Shopify Reorder App vs Shopify Native: Which Is Better for Your Store?

Repeat customers are the backbone of any business. For Shopify merchants, allowing customers to quickly reorder their previously bought products commonly known as reordering, is a proven way to increase conversion rate, AOV, customer lifetime value and overall app. 

But Shopify merchants often face a key decision:

Should you rely on shopify native, or should you install a dedicated Shopify reorder app?

This guide provides a deep, unbiased comparison of Shopify reorder apps vs Shopify’s native reorder features, helping you choose the right solution based on your store size, business model, and growth goals.

What Is Reordering in Shopify?

Reordering allows customers to repurchase products they have bought before without going through the entire product discovery process again. Instead of searching, selecting variants, and adjusting quantities, customers can simply click “Reorder” or “Buy Again.” There are many Shopify apps, like Advance Reorder, which you can allow customers to reorder in just one click.

Reorder functionality is especially valuable for:

• Consumable products (supplements, groceries, cosmetics)
• B2B and wholesale businesses
• Subscription-like purchasing behavior
• High-repeat DTC brands

Shopify Native

Shopify’s native reorder functionality is built into the platform and works through customer accounts and order history. Logged-in customers can view past orders and manually reorder items.

Depending on your Shopify theme and configuration, the native reorder experience may include:

• Viewing previous orders
• Re-adding items from past orders to the cart
• Basic “Buy again” or reorder buttons

Shopify Reorder App vs Shopify Native: Feature Comparison

Benefits of Using a Shopify Reorder App

1. Improved Customer Experience

Reorder apps reduce friction by allowing customers to repurchase products in seconds especially valuable for mobile users.

2. Higher Repeat Purchase Rate

Automated reorder reminders help bring customers back at the right time, increasing repeat sales without manual marketing effort.

3. Better Support for B2B and Wholesale

Many reorder apps allow customers to reorder large catalogs, upload CSV files, or save reorder lists features Shopify native does not offer.

4. Conversion-Focused Design

Dedicated reorder pages and optimized buttons significantly improve reorder conversion rates compared to native order history pages.

When to Use Shopify Native

You should rely on Shopify’s native reorder functionality if:

• You operate a small or early-stage store
• Repeat purchases are infrequent
• You want zero added cost
• Your product catalog is simple
• You do not need automation or bulk ordering

When You Should Use a Shopify Reorder App

A Shopify reorder app is the better choice if:

• Repeat purchases drive a large share of revenue
• You sell consumable or replenishable products
• You operate a B2B or wholesale store
• You want automated reorder reminders
• Customer convenience and UX are priorities
• You want detailed reorder analytics

Best Practices to Maximize Reorder Revenue

Regardless of your approach:

1. Make reorder options highly visible
2. Optimize reorder experience for mobile
3. Use post-purchase emails to encourage reordering
4. Analyze reorder behavior regularly
5. Test native features before committing to an app

Conclusion

The right choice ultimately depends on your store size, purchasing patterns, and long-term growth goals. Start by evaluating your current reorder needs, test Shopify’s native features where possible, and consider upgrading to a dedicated reorder app when you need more control, automation, and insights to drive repeat revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Does Shopify have a built-in reorder feature?

Yes, Shopify allows customers to reorder through order history, but functionality is limited.

2. Do reorder apps slow down Shopify stores?

Well-optimized apps have minimal impact. Always choose reputable apps.

3. Are reorder apps worth the cost?

For stores with strong repeat purchase behavior, reorder apps often deliver a positive ROI.

About the author

Sajini Annie John

Meet Sajini, a seasoned technical content writer with a passion for e-commerce and expertise in Shopify. She is committed to helping online businesses to thrive through the power of well-crafted content.