What is Backorder in WooCommerce? The Ultimate Guide

Imagine a customer visiting your WooCommerce store, eager to purchase a product they’ve been eyeing. But to their disappointment, it’s out of stock.

What happens next? They might leave your site, and you lose a sale. This is where WooCommerce Backorders step in as a game-changer. 

“A backorder allows customers to purchase items that are currently out of stock, with the promise that these items will be shipped as soon as they become available.”

Backorders allow you to keep selling products even when they’re temporarily unavailable. So, it ensures you don’t lose sales while waiting to restock.

It’s a smart solution to manage inventory gaps, retain customers, and increase your revenue.

In this guide, we’ll define backorders, explain how they work in WooCommerce, and cover everything you need to know about setting up and managing them effectively.

Let’s dive in! 

Understanding WooCommerce Backorder

In WooCommerce, a backorder is a feature that allows customers to purchase products even when they are temporarily out of stock. Unlike “out-of-stock” products, which prevent sales until inventory is replenished, backorders ensure you don’t lose potential sales by keeping the buying process active. 

But how, you ask? Well, have a look at this example. 

For example:

• If a customer wants to buy a product that is currently unavailable, they can place an order, and you’ll fulfill it once the item is back in stock.

• Customers are usually notified of the delay, and WooCommerce lets you manage how these notifications appear.

This feature is particularly useful for businesses that experience high demand or deal with supply chain delays. 

How Do Backorders Work in WooCommerce?

When you enable backorders in WooCommerce, the process looks like this:

1. Order Placement: Customers can place an order for a back-ordered product just like any other item.

2. Payment Processing: Payments are typically collected upfront.

3. Stock Replenishment: Once the item is restocked, it is shipped to the customer.

4. Notifications: You can configure WooCommerce to notify customers about the backorder status or estimated delivery time.

Backorders can be managed for specific products, giving you control over which items are available for backorder.

What are the Differences Between Backorders and Pre-Orders?

Some people get confused about backorders and pre-orders. However, they are significantly different from one another. Let us clear it out for you.

Basis	Backorder	Pre-Order
Availability Status	For items already in your catalog but temporarily out of stock.	Usually for products not yet released or launched.
Timeline for Fulfillment	Fulfilled after restocking. It generally depends on supplier or manufacturer timelines.	Fulfilled on a predetermined release date, which is communicated to the customer upfront.
Purpose	To continue capturing sales for popular items during temporary stock shortages.	To secure orders for new or upcoming products before they are officially available.
Customer Expectations	Customers expect delayed shipping but know the product is part of your regular offerings.	Customers are aware they are reserving a product that hasn’t been released yet.
Payment Handling	Payment may be charged upfront or upon restocking, depending on store settings.	In the case of pay orders, usually, advance payments are taken.
Marketing Focus	Focused on keeping sales flowing despite inventory issues.	Focused on creating excitement and demand for new products.
Common Use Cases	Popular products with temporary stock shortages, such as clothing or electronics.	Upcoming product launches, such as tech gadgets, books, or video games.

How to Add Backorder in WooCommerce? Easy Steps 

WooCommerce easily lets you enable the Backorder for your products. Here are the steps you need to follow. 

Step 1: Access to Product Editing

From your WordPress Dashboard, go to Products>>All Products. 

Then, Select the product you want to edit. 

Step 2: Go to the Inventory Section

Scroll down below and get to the “Product Data” section. There, you will find the Inventory tab. Select it. 

Step 3: Setting the Stock Order on Backorder

In the “Inventory” tab, you will find the “stock status” option. Here, set it on the “On Backorder” option. 

Step 4: Notifying Customers about Backorder

Wait up, it’s not done yet! Once you are done with changing the stock status you get to customize your WooCommerce backorder management. But how? 

Well, first enable the “Stock Management” option. You should specify the current stock quantity in the Stock Quantity field (even if the value is zero).

Now, in the Allow Backorders dropdown menu, you’ll see three options:

• Do not allow: Backorders are disabled. Customers cannot purchase the product if it’s out of stock.
• Allow, but notify customer: Backorders are enabled, and customers will see a notification during checkout, indicating the item is on backorder.
• Allow: Backorders are enabled, but no notification is provided to the customer.

