Yes, came here searching for a solution to this. It seems essential to me that if a customer is ordering something not currently in stock, they be able to SEE that before they place an order because it may affect their decision making.
Topic summary
Main issue: Enable “Continue selling when out of stock” across many products and ideally set it as a storewide default.
Current capabilities and workarounds:
- No default setting exists (confirmed by Shopify staff). You can enable per product/variant, via bulk editor, or by CSV.
- Bulk editor tips: add the field, then use spreadsheet-like fill/drag to copy the checkbox down a column. Still cumbersome at large scale.
- CSV method: set Variant Inventory Policy to “continue” (or “deny”) per variant and re-import (overwrite by handle). Apps like bulk editors can simplify and allow undo.
- Programmatic option: use the API to toggle oversell based on POS/PO data; some users also add custom fields (e.g., expected ship date) and theme logic to show backorder info.
Related concerns:
- Communicating backorder status: requires theme/custom field customization; not a built-in notice.
- Inconsistent behavior: some report the setting reverting or unexpected overselling, often tied to third-party apps or syncs. Recommendation: audit apps/integrations; some apps (e.g., DSers) may overwrite the setting—contact the app to exclude it.
Status/outcome:
- Feature request for a default or collection-level setting remains open years later; no announced development update.