Stock out occurs when an item has been?

• A. Backordered
• B. Depleted from inventory
• C. In transit to store
• D. Restocked unexpectedly

Answer: (B)

Stock out happens when there is no inventory on hand to meet customer demand—the item has been depleted from inventory, so it isn’t available for sale at that moment. Once stock is depleted, you can’t fulfill purchases until new stock arrives. If an item is backordered, there’s still demand but you expect to fulfill it later, so stock is still tied up elsewhere. If it’s in transit to the store, the item exists somewhere in the supply chain and may become available soon, while restocking unexpectedly means you’ve received more stock, resolving or preventing a stockout.