Order Clerk how-to

How to Handle a Backordered Item

Communication keeps customers.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Communication keeps customers. In short: tell; give; offer, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Tell the customer right away.

  2. Give a new date.

  3. Offer substitutes.

  4. Offer a partial shipment.

  5. Update the order.

  6. Follow up.

Safety reminders for order clerks

  • Protect customer data
  • Follow payment security rules
  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Take breaks

Order entry · SKU · Backorder · Lead time · Order confirmation · RMA: see the full order clerk glossary.

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