Ordergroove’s Early Access Program gives merchants the chance to use new features before they’re generally available, and to shape those features while they’re still being built.
Early Access is hands-on and intentionally small. Spots are limited, participants are chosen by Ordergroove’s Product team, and merchants who take part are asked to launch quickly and share honest feedback.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you get out of Early Access, how merchants are selected, and what’s expected of you if you join.
Early Access Benefits
Access to new features first
Early Access merchants are the first to use new Ordergroove functionality, often well before it’s generally available. That means putting revenue-driving features to work in your program ahead of the market.
Direct support from the Product team
Early Access features are supported by Ordergroove’s Product team. You’ll work directly with the Product Manager who owns the feature and get hands-on help with setup, questions, and troubleshooting along the way.
Real influence on the product
Your feedback goes straight to the people building the feature. Input from Early Access merchants regularly changes what ships — how a setting behaves, what gets added before general availability, and what we prioritize next.
How Early Access works
1. You’re nominated
Most merchants are nominated for a specific feature by their Customer Success Manager (CSM). If something on our roadmap catches your eye, tell your CSM — they’ll put your name forward and flag how high a priority it is for you.
Nomination is a consideration, not a spot. Your CSM can nominate you, but Ordergroove’s Product team makes the final call on who gets included in each Early Access.
2. The Product team selects participants
Spots in each Early Access are limited. The Product team chooses participants based on the technical requirements of the feature and what we need to learn from the release — things like your eCommerce platform, your email service provider, your vertical, and your store volume.
Because of that, not every nomination leads to an invitation. Selection for each Early Access program is independent - being passed over once doesn't affect your chances later.
3. You’re invited
If you're selected, you'll hear from the Product team, with your CSM copied. From there, you'll schedule an intro call where the PM walks through the feature and gets your store set up. Once enablement is complete, you have 30 days to go live.
4. You go live
Some Early Access features can be turned on with no work on your end. Others need a bit of configuration first — setting up a workflow, adjusting your Subscription Manager, updating your Klaviyo flows, or testing in staging. The Product Manager will let you know what your feature requires.
5. You share feedback
During Early Access the Product Manager will set up time with you to hear how it’s going. This is the whole reason the program exists, we want an open dialogue.
6. The feature graduates
Most Early Access features go on to become generally available. Along the way they usually change - settings get renamed, behavior gets refined, and things you flagged during Early Access get fixed before General Availability (GA.) We'll let you know what's changing as it happens.
Not every feature makes it. Sometimes what we learn in Early Access tells us a feature isn't right, and we don't move it forward. If that happens, we'll give you notice before access ends and work with your CSM on next steps.
What we ask of you
Early Access is a two-way commitment. Here’s what taking part involves:
- Go live within 30 days. Your 30-day window starts once the feature is enabled on your store. Spots are limited, so if you're not able to launch in that window, we'll offer yours to another merchant.
- Give the Product team feedback. At a minimum it’s one live session with the Product Manager, usually around 15-30 minutes. Some features call for more, and the PM will tell you upfront.
- Consider sharing your results. If a feature works well for you, we may ask whether you'd be open to us featuring your results - in a case study, a LinkedIn post, or other marketing. Always optional, and nothing goes out without your approval.
Common questions
How do I get into Early Access?
Talk to your CSM. Let them know which upcoming features you’re most interested in and how they rank against your other priorities - that context helps the Product team choose the right participants. There’s no self-serve sign-up.
Does being nominated mean I have a spot?
No. Nomination puts you into consideration. The Product team reviews nominations against the technical requirements and learning goals for each feature, then invites merchants from there.
Why wasn’t I selected?
It's usually about fit rather than interest. Each Early Access needs a particular mix of participants, and spots are limited. Your CSM will let you know if you weren't selected and why, so you're not left wondering. Being passed over once doesn't affect your chances next time.
Will an Early Access feature always become generally available?
Most do but it isn't guaranteed, that's part of what makes it Early Access. Features frequently change between Early Access and GA based on what we learn, and occasionally we decide not to move a feature forward. If a feature is discontinued, we'll give you notice before access ends and work with your CSM on alternatives.
What if I can’t go live within 30 days?
You’ll lose your spot for that feature so it can go to another merchant. If you hit a blocker, let your CSM or the Product Manager know as early as you can.
How many Early Access features can I be in at once?
You can be working toward launch on up to two at a time. Once a feature is live, it no longer counts toward that limit, so there’s no cap on how many Early Access features you can be running.
What kind of feedback do you need?
Nothing formal. Expect at least one live conversation with the Product Manager, typically about 15-30 minutes, covering what’s working, what isn’t, and what you’d change.
Who do I contact for help with an Early Access feature?
Your Product Manager is the main point of contact for anything specific to the feature.
How many Early Access features can I participate in at the same time?
As many as you like. The only limit is on enablement: only two features can be enabled-but-not-yet-live at a time. Once a feature launches, it frees up a slot and you can apply for another.