What it means
When a distributor doesn’t have an item in stock — or the manufacturer can’t supply it yet — the item goes on backorder. The rest of the order may ship right away, with the backordered items following later, or the whole order may wait, depending on what the customer and distributor agree.
Backorders are common for long-lead and specialty equipment, and during supply shortages. The key information for the contractor is a realistic expected date and what their options are.
An example: a contractor orders devices, wire and four panelboards. The devices and wire ship the next day; the panelboards are on backorder. The distributor tells the contractor straight away, gives a realistic date, and offers a transfer from another branch that has two of the four in stock.
Why it matters
- For contractors, a backorder can hold up a crew or a whole project if it isn’t spotted early.
- For distributors, how backorders are communicated — early, realistically and with options — has a big effect on customer trust.