How to Answer: How do you handle back orders?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Warehouse Clerk job interview.
18. How do you handle back orders?
How to Answer
As a warehouse clerk, you will often come across situations where products are on back order, high-demand items are out of stock, a vendor unexpectedly stops manufacturing a customer-favorite, or there is a product recall. The hiring authority would like to know how you handle a situation like this, where you may need to give a customer disappointing news or push a vendor to deliver a product on time, despite shortages. Show that you are persistent, and creative when it comes to situations requiring a workaround.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 23rd, 2018
1st Answer Example
"When a product is labeled in our system as back ordered, the first thing I do is call the vendor to ensure that the coding is correct. I will ask them to triple check and then give me a firm date when the item is back in stock. I will also call our other locations to see if they have any remaining product they could ship to my location. If the item is truly out, I will work with my customer on finding a comparable product."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 23rd, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"If a product were on back order, I would call the manufacturer or vendor for an ETA on the item. If the wait time were too long for the customer, I would help them to discover a similar product that may work for them. As strange as it may sound, I will also recommend they try our competitor if they need the product urgently. I would rather lose the immediate sale but have the customer come back at a later date, knowing we genuinely have their best interest in mind."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 23rd, 2018