back order
What is the opposite of back order? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — An order for goods that a seller has accepted but cannot ship yet because the item is out of stock, and which will be sent once new stock arrives.
How to use back order
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on back order
back order status
clear the back orders
back-ordered item
Commercial and retail. Written as two words as a noun and usually hyphenated as a verb.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a back order and a pre-order?
A pre-order is for something that has not been released yet, so nobody has it. A back order is for something already on sale that the seller has temporarily run out of. In both cases you pay or commit first and receive later.
How long does a back order usually take?
It depends entirely on the supplier's restock date, which is why good sellers give an estimated availability date rather than a shipping date. If no date is offered, ask for one before committing, since back orders can sit for months.