Choose the option that best suits your store’s needs. For transparency, it’s recommended to select Allow, but notify customer to set clear expectations.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

After configuring the backorder settings, click the Update button to save the changes for that product. Your product is now configured to accept backorders when it’s out of stock.

Which Businesses Need WooCommerce Backorders?

Not every business will benefit from enabling backorders in WooCommerce, but for some, it can be a game-changer. Here’s a look at the types of businesses that can gain the most from using this feature:

1. Businesses Selling High-Demand Products

Here’s a simple thing! If your store frequently experiences stock shortages due to high demand for certain items, backorders are essential. 

Also, products like trendy fashion items, electronics, or limited-edition merchandise can benefit immensely. So, if you are selling these items then make sure to allow backorders in WooCommerce if you need to. 

2. Small Businesses with Limited Storage

For businesses that operate with limited storage capacity, backorders allow them to manage inventory efficiently. Instead of overstocking and taking up valuable space, they can replenish stock based on actual customer orders.

3. Custom or Made-to-Order Products

Businesses offering customizable or made-to-order products can use backorders to manage orders while the items are being crafted. Like what, you say? 

For instance, furniture stores or stores selling personalized jewelry can keep sales flowing without maintaining large inventories. 

4. Seasonal Product Sellers

Seasonal businesses often see a surge in demand during specific times of the year, such as holidays or special events. 

Now, backorders in WooCommerce can help capture sales during these peaks even if inventory runs low. 

Take, for example, a store selling holiday decorations or winter clothing that can continue accepting orders without turning away customers.

5. Niche or Specialty Product Sellers

Stores dealing with niche products that are hard to source or have long manufacturing cycles benefit hugely from backorders. 

These businesses can maintain customer interest. Also, they can secure sales without needing large upfront inventory investments.

6. Businesses Testing New Products

Here’s something many people ignore. If you are running a store introducing new products or want to gauge customer interest in a specific item, backorders act as a low-risk strategy. 

So, by allowing backorders, you can assess demand before committing to large-scale production or inventory investments.

How Soon Should You Fulfill a WooCommerce Backorder?

You should always aim to fulfill a WooCommerce backorder as quickly as possible. Ideally, restock and ship back-ordered items within 7–14 days to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain trust.

The ideal timeframe for backorder fulfillment largely depends on two key factors:

• The nature of your products (e.g., essential vs. luxury items).
• The expectations you set with your customers during the ordering process.

Always try to keep your customers updated with expected timelines via automated emails or notifications to manage their expectations effectively. Remember that timely fulfillment helps prevent frustration, strengthens trust, and encourages repeat purchases. 

In cases of extended delays, offering alternatives such as refunds, store credits, or substitute products can help maintain a positive customer experience.

5 Best Practices for Managing Backorders in WooCommerce

Do you want to make backorders work smoothly? Then it’s crucial to implement key strategies that ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction. Check out these best practices will help you manage backorders like a pro.

1. Set Customer Expectations

Always notify customers about backorders and provide estimated delivery dates. This reduces confusion and builds trust.

2. Monitor Backorder Limits

Avoid over-committing by setting a manageable limit on back-ordered items.

3. Communicate Delays Promptly

If there are unexpected delays in restocking, inform your customers immediately to maintain transparency.

4. Offer Partial Shipments

If an order contains both in-stock and back-ordered items, consider shipping the available products first.

5. Use Backorder Notifications

WooCommerce allows you to send email updates to customers about the status of their backordered items.

What are the Challenges of Backorder in WooCommerce? 

While backorders can boost sales and retain customers, they also come with potential challenges. Being aware of these hurdles can help you address them effectively.

While backorders are beneficial, they can present some challenges:

• Customer Dissatisfaction: If delays aren’t communicated clearly, customers may grow frustrated.

• Overcommitment: Promising backorders without proper inventory management can lead to cancellations and refunds.

• Cash Flow Risks: If suppliers delay stock replenishment, it can strain your business finances.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Thought

Backorders in WooCommerce are a powerful way to manage inventory gaps without losing sales. By allowing customers to purchase out-of-stock items, you can improve customer retention, boost sales, and do better inventory management. Now, that you know all about Backorder in WooCommerce hopefully you can get all these benefits. 

With the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you’re ready to enable and manage backorders effectively. Start using backorders today to enhance your WooCommerce store’s performance and keep your customers satisfied!