diff --git a/awx/main/models/inventory.py b/awx/main/models/inventory.py
index f88f838087..b3e5aca03e 100644
--- a/awx/main/models/inventory.py
+++ b/awx/main/models/inventory.py
@@ -379,10 +379,10 @@ class Inventory(CommonModelNameNotUnique, ResourceMixin):
         from awx.main.tasks import delete_inventory
         if self.pending_deletion is True:
             raise RuntimeError("Inventory is already pending deletion.")
-        self.websocket_emit_status('pending_deletion')
-        delete_inventory.delay(self.pk)
         self.pending_deletion = True
         self.save(update_fields=['pending_deletion'])
+        self.websocket_emit_status('pending_deletion')
+        delete_inventory.delay(self.pk)
 
 
 class SmartInventoryMembership(BaseModel):