A strategy to handle backorders and delays can reduce refunds and cancellations. Here's how to use email to keep customers engaged.Stage 1: Prepare Site. First things first, don't remove your out-of-stock product page and show customers (and search engines) a 404 page. A backorder is an order for an outofstock product that will be fulfilled and delivered to the customer when the product is replenished. Use this letter template to let your customers know the items they've ordered are on back order and will be shipped as soon as possible. Backorders are a challange that most ecommerce businesses have to deal with from time to time. Here are some tips on how to do it right. Find out what goes into writing effective, heartfelt customer apology emails with these best practices and free templates. A good business apology letter to customers can make up for bad service, errors with orders, and more.