In online store management, you have to deal with the inventory challenges. What if you can sell your out-of-stock products?
This is where backorder steps in. Online businesses are adapting this vital backorder strategy to excel in their sales. This is a clever way to hold back potential customers due to temporary stockouts.
Fortunately, WooCommerce has built-in support for backorders. Now, you may ask what is backorder and how it functions in WooCommerce.
In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the full backorder process in WooCommerce and how to manage it effectively for maximum revenue.
Let’s dive into the details.
What is a Backorder?
When a product is currently out of stock, customers can still place an order for it. This process is known as a backorder.
It’s the best alternative to avoid the out-of-stock scenario, where customers are unable to purchase. However, backorders enable you to continue selling even when the product is out of stock.
Additionally, it’s essential to understand the distinction between a backorder and a pre-order. Pre-orders are applicable to newly launched products. For example, a new plugin will be launching next month.
On the other hand, the backorder process is relatively straightforward. Here, customers see that the product is tagged as “Available on Backorder.” They proceed with checkout and receive the product once the stock is filled up. Moreover, the customers will receive a notice about the shipping time. This helps in managing buyers’ expectations and eliminating dissatisfaction.
In WooCommerce, activating the backorder system is easy and flexible. It provides store owners with complete control over inventory management
Differences Between Backorder & Preorder?
Sometimes, both customers and shop owners get confused about backorders and preorders. But, in reality, they are totally different from each other. Let’s give you a clear idea about them.
| Backorders | Preorder |
| Backorder is applicable only to existing products that are out of stock | Preorder products are brand-new items that shops haven’t yet released. |
| WooCommerce comes with an in-built backorder setting. | For pre-order, you require a dedicated plugin. |
| Backorder focused on maintaining the sales flow event with an inventory shortage. | Preorder emphasizes creating excitement among customers for new products. |
| You can charge upfront or upon restocking for backorder products. | Typically, you can take an advance payment for pre-ordered items. |
| Backorder is the strategy due to sudden stock limitations. | Pre-order is a part of the planned strategy for newly released products. |
| Customers are aware of the delayed shipping and are informed about the product details. | Customers know that they are reserving a new product that will be released soon. |
| Common uses of backorders are popular products with limited stock, like clothes, accessories, etc. | Pre-orders are applicable for upcoming product launches, such as new gadgets, plugins, and video games. |
Why is Backorder Useful in WooCommerce?
The e-commerce industry is highly competitive. Implementing backorders isn’t just a convenience; it’s a strategic approach. Both store owners and customers benefit significantly from backorders.
As the store owner, you can maintain your sales momentum. When a product’s stock runs out, you can continue generating revenue instead of turning customers away. Backorders provide upfront cash, which you can use for reinvestment and faster restocking.
On the contrary, customers can purchase their desired product directly without the need for repeated checking or waiting for a “Back in Stock” email. Additionally, backorders maintain clear communication about stock status and delivery timelines. This builds transparency and trust.
How to Manage Backorder Functions in WooCommerce?
WooCommerce comes with a simple but powerful backorder management system. It’s integrated into the core product inventory settings. This functionality allows you to continue accepting orders even after products are out of stock.
This ensures you never miss a sale due to product shortage. To enable backorders for products in WooCommerce, you can follow the steps below.
Product-Specific Backorder Settings
You can enable backorders for specific products in WooCommerce. First, navigate to the WordPress Dashboard and then to WooCommerce > Products.
Select the particular product you want to edit and click the Edit link.
In the Product Data section, you will notice the Inventory tab. Hit the Inventory button.
Now, enable the Manage Stock options. This activates the stock tracking feature for the product.
After that, you need to set the current stock quantity. If the product is already out of stock, you can enter ‘0’.
In the Allow Backorders option, you will get three choices. These are
Do not Allow: By selecting this, you are halting customers from purchasing once the product stock reaches zero.
Allow but Notify Customers: Here, you can allow buyers to purchase your out-of-stock product by displaying the “Available on Backorder” message.
Allow: Alternatively, you can allow customers to backorder without displaying any notifications.
You’ll also get three stock status options for each product. These are-
In Stock: These products are available for immediate purchase.
Out of Stock: Customers cannot purchase these products if you don’t activate backorder option.
On Backorder: Items are currently out of stock. But customers can purchase the products in advance.
