We do(n’t) have that

Looking through a recent sale on Mr Porter I found a blazer I decided to purchase. The size said Low stock - a nice hint that I should get in quick adding to my e-commerce experience. But when I actually try to add to my bag, I get an error message saying Sorry, we don’t have any more of this item available. What a waste of time!

Key Heuristics to remember…

“Software should have common sense” - Alan Cooper

“Don’t waste my time” - Steve Krug

Solution…

Simple. The back end system needs to be updated as to whether they do or do not actually have this in stock. Perhaps this would in fact be an update to the internal system’s user experience; for the Mr Porter staff who manage the website and stock levels. But regardless, the consumer facing page should not come up with availability, before an out-of-stock message. That ultimately is the flow killer here.