What is a backorder?
October 30, 2026
A backorder is a customer order for an item that is out of stock, accepted on the understanding that it will ship once new stock arrives. The seller keeps the sale, but the customer waits longer than the normal delivery time.
Why it matters for online retailers
Backorders keep sales you would otherwise lose when a popular line runs out. They also carry risk: customers wait longer, some cancel, and marketplaces track late despatch and cancellation rates against your seller account.
Handled well, backorders smooth over short gaps in stock. Handled badly, they create a backlog of unhappy customers and extra work for customer service.
Backorder vs pre-order vs out of stock
- Backorder: the item is normally stocked but has temporarily run out. More is on the way.
- Pre-order: the item has not been released yet. Customers order ahead of the launch date.
- Out of stock: the item cannot be ordered until stock returns.
Common causes of backorders
- Demand forecasts that miss a spike in sales.
- Supplier lead times that are longer than expected.
- Reordering too late, after stock has already dropped below the reorder point.
- Stock not synced across channels, so items sell on one marketplace after they have gone on another.
How to manage backorders across channels
- Keep stock levels synced to every channel, so you only take backorders on purpose.
- Tell customers the expected restock date when they order.
- Check each marketplace's rules on late despatch before allowing backorders there.
- Prioritise backorders when new stock is booked in.
How StoreFeeder handles it
StoreFeeder handles backorders: orders for out-of-stock items wait for stock and are released when it arrives, while stock levels stay synced to each channel in the meantime. Stock forecasting, included in every plan, helps you reorder before lines run out.
Read more about StoreFeeder inventory management.
Frequently asked questions
Is a backorder the same as a pre-order?
No. A backorder is for an item that is normally in stock but has run out; a pre-order is for an item that has not been released yet.
How long does a backorder take?
It depends on the supplier's lead time: how long new stock takes to arrive and be booked in.
Do backorders affect marketplace ratings?
They can if orders are despatched late or cancelled. Check each marketplace's performance targets before taking backorders there.