Backorder Settings for Bulk Product Edit
Additionally, you can also enable backorder settings for bulk products. To perform this action, first move to Products>All Products.
Choose the particular items and select edit from the Bulk Actions dropdown.
You will see the bulk product edit page. Here, you can update stock status and backorder permissions for all selected products with just a simple click.
Customer’s View of Backorders
WooCommerce’s backorder feature makes the experience feel like a regular purchase.
When you enable the backorder option for out-of-stock products with the “Allow, but notify the customer” option, the product page displays the message “Available on Backorder”. Customers will see this message above or beside the Add to Cart button. It notifies buyers that the product is not available for immediate shipping.
Customers can add their desired product to the cart and proceed to the checkout and payment process. The full process will be a regular transaction for the buyers.
Ultimately, customers can make confident purchases. Meanwhile, admins can track the back-ordered products and initiate delivery once they are back in stock.
Limitations of WooCommerce’s Default Backorder Feature
Precisely, WooCommerce only supports the basic functionality of backorders. It lacks in-depth customization for effective communication and user experience.
For example, if you select the “Allow & Notify Customers” option, WooCommerce will only display a generic notification, such as “Available on Backorder.” But it doesn’t provide customers with the information about when the item will ship.
So, customers are entirely unaware of the delivery time. This can lead to dissatisfaction and cart abandonment.
Another critical issue is that the backorder message is not visible on the main shop or category pages. Customers can only see the backorder notification on the product details page.
For this, customers may browse your store and want to buy a product immediately. But after landing on the product details page, they see the backorder notice. This creates frustration as they already spend time on product choices.
Despite all these, some customers may want to buy the products. But they require some assurance. They want to know the estimated delivery time and restocking timelines. Without this information, your store may seem unreliable to them.
These limitations highlight the importance of enhancing backorder functionalities. Updating these features will lead to enhanced communication and a more seamless user experience.
Optimize Backorder Features with Plugins
The gaps in default backorder functionalities can harm user experience. The information displayed on the product page may hinder the building of trust among buyers.
You can easily solve these issues by using a backorder management plugin. You can
- Effortlessly customize the user journey with branded labels and informative badges.
- Enhance transparency and trust by showing estimated delivery time.
- Additionally, increase sales by boosting conversions during stock limitations.
The Best Plugin to Manage WooCommerce Effectively
There are many WordPress plugins to help you with backorder management. But the real challenge is finding the right one. Select the one that will help you streamline backorder communication, automate inventory management, and enhance customer satisfaction. So, how will you choose the perfect one?
No worries, we’ll help you out. Let’s look over the key criteria to consider:
Simplicity: The plugin should contain a user-friendly interface with appealing visuals.
Real-Time Updates: Through the plugin, you should have a clear idea about backorders and inventory details.
Customization Options: Search for plugins that allow you to write personalized messages and availability notices.
Frontend Display Options: Make sure the plugin has features to create an interactive and visually appealing frontend design for the backorder notice.
Performance & Support: The plugin should be lightweight and have an active support system with regular updates.
Among the available options, you can choose the ShopBuilder plugin. It stands out as a versatile and most compatible tool for WooCommerce. You can visually enhance the backend and frontend presentation.
You can enhance the presentation style of your backorders with this powerful customization plugin. You’ll be able to create custom backorder badges, display estimated shipping dates, and showcase the stock status on shop, archive, and product pages. The drag-and-drop interface setting is easy to operate.
Try ShopBuilder Plugin to Manage Backorders
You can customize WooCommerce stores by using ShopBuilder without any coding knowledge. It comes with a rich visual interface with an interactive backorder feature.
You can manage and showcase back-ordered products with standout functionalities. You can effortlessly keep selling during stockouts, maintaining a professional and user-friendly storefront.
Let’s learn about the key backorder features of ShopBuilder.
Customized Messages
You can generate a personalized message for back-ordered products. Instead of the default message from WooCommerce, you can add custom text, such as “On Backorder: Expected availability by June 30, 2025.”
Backorder Status Display
Shopbuilder allows you to display backorder status on the Product details page, cart page, and order confirmation page.
Simple Drag-and-Drop Feature
With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, you can set up the features hassle-free. You don’t have to use any PHP code or hooks.
Drag-and-Drop Interface
ShopBuilder’s user-friendly builder makes it easy to set up these features visually without requiring any PHP code or hooks.
