How can I implement a back order system for out of stock products?

[procouplings]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some help regarding inventory levels and customer orders. Currently we have approx. 50% of our stock held in our warehouse, the other 50% is with our suppliers.

In stock items are sent next day delivery whereas the out of stock lines will take 4-7 days to arrive. How can I make it so customers can use a "back order" on the out of stock products so I can have them sent directly to my customer?

Many thanks

[WhiteWater_Web]

Hi there, so do you want to change your add to cart button to a 'pre-order' or 'back order' button (with some messaging about what that means) when products go out of stock?

Let us know, thanks.

WhiteWater Web

[procouplings]

Hi WWW, yes that's correct.

Is there an app to do this, or would it be better added as code?

Thanks

[WhiteWater_Web]

Hi, there may be apps that do this BUT we are always fans of adding custom to do exactly what you want; this way there is no third party dependency, things run faster, and you have great control, customization/logic wise.

We can quote on the work if you wish.

Let us know, thanks!

WhiteWater Web

[EC2021]

Hi - have you received a solution to this? We have some non-stocked items that have various lead times, and want a simple way to inform our costomers of the processing time that doesn't involve adding a metafield (which we have done... they just don't read this far). 

[WhiteWater_Web]

Why not use a tag or metafield and place this where ever they will read it (i.e. under the product title, tied to the 'pre-order' or 'add to cart' button, etc)?

Cheers.

WhiteWater Web

[EC2021]

Having a "pre-order" button instead of "add to cart" would help, but is this a custom coded item we would need to add? Also, once that item is added to the cart (which is what I assume would happen once you hit the "pre-order" button), it would still show the default processing/shipping time set for our store, instead of the individual processing time for that item. That is the problem we are trying to solve - showing an accurate manufacturing time at the checkout level. 

[WhiteWater_Web]

Yes, using an added customization you could not only change the button to ‘pre-order’ but include other dynamic content (where ever you want, besides checkout) that was driven by tags or metafields. 

custom shipping profiles could then be used for these products, at checkout (generic rates). To do anything more with the checkout you would first need to be on Plus, and some R&D would be required.

Cheers.

WhiteWater Web