Glossary » Back Order

What is the Back Order?

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Back order is when a customer orders an item, but it’s out of stock in the inventory. Customer typically take the order or hold it depending on the company's policy, and ship it when it’s back in the inventory.

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How Does the Back Order Process Go?

Just like the back order definition, the process begins when a customer orders an item currently out of inventory. The retailer or supplier contacts the customer to estimate the delay. After that, the order is added to the system as a back order. When the item is ready, it is added to the back order and shipped to the client, who receives a notification upon dispatch. When inventories are low, it helps with working on supply chain disruption and meeting consumer expectations.

What Are the Benefits of Back Orders?

Back orders have several advantages for both businesses and customers. For companies, they facilitate sales continuity in case certain items are out of stock and decrease the potential loss of revenue. On the other hand, customers can be sure that when the product becomes available, they will surely obtain it. 

Furthermore, back orders offer insightful information about product demand and facilitate improved inventory management and purchasing decisions for businesses.

What Challenges Come with Back Orders?

While back orders are greatly useful, they have problems of their own. The first major problem involves customer satisfaction. If customers have to wait longer than the scheduled time for the delivery of goods, this can irritate them, and they might even back out from buying if they do not wait. 

Another challenge is how to handle the logistics of back orders, which may add complexity to the way inventory is tracked and forecasted within the fulfillment network. Companies have to balance their operations between satisfying customers and efficiently running the supply chain.

How Are Back Orders Related to the Freight Industry?

The freight industry is closely related to back orders. On any back-ordered item, there should be efficient freight services so that such items can be restocked in no time. Shipping delays contribute to a longer back order period, impacting customers’ satisfaction. Besides, correct tracking and fast shipment are critical for fast order fulfilment. In this regard, freight companies can play a very important role in the timely shipment of back-ordered products to their customers so that businesses can keep their commitments to customers.

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