What causes the error message "items in your cart are not available anymore?"

[PopandDutch]

It's only just started happening over the last few weeks, and it happens multiple times a day. I've asked customers to close the site and start over, to try refreshing, and for some folks it doesn't seem to matter. 

[Valentina]

Multiple customers may be checking out via your website at the same time, and simultaneously selecting the same item.

Does that sound like a possibility, @PopandDutch? 🥤

P.S. Welcome to the Seller Community ✨

[PopandDutch]

It seems to be occurring on items that we have high inventory stock on -- it's not necessarily happening when something is out of stock. 

[Valentina]

Do you have different variations of these items, and is the inventory low on those specific variations @PopandDutch?

[PopandDutch]

That doesn't seem to be the problem -- it's been occurring at unpredictable times, often on our most popular and best-stocked items!

Is it possible that this happens when someone tries to purchase something while we're updating inventory numbers on our end? I can't seem to replicate the problem.

Thanks for your help, and for the welcome!

[BernadetteA]

Hi @PopandDutch I don't think it's an inventory issue, but I do think there may be a setting that we're overlooking.

Can you let us know an example item, and if your are using Time Based Categories? Do you happen to know how the customer is adding items to the cart? i.e. are they using the Order Online page, or are they using a saved link?