Backordered items are products which a customer has requested to buy but the order cannot be fulfilled immediately due to a shortage in supply. The customer is informed of the delay and allowed to continue with the purchase or cancel it. This situation is common when demand for a product exceeds its available stock. Companies use backorders to inform customers that the item is indeed available but must wait a period of time until it can be shipped. By placing a backorder, customers ensure that they will receive the item they want when it becomes available.