How do you respond to out of stock?
Apologize for inconveniencing them
Tell customers as soon as possible
As soon as you know an expected item won't be available, move quickly to update your inventory, website and physical store. Avoid customers ordering an item and then having to let them know it's not available, especially if you do not know exactly when it will come back into stock.
Apologize For The Inconvenience
Try something like this: “Due to an unexpectedly high number of orders, we no longer have this product in stock. We know how disappointing this news is, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience it has caused.”
It's essential to make it clear whether an out–of–stock item is only temporarily unavailable or permanently gone. If it's a seasonal product or something with limited availability, let your customers know so they can decide if they should wait for its return or look for an alternative.
If a store gives you the option to return an item and offer a refund, you may want to purchase the item as soon as it's available. You can always send it back if it doesn't fit your needs, but you may regret not purchasing if the stock runs out for good. Search for products on resale sites.
Thank you so much for emailing me about this. Right now, we do not have this feature available. I can certainly understand how that might be frustrating for you, especially given the scenario you described.
- I'm eagerly awaiting your response.
- Your prompt response would be appreciated.
- Thank you for your timely response.
- I hope to hear from you soon.
- [Be direct and include a call-to-action]
If it is a product that has alternative versions that you do stock, you can narrow down their preference to isolate the thing they most want this product to do, and if you have a comparable product, engage them in a way that gives them some interest in trying it - if it has the capacity to give them the outcome they ...
A backorder is an order for a good or service that cannot be filled at the current time due to a lack of available supply. The item may not be held in the company's available inventory but could still be in production, or the company may need to still manufacture more of the product.
If a client asks for something out of scope, alert them to this immediately. For example, you can say: “ I can definitely take care of that for you. However, that is outside of the scope written in the agreement, and this new request may change the project deadline.
What is an example of a canned response?
For instance, if the customer didn't receive their order, your canned response might look like this: "Thanks for reaching out. We're very sorry you haven't received your order. While we look into this issue, we'll send a replacement today.
Your issue is resolved, we are closing the ticket. Is there anything else you need help with? This message is an important part of a ticket cycle. A closing canned response should have these three aspects by default; give a recap of the request, add a thanks note, and ask if they would like more assistance.
- Let them know it's a follow-up in the subject line.
- Give at least one reason why you're contacting them again so they won't have to search for the original email.
- Sign off with a question; it gives them a reason to respond.
- Call to action. ...
- “I'm eager to receive your feedback.” ...
- “I appreciate your quick response.” ...
- “Always happy to hear from you.” ...
- “Keep me informed.” ...
- “I await your immediate response.” ...
- “Write soon!” ...
- “Can you help me find the answer here?”
If the customer asks a question that you can't answer right away, you can simply reply, “I will get back to you.” This lets them know that you received their query and that you are working hard to find the answer.
If you cannot get the stock, then try recommending a similar product and explain the customer how similar it is. If both doesn't work you have to give honest answer with a sorry you don't have in stock and ask if there is anything you can help the customer with. Don't forget to smile.
- What can my company do to better serve your needs?
- How satisfied are you with our products/services?
- What value do we provide?
- What are your biggest challenges?
- Why did you choose us over the competition?
- Be honest. You are not going to have every feature, integration, or near the same reliability at first. ...
- Listen. You need to make sure you hear them out. ...
- Positioning. ...
- Customer service. ...
- Price. ...
- Testimonials.
Examples from Collins dictionaries
They had sent the men's version of the sweater by mistake and it had been shipped from Iceland because it was out of stock in America. The toy was so popular it was out of stock within a week. When an item is out of stock, it is not immediately available for sale or use.
synonyms: unavailable. not available or accessible or at hand.
Does unavailable mean out of stock?
Scenarios where you may have a product unavailable
The product is out of stock but will return eventually. This can also include seasonal unavailability. The product is permanently out of stock or discontinued.
Don't pretend to know everything or make up answers that may backfire later. Instead, acknowledge that you don't have the information at hand, but assure the customer that you will find out and get back to them as soon as possible. This shows that you are respectful, transparent, and willing to learn.
- I wish I could make it work.
- I wish I were able to.
- I'd rather not.
- I'm afraid I can't.
- If only I could!
- No thanks, I won't be able to make it.
- Not this time.
- Unfortunately, it's not a good time.
- I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it.
- I wish I could be there, but I can't.
- Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend.
- I'm afraid I won't be able to come.
- I'm not going to be able to make it.
- It pains me to say this, but I won't be able to attend.
- Sadly, I won't be able to join you.
- “May I take a day to get back to you?” ...
- “I can do it for you this time, but I can't do it for you every time. ...
- “It does not [or will not] work for me to ... ” ...
- “I can't, but here's another option for you.” ...
- “It's not good for me now, but let's look ahead in our calendars.” ...
- “Sorry, no.”
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