What Is a Backorder?

What Is a Backorder?

Let me tell you directly: a backorder happens when you order an item, but the company can't ship it right away because they don't have enough in stock, even though it might still be in production. This situation shows that demand is outpacing supply, and it gives you key insights into how businesses handle their inventory, especially for hot items like new gaming consoles or tech gadgets.

How Backorders Impact Supply and Demand

The type of backorder and how many items are involved directly affect how long you'll wait for your product. More backordered items mean higher demand, plain and simple. These backorders cover any stock that customers have ordered but haven't received yet because it's not available. You should know that companies can still run their operations on backorders even without inventory on hand; in fact, it can help them build demand, keep customers coming back, and add value to their products.

When you look at a company's backorders, you're getting a clear view into their inventory management. If the number of backorders is manageable and they fulfill them quickly, that's a sign they're doing things right. But if waits are long and backorders pile up, it points to problems you need to watch out for.

Accounting for Backorders: Best Practices

Backorders or backlogs can be tracked as a dollar value of sales or just the number of units involved. They often need special handling in accounting. Companies should tell you upfront if your order is on backorder and when to expect delivery. It's crucial they stay in touch if there are delays to avoid cancellations.

In the books, the sale gets recorded as a backorder, not a completed one. If you cancel, it doesn't hit their bottom line, and they don't have to adjust records. Then they order from their supplier, and once it arrives, they match it to your purchase and ship it out, marking the sale as complete.

Why Backorders Can Benefit Your Business

You might think backorders sound negative, but they can actually help your business. Holding a lot of stock costs money and space; if you don't have your own warehouse, you're paying for storage. By keeping minimal stock and relying on backorders, you cut those costs significantly.

Those savings can go to lower prices for customers like you, encouraging repeat business, especially during high-demand periods for new releases. Backorders also draw attention—some see them as a sign the product is exclusive and desirable, turning it into a status symbol.

Challenges and Risks of Backorders

If backorders happen too often, it might mean your operations are stretched too thin, and you're missing out on sales because customers can't get what they want. You could see frequent cancellations, leading to refunds and accounting adjustments.

When something's on backorder with a long wait, customers might go elsewhere for alternatives, and once they try competitors, they might not come back. This ties up resources in managing pre-orders, logistics, and communications, and poor handling can erode your market share.

Real-World Example: Apple’s Backordered Products

Take Apple, for instance—when they launch new products, demand surges globally, and early buyers rush to upgrade. Their site tells you shipments go out when items become available, with popular ones showing longer wait times and no guaranteed delivery windows.

This is standard for Apple; their financial reports even note supply chain disruptions that cause backorders and delays in new product ramps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backorders

How long does a backorder take? It depends on the company and product—there's no standard time; some will tell you upfront, others just notify when it's ready.

What does backorder mean? It means the item is out of stock but in high demand, and the company is working to resolve availability through manufacturing or supply fixes.

What's the difference between backorder and out of stock? They're close, but out of stock means it's unavailable and might not be coming back if the company doesn't want to sell more; backorder implies it's temporary and you can still order it.

Why do backorders happen? On the supply end, it could be chain issues, underestimation of production, or delivery problems; on the demand side, it's often because a new, popular product draws massive interest.

Are backorders bad for business? They can be if customers bail for alternatives, but for irreplaceable items like new consoles, loyal buyers wait, and the buzz can highlight the product's popularity.

The Bottom Line

Backorders might seem like a hassle, but they offer real insights into your inventory and market demand. They help you balance supply and demand, optimize stock, and cut storage costs. If you manage them well with good communication and fast fulfillment, they benefit your business; but too many can signal inefficiencies and drive customers away. Bottom line, handle backorders right to keep your reputation solid and customers loyal.