What is a Backorder?

A backorder is an order for a product that cannot be filled at the current time due to a lack of available inventory. The item may still be available to purchase but will not ship until they become available in the inventory.

Why enable backorder?

Although we do not recommend enabling backorders (outlined below) there are some reasons why you may want to. For example, if you have a launch date for a product or new design and want to keep the hype around the product by collecting orders without having the inventory ordered or in stock yet. 

What issues may arise when you open a backorder?

By opening a backorder, you tell your customer that some or all products about to be purchased might take longer than usual to deliver. In today's world of Amazon shipping standards ("order today, get your order tomorrow"), expectations are high. Your customers might be prepared to wait but not too long. 

In general, we want to limit the # of listings that allow backorders as it causes confusion and not as positive of an experience for purchasers.

It is important to have a good plan of action before enabling backordering for your products.

1. A timeline for the product arrival into inventory is determined 

2. Backorder notes needs to be provided. It should be clear to customers on delivery.

Good Backorder Note Example:

• This item is in production and is scheduled to ship end of January. If you order other items, they will ship together when all items are in stock. You'll receive tracking once shipped. 

Bad Backorder Note Example:

• You'll receive an email with tracking once shipped.

3. Be prepared to order extra inventory to give allowance just in case your products is oversold, some came in damaged, or customers needs product replacement for several reasons.

4. If you are using backordering to give you an idea of how much of your product to order, make sure that you are working closely with your account manager or if one is assigned, your program manager and already have a plan of action in place.

• A timeline on how long you will keep the store for ordering open.
• How many backorders will you accept?
• A timeline from collecting orders to ordering/ producing products to shipping time so you get an estimated time of arrival to give to customers.

Close monitoring and good communication with customers is the key to a successful backorder. Work with your account manager or program manager to monitor the progress of the backorder closely and make sure to communicate with the customers if there are any delays in fulfilling their orders. Kotis Design customer service can help you send these mass communications out.