Preorder
Preorder is an order taken for a product before it is available, usually ahead of a launch.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Useful for demand testing. The FTC Mail Order Rule requires sellers to ship within the stated time or notify buyers and offer a refund.
Common questions
- What is the difference between a preorder and a backorder?
- A preorder is for a product that has not yet been released or received for the first time. A backorder is for an existing product that is temporarily out of stock.
Cite this entry
"Preorder." Fulfillment Lexicon, last reviewed October 16, 2026. https://fulfillment.wiki/glossary/preorder/