Wpmet Turns 8! Up to
Backorders in WooCommerce allow customers to order and purchase out-of-stock products. Enabling WooCommerce backorders helps you manage inventory effectively and informs customers about product availability.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up backorders in WooCommerce, so you can keep selling even when stock runs low.
ShopEngine comes with a Backorder module to effortlessly add ordering of out-of-stock products in WooCommerce. You just have to enable stock management for a product, then allow backorders from the Inventory settings so customers can place orders even when the item is out of stock.
Quick Steps:
1. Install & activate tools: Set up WooCommerce, Elementor, and ShopEngine.
2. Enable backorder feature: Go to ShopEngine → Modules and turn on the Backorder module with basic settings (limit, message, availability).
3. Configure product inventory: Edit a product → Inventory tab → enable stock management.
4. Allow backorders: Choose “Allow” or “Allow, but notify customer.”
5. Save changes: Update the product to apply backorders.
Takeaway: ShopEngine makes WooCommerce backorders easier to manage while maintaining a smooth buying experience.
What Do Backorders Mean?
In WooCommerce, ‘Backorders’ is a feature that allows you to purchase products even when they are temporarily out of stock. It means you can order an item that is not currently available in inventory and will receive it once the stock is restocked.
A backorder system helps your business maintain sales and customer engagement even when facing temporary stock shortages.
How to Set up Backorders in WooCommerce with ShopEngine
Setting up backorders in WooCommerce is easier if you use a plugin. ShopEngine is a perfect option here, a powerful WordPress backorder plugin that enhances your store’s functionality. With ShopEngine, you can manage stock efficiently, allowing customers to place orders even when products are temporarily unavailable.
Follow these simple steps on how to setup backorders in WooCommerce with ShopEngine seamlessly.
Step 1: Install ShopEngine
Let’s start with getting the plugin from WordPress.org.
You can also search ShopEngine from the plugins section of your WordPress dashboard and install this WooCommerce backorder plugin.
Once the installation process is complete, you must activate the plugin to use its features.
Step 2: Find and Enable the Backorder Module
ShopEngine offers a module named Back-Order.
To use the module you have to enable it and activate it. To enable the module:
- Navigate to ShopEngine > Modules
- Find the Back-Order Module from the module list
- Click on the Settings Icon
A window with the enable option will appear after you click on the settings icon.
Enable the module: To turn ON the Back-Order module, toggle the button and save the changes.
However, you can also customize the following settings:
- Maximum Backorder Limit: Set the maximum quantity of a product allowed for backorders.
- Backordered Product Available date: Select the date when the product will be back in stock.
- Backorder Notice Message: Show a message informing customers about backorders.
Step 3: Go to Products
- Go to Products from your dashboard (find the product you want to put in backorder)
- Click on Edit
- Next, navigate to Inventory
- Stock management: Mark the checkbox (Track stock quantity for this product)
- Allow backorders?: Select ‘Allow, but notify customer’
You can also change the product’s stock status to ‘On backorder’
The stock status will be shown as this 👇
Step 4: You Have Set WooCommerce Backorders
Finally, place an order for that product and check the status from the order list of WooCommerce.
The status should be ‘Processing’ and when you check the details it’ll show you Backordered: yes
Why Should You Use a WooCommerce Builder Addon?
- WooCommerce has some inherent limitations and cannot fully match custom design needs without extra tools.
- A WooCommerce builder addon is recommended for advanced and professional design features.
- Addons like ShopEngine provide features such as wishlist functionality, quick view pop-ups, sales countdowns, and customizable badges.
- These features are not available in WooCommerce by default.
- Builder addons offer pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop customization.
- They make it easier to design and manage your ideal WooCommerce store.
- More control over design and features can improve engagement and increase sales.
FAQs
Yes. With tools like ShopEngine, you can set a maximum backorder limit to avoid overselling beyond what you can realistically fulfill.
WooCommerce can display a message like “Available on backorder” on the product page. You can customize this message for better clarity using plugins.
Yes. WooCommerce still tracks stock levels, and backordered quantities are recorded. It helps you plan restocking more accurately.
Yes. WooCommerce order reports and inventory logs help you monitor pending backorders and stock demand.
An online store sells headphones, but they are out of stock. A customer still places an order because backorders are enabled. The store restocks the headphones after a few days and then ships the order to the customer.
It’s Your Turn
We’ve shown you the easiest way to allow backorders in WooCommerce. ShopEngine has made it super easy to receive orders for temporarily unavailable products.
So, try now; with a few simple settings, you can fix the WooCommerce backorder setup and see your store running smoothly.
Leave a Reply