Magento 2 is a powerful eCommerce platform offering advanced inventory and order management tools. One of the most useful features for store owners is the Backorder functionality. This feature allows customers to place orders for products that are currently out of stock, helping merchants maintain sales flow and customer satisfaction. In this article, we’ll explore what backorders are, how they work in magento 2 backorder, and how to set them up properly.

What Is a Backorder?

A backorder allows a product to be purchased even when it is not in stock. Instead of displaying an “Out of Stock” label, Magento 2 lets customers complete the purchase, and the product will be shipped once it’s back in inventory. This is particularly useful for managing popular items, maintaining sales momentum, and building customer trust.

Benefits of Using Backorders

1. Increase Sales Opportunities
   Without backorders, out-of-stock products would result in lost sales. With backorders enabled, customers can still place orders, and businesses can continue to generate revenue.

2. Improve Inventory Management
   Backorders help manage inventory more dynamically. You can plan restocks based on real demand instead of forecasts.

3. Customer Retention
   By allowing customers to reserve items, backorders reduce the chances of them buying from competitors.

How Magento 2 Backorders Work

Magento 2 provides three backorder settings:

• No Backorders: Products cannot be ordered if the stock quantity is 0 or below.

• Allow Qty Below 0: Customers can place orders even if stock is negative, and no warning is shown.

• Allow Qty Below 0 and Notify Customer: Customers can place backorders and are notified that the item will ship later.

How to Enable Backorders in Magento 2

Here’s how to set up backorders for your store:

1. Go to Admin Panel

Navigate to Stores > Configuration.

2. Access Inventory Settings

Under Catalog, select Inventory, then go to the Product Stock Options section.

3. Set Backorders

• Find the “Backorders” dropdown.

• Choose one of the three options:

  • No Backorders

  • Allow Qty Below 0

  • Allow Qty Below 0 and Notify Customer

4. Save Configuration

You can also enable backorders on a per-product basis by editing the product’s advanced inventory settings.

Best Practices for Using Backorders

• Set Clear Expectations: Always notify customers of expected delivery times.

• Monitor Stock Closely: Avoid excessive negative inventory by syncing with suppliers.

• Use Backorders Strategically: Ideal for bestsellers and high-demand seasonal products.

Extensions and Customization

Magento 2’s backorder functionality can be extended with third-party modules that offer:

• Custom backorder messages

• Estimated delivery dates

• Partial shipment capabilities

• Enhanced reporting

Extensions like Amasty Backorder, Mageplaza, or Aheadworks provide advanced options beyond the default Magento setup.

Final Thoughts

Magento 2 backorders are a smart tool for maximizing sales and improving customer experience even when stock runs out. By enabling backorders, merchants can offer seamless purchasing options, plan inventory more efficiently, and retain loyal customers. With proper setup and management, backorders can turn stock shortages into sales opportunities.