How to Set Up Backorders in WooCommerce with ShopBuilder
You can easily enable and configure the backorder functions in WooCommerce with ShopBuilder. Let’s have a quick walk-through.
Step 1: Activate and Set up the Backorder Module
Navigate to ShopBuilder > Modules > Backorder. You’ll find the General tab. Now, switch on the Enable Backorder option. After that, you’ll receive further setting options. Set a Backorder Limit and insert “Expected Availability Date”. You can also customize the backorder message.
After that, move to the ‘Style’ tab. Change the color, font size, badge design, and other visual appearance for a better user experience.
Step 2: Backorder Setting for Individual Products
From the WooCommerce Dashboard, navigate to Products > All Products. Now select the particular product you want to edit.
Locate the ‘Inventory’ tab on the “Edit Product Page”. In the Allow Backorders option, you will get three choices. These are “Do not Allow”, “Allow but Notify Customers”, and ‘Allow’. Choose your desired option. Write the ‘Limit’ and Set the “Availability Date”.
Which Businesses Need the WooCommerce Backorder Feature?
Online businesses with limited inventory and production can have a valuable advantage through the backorder feature. Let’s take a quick look at the different types of companies that can achieve significant benefits by activating backorders in WooCommerce.
Shops with High-Demand Products
Backorders can keep your sales running if your products run out of stock due to high demand. Products such as limited-edition items, fashionable accessories, and trendy gadgets have high appeal. So, you can open the purchase option during restocking by activating the backorders.
Businesses with Limited Storage
Many businesses have a defined storage capacity. Backorders help them avoid overstocking in response to customer demands. If you have a small shop, you can operate efficiently while satisfying your customers.
Handmade Customized Products
Personalized and built-to-order products are best suited for backorder. Only after a confirmed purchase of this product, you can start production. Furniture makers and handcrafted jewellery designers prefer backordering to sell continuously without pre-made stock.
Seasonal Businesses
There are certain times of the year when your store experiences a rise in sales. During Christmas, Winter, and Halloween, backorders can be an innovative strategic approach. You can get orders even after selling out during peak times. This ensures your product’s seasonal demand isn’t missed out.
Special Item Sellers
Rare and slow-to-manufacture products, such as vintage items and decorative goods, face a limited supply challenge. So, having large quantities of these products is difficult. These stores can maintain customer interest and sales flow with the help of backorders.
Best Practices for Managing Backorders in WooCommerce
Looking to convert WooCommerce into a smooth and user-friendly process? You shouldn’t feel pressured in managing backorders. With the correct strategic approach, you can upgrade customer satisfaction and avoid inventory management issues.
Deliver a Clear Message About Backorder
Clearly notify customers about the backordered products. Set the expected shipping time on the product page.
Limit Backorders
Avoid taking numerous backorders that you can’t fulfill. Determine the limits of how many backorders you will accept per purchase.
Inform Customers About Delays
Notify your customers about the product’s delayed shipping. Maintain transparency by sending emails with the correct shipping dates and an apology message.
Manage Mixed Shipments Precisely
If an order contains both in-stock and back-ordered products, then prioritize the delivery of the in-stock products first.
Utilize Backorder Notifications
When a customer purchases the backorder products, make sure you alert them with precise messages both in checkout and cart pages. Also, keep them informed about the order status.
Enhance Customer Satisfaction
Try to offer a discount on backorder products. This can boost the product purchase rate. Always try to fulfill the backorder stocks immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does a Backorder Last?
The backorder availability depends on the manufacturer, company, and customer needs. But on average, a backorder lasts between 14 and 21 days. Sometimes, it may last more than that.
Does Backorder Mean Discontinued?
No. Using backorder on a product doesn’t indicate that the product is discontinued. It means the product will be restocked soon and will be available for delivery.
What are the Benefits of Backorder?
Activating the backorder of a stock-out product can increase revenue. It improves the business’s cash flow and also maintains customer satisfaction.
Wrapping Up
Backorder is an innovative strategic process to maintain sales of unavailable products. By allowing buyers to purchase stock-out items, you can boost sales and enhance customer retention. This will also help you manage your inventory more effectively.
In the competitive e-commerce industry, backorder isn’t just a tool. This will give you a high advantage to stand out.
Now, it’s high time to act. With the guidelines mentioned above, you can effectively manage backorder functionalities in your online store.
