As an ecommerce store owner, you’ve probably run into situations where a product sells out faster than expected, and you’re stuck trying to decide whether to mark it unavailable or keep selling. Other business owners in similar situations might talk about offering backorders, but what does “backorder” mean, and how can it help your store keep making sales even when stock runs out?
What Is a Back Order?
A backorder happens when a product is temporarily out of stock but is still available for purchase. What backorder means is that instead of removing the listing or marking it as “unavailable,” you let customers place an order now and receive the item once it’s restocked.
Let’s say you sell limited-edition sweatshirts and they sell out faster than expected. Instead of losing that momentum, you let customers backorder the item. They pay up front or reserve their order, and you ship it as soon as it’s back in stock.
Does Back Order Mean the Same as Sold Out?
No, “backorder” and “sold out” don’t mean the same thing. When something is sold out, it usually means it’s completely unavailable and can’t be ordered until it’s restocked, or possibly ever again. A backorder, on the other hand, means the item is currently out of stock but will be fulfilled at a later date.
From the customer’s point of view, a sold-out item is a dead end. A backordered item gives them the chance to get in line for the next shipment. Communicating the difference clearly on your site helps manage expectations and builds trust.
How Long Does a Backorder Usually Take?
Backorder timelines can vary from a few days to several weeks. It depends on your supplier, production schedule, and shipping logistics. Customers usually want to know how long they’ll be waiting, so transparency is key.
Most stores provide an estimated shipping date or a general timeframe, like “Ships in 2–3 weeks.” Shopify store owners often use apps or email notifications to keep customers updated throughout the process.
What Are the Benefits of Back Orders for Customers?
Backorders give customers a way to lock in popular items before they run out again. This is especially helpful for high-demand products or limited releases. Rather than checking your store every day, waiting for a restock, they can place their order and rest easy knowing they’ve secured the items they are looking for.
Plus, backorders can create a sense of exclusivity and urgency. If customers know your product sells quickly, they’re more likely to act fast, even if they have to wait a little to receive the order.
Offering Backorders Through Automation Means More Sales
Backorders allow you to capture demand even when inventory is low. That means fewer missed sales and a better sense of what customers want. But there’s a tradeoff: You need to manage expectations and avoid customer frustration.
This is where automation helps. The Pre‑Order Now app by Website on Demand makes it easy to set up preorder and backorder functionality in your Shopify store. You can customize messaging, set delivery expectations, and keep customers in the loop, without the stress of keeping track of it all yourself.
Want to keep sales coming in even when stock runs out? Explore the features of Pre‑order Now and give your customers more reasons to stick around.
