back-order

back-order refers to a situation where a customer places an order for an item that is temporarily out of stock, but the retailer or supplier commits to fulfilling the order as soon as the item becomes available again. This is common in e-commerce and retail environments where demand exceeds supply or inventory levels are not updated in real-time. Back-orders can sometimes lead to delays in shipping, but customers are typically informed of the expected restocking date. Businesses may use back-orders to keep sales flowing even when stock levels are low, but clear communication is essential to maintain customer trust.