustrative example menu
All sample details are illustrative. Replace them with your own offer.
| Example item | What to clarify | Example price | Example limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-meal pack | Illustrative listing. Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions. | $12 example | 20 (example) |
| Ten-meal pack | Illustrative listing. Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions. | $18 example | 15 (example) |
| Breakfast pack | Illustrative listing. Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions. | $24 example | 12 (example) |
How to take orders in three steps
- 01
Create the form. Add Five-meal pack, Ten-meal pack, Breakfast pack with example prices and a limit for each choice. Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions, then set a cutoff that leaves enough time for a weekly menu where recipe batches, pack sizes and chilled storage must align.
- 02
Share your link. Post the page where small meal-prep kitchens planning weekly menus already look for updates. State the pickup window and location, and let customers reserve from the same limited menu instead of collecting orders in separate messages.
- 03
Prepare and hand over. Use the order and prep lists to total each option before a weekly menu where recipe batches, pack sizes and chilled storage must align. At your chosen pickup window, check the order details as each customer collects and mark the order as collected. Payment is handled in person on the free plan.
Why use a preorder form for meal prep?
- Set a separate limit for five-meal pack and each option, so reservations stay within the batch you can prepare.
- Keep a weekly menu where recipe batches, pack sizes and chilled storage must align visible in one order list instead of reconciling spreadsheets, direct messages and market-day notes.
- Show serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions beside the item so customers can choose the right version before they reserve.
- Offer local pickup without online payment setup. Preorder Form is free when customers pay in person at collection.
Tips for a smoother preorder
- Set the cutoff to close the menu before ingredient purchasing and the week's cooking schedule. Put the exact date and time on the page so customers know when reservations close.
- Use the batch guidance for this use case: cap each pack size using ingredient, cooking and refrigeration capacity. Review the prep totals before confirming the final amount.
- Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions in each description. Add ingredient, allergen, size or care details that matter for the product.
Include ingredients, allergens, storage, size or care details; check local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take Meal Prep preorders?
Add Five-meal pack, Ten-meal pack, Breakfast pack as choices with prices and quantity limits. Include serving count, menu contents, allergens, reheating and storage instructions, set a cutoff and pickup time, then share the page. Use its order list to plan a weekly menu where recipe batches, pack sizes and chilled storage must align.
Can customers pay when they pick up?
Yes. Preorder Form is free when customers pay in person at pickup. Arrange cash or another offline method with the customer. Online Stripe processing is planned as a paid feature and is not available yet.
When should I close Meal Prep orders?
Set the cutoff before committing to stock or production. For this use case, close the menu before ingredient purchasing and the week's cooking schedule. Show the date and time clearly and leave room to prepare and organise collection.
How do I set a batch limit for Meal Prep items?
Base the limit on what you can supply. cap each pack size using ingredient, cooking and refrigeration capacity. Separate options that use different stock. Item limits help keep reservations within the batch.
How do I manage different meal-prep pack sizes?
List each pack size separately and make the number of meals and included dishes clear. Set a limit based on the amount you can cook, chill and store safely. Include allergen, storage and reheating information, and check the food-handling requirements for the way you prepare and sell meals.
Ready to organise your next batch?
Take a preorder and collect payment at pickup.
Start your own store