Backorder/Special Order Policy
What is a backorder?
Backorder/Special Order items are products that are available to order, but are not in stock for immediate shipping.
We offer this service for the convenience of our customers, to provide you with the widest assortment of books available, and to let you reserve your place in line for a book that may be popular and selling out quickly.
How do I know if an item is on backorder?
When viewing a product on our website, directly below the "Add to Cart" button, you will see details on whether the product is in stock. If it is in stock, you will see the quantity currently available for sale.
How long will it take a backorder to arrive in stock?
Over 95% of backorders are shipped within 2-14 days of the order being placed.
Backorders always ship within 1 business day of the backordered item returning to stock.
In the event that we learn that a backordered item is delayed beyond the normal 2-14 days, you will receive an automated email advising you of the delay so you may decide if you would like to keep the order open or not.
Can you promise a delivery date for a backordered item?
We cannot promise a particular shipment or delivery date for a backordered item, as we can only ship a backordered product as quickly as the publisher can ship it to our warehouse.
Please understand that ordering books in large quantities as a business is very different than ordering books as an individual from a retailer! Freight shipments are slow and our suppliers do not always provide us with reliable information about when items will ship to our warehouse. We always ship items as soon as they arrive.
What will happen if I order both in-stock and backordered items?
If you place an order containing both in-stock and backordered titles, the in-stock items will ship to you immediately, and the backordered items will be filled separately when they have arrived in stock.
Can I cancel a backorder?
Absolutely! You may cancel a backorder at any time prior to its shipment for a full refund. Simply email us at customerservice@catholicbooksdirect.com with your order number and we would be happy to assist.