Backorder vs preorder
- Backorder: sold + waiting for restock (unplanned)
- Preorder: sold before product available (planned launch)
Communication
Email customer within 24 hours: 'Your order includes a backorder item. ETA restock: Nov 15. Options: (1) wait, (2) partial ship, (3) refund.'
Partial ship
Ship in-stock items now, backorder items when restocked. Customer waits on partial, not whole order.
Apps
Preorder Now, Back in Stock, Ordersify all handle backorder workflows. Native Shopify supports basics.
Frequently asked questions
How to handle Shopify backorder?
Enable 'continue selling out of stock'. Email customer within 24 hours with restock ETA + options.
Partial ship for backorder?
Fulfill in-stock items now, backorder items on restock. Shopify supports partial fulfillment natively.
Best backorder app for Shopify?
Preorder Now, Back in Stock, Ordersify. Vary by workflow needs.
Should I charge customer upfront for backorder?
Yes at order (standard). Partial deposit is option for long backorders.
Communicate restock ETA?
Yes upfront. Email within 24 hours + product page shows ETA.
Cancel backorder if customer changes mind?
Yes — refund at their request. Reduce cancellation friction with clear policy.
Does backorder affect POD?
POD rarely has backorder (virtual inventory). Applies to physical stock.
Backorder vs notify me?
Backorder: customer ordered, waiting. Notify me: customer subscribed, not yet ordered.
Related reading
Try it free on Shopify
Print It My Way's permanent Free plan includes live preview, custom options, and Cart Transform pricing.
Install Print It My Way