Backorder Policy

1. Purchasing

Items which are not currently in stock but available for procurement are listed as backorders. Because these items are specially sourced and are not readily available for immediate delivery, Exponent Technologies requires 100% upfront payment for every back-ordered item at the time the order is placed.

A backorder is considered confirmed once full payment has been received and order confirmation has been issued. Upon confirmation, Exponent Technologies may immediately commence procurement activities, including supplier payments, foreign exchange processing, freight bookings, customs arrangements, and other import logistics necessary to fulfil the order. If your order contains both in-stock products and products on backorder, the order may only be delivered once all items become available. If you would like in-stock products delivered immediately, please place a separate order for backordered products.

If for any reason Exponent Technologies is unable to source or receive a back-ordered item due to supplier discontinuation, stock unavailability, export restrictions, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will notify you promptly by email and may offer:

  • Suitable alternative product
  • Store Credit

  • Refund to your original payment method.

Any approved refund under this clause shall be processed within thirty (30) working days.

2. Changes In Price

The prices listed for backorder items are based on supplier pricing, exchange rates, international freight charges, customs duties, taxes, and other import-related costs applicable at the time of quotation. Because these costs may change before procurement is completed, Exponent Technologies reserves the right to adjust pricing where necessary. If a price adjustment becomes necessary before procurement has commenced, we will notify you by email and request confirmation to proceed with the revised pricing. 

If you do not wish to proceed with the revised pricing before procurement has commenced, you may cancel your order and receive any approved refund within thirty (30) working days. Once procurement has commenced, price-confirmed orders cannot be cancelled or refunded.

3. Handling & Delivery

An estimated delivery period of 7–14 working days is provided for backordered items at the date of purchase, unless otherwise stated. Because overseas procurement and shipping depend on multiple factors—including supplier lead times, shipping schedules, customs clearance, foreign exchange processing, and circumstances beyond our control—estimated delivery dates are provided in good faith and are not guaranteed. If Exponent Technologies becomes aware of a significant delay, we will notify you by email and provide an updated estimated delivery timeframe.

Delivery delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, or compensation once procurement has commenced.

4. Cancellation & Refunds

Backorder purchases are considered special procurement orders and are binding. Customers may request cancellation of a backorder within forty-eight (48) hours of payment confirmation, provided procurement activities—including supplier payments, foreign exchange processing, freight bookings, customs arrangements, or other import logistics—have not commenced. After the expiry of the 24-hour period, all backorder orders shall be deemed final, confirmed, non-cancellable, and non-refundable, as Exponent Technologies may have already committed funds toward supplier payments and related logistics.

Cancellation requests submitted after forty-eight (24) hours shall not qualify for a refund under any circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • Change of mind
  • Project delays or cancellations
  • Budget constraints
  • Procurement approval delays
  • Duplicate orders
  • Customer operational changes
  • Extended delivery timelines.

The only exceptions where a refund, replacement, or store credit may be considered after the 48-hour period are where Exponent Technologies is unable to fulfil the order due to supplier unavailability, product discontinuation, regulatory restrictions, or other circumstances beyond the customer’s control. Where a refund is approved under this policy, processing shall be completed within thirty (30) working days from the date of approval.

Refunds may be issued through:

  • The original payment method
  • Bank transfer
  • Store credit

Any applicable bank charges, payment gateway fees, currency conversion losses, shipping costs, customs charges, or other third-party costs already incurred may be deducted where applicable.

5. Acceptance of Policy

By placing a Backorder, making payment, issuing a Purchase Order, or submitting an official Local Purchase Order (LPO), the customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Backorder Policy in full. Such action shall constitute a legally binding acceptance of these terms, including but not limited to payment obligations, pricing adjustments, delivery timelines, cancellation restrictions, and refund limitations contained herein.

6. Contact Us

For any enquiries relating to backorders, cancellations, or refunds, please contact Exponent Technologies by phone on +260 966 891 147 or by email at support@exponent.co.zm.