How back orders are handled

Short answer: A backorder is an order where an item is missing. The shop sends what it has, keeps the rest open, and sends the last part when the item is back in stock. Here is how it usually works.

What a backorder is

A backorder arises when an order contains several items and some of them are not in stock at the time the order is to be packed. The order is not cancelled but split in two: a part that can be sent now, and a part that waits for the item to arrive.

Partial delivery is the usual way

The items that are in stock are sent at once instead of waiting. That gives the customer something rather than nothing, and the rest follows later. See bamboo shirt for men. If you want everything together, you can write to the shop before the order is packed.

The missing part is awaited

The rest stands as open in the system and is sent automatically when the item is registered in the warehouse again. See offers and bamboo clothing for men. Nobody has to order again, since the open part sits ready in the system and is picked as soon as there is stock.

Freight is not paid twice

Most shops send the backorder without extra shipping. It would feel unfair to pay twice for the same order, so it is common for the shop to carry the extra shipment itself. If in doubt, check the shop's terms for how it applies to your order.

Cancelling the open part

In most shops the open part can be cancelled as long as it has not been sent. That is an advantage if you no longer need the item or the wait has become too long. Write to the shop with the order number so the open part can be closed.

How long a backorder stays open

It varies. Some shops close it automatically after a number of weeks if the item has not arrived, and let you know. Others keep it open until the item comes. Ask the shop if you want to know what applies to you and when you can expect an answer.

A message when the rest ships

A new shipping notice with a new tracking number arrives when the last part is sent. That way you can follow the two parcels separately. If a long time has passed and you have heard nothing, contact the shop. Mention the order number so the right order can be found at once.

Why it helps to know this

If you know about backorders, you are not surprised when two parcels arrive on different days. You know the second parcel is part of the same order and not a mistake. It also makes it easier to judge whether you would rather wait or cancel the open part.