A drop is how you take orders on Hotplate. You choose what’s for sale, when orders open/close, and when customers pick up.
Create a drop
Go to Drops in your portal: portal.hotplate.com/drops
Click Create a drop in the top right. You have 2 choices:
Create from scratch
Step 1: Basic info
Set the core details for your drop:
Title - this can be as simple as 'drop #1' or 'drop + the date'
Description
Where and when customers pickup
When orders open and close
Step 2: Menu
Go to the Menu tab
Add existing items or create new ones
Set inventory for each item
Save changes
Keep it simple: a tight menu with fewer options converts better.
Step 3: Summary
Update your drop text (the message subscribers receive right before orders open)
Double-check dates and times (go back to Basic info if you need to make changes)
Optional - add a reminder before orders close. It will only be sent to subscribers who haven't placed an order if inventory remains.
Click Schedule drop
Copy your drop link from the Share button.
Recommended setup for your first drop
Set orders to open 3–5 days after publishing to give yourself time to get subscribers.
Start small and sell out! Start with low inventory.
Keep menu choices limited to reduce checkout friction.
Quick troubleshooting
Drop text didn’t send? Check that the drop is not Private and that drop text is enabled.
Need to run the same drop again? Use Duplicate +1 week from the Create a drop flow.