Smarter Special Order Management for Home Goods Retailers

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Ever had a customer fall in love with a product you don’t have in stock?
Maybe it’s a custom fabric, a specific finish, or a piece that’s just temporarily unavailable. In home goods retail, these situations aren’t the exception—they’re pretty much the norm.

That’s why having a system that can handle special orders and backorders smoothly isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Windward Software’s System Five is designed with this exact challenge in mind, giving retailers the tools to say “yes” more often, without the stress behind the scenes.

Why Flexibility Matters in Home Goods Retail

Unlike fast-moving consumer goods, home furnishings often involve:

Custom configurations (e.g., fabric, finish, size)
Longer lead times from suppliers
High-value transactions that require accuracy and trust
Inventory that’s not always on hand

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Without the right tools, managing these complexities can lead to missed sales, frustrated customers, and costly errors.

Windward’s Solution: Smart Order Management

Seamless Special Order Processing

When a customer requests a product not currently in stock, Windward allows staff to:

Instantly create a special order tied to the customer’s profile
Track the item from supplier to warehouse to delivery
Set expectations with automated lead time estimates

Backorder Management Made Easy

If an item is temporarily out of stock, Windward:

Automatically flags it as a backorder
Notifies staff when the item is received
Links the product to the original sales order for smooth fulfillment

Real-Time Visibility

Both staff and customers benefit from:

Live updates on order status
Integrated supplier communication to reduce delays
Centralized dashboards for tracking all pending orders

Enhanced Customer Experience

With accurate timelines and proactive communication, customers feel informed and valued—turning a potential frustration into a loyalty-building moment.

Managing special orders and backorders doesn’t have to be a headache. With Windward Software, home goods retailers can keep things moving—without juggling spreadsheets or chasing down suppliers. It’s about giving your team the tools to stay organized and your customers the confidence that their order is in good hands.

In a business where timing, customization, and communication matter, Windward helps you deliver a smoother experience from sale to delivery—every time.

Ready to simplify your special order management and scale your business?

Discover how Windward System Five empowers your entire operation—from showroom floor to financials—to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.