specialorder

Special order is a term used in retail, manufacturing, and procurement to describe an item that is not normally stocked and must be obtained from a supplier or manufacturer to fulfill a customer request. It covers products with nonstandard configurations, rare items, or discontinued lines that are not part of the retailer's regular catalog. The item may be sourced from a different supplier, produced to specification, or held as a one-off allocation.

The special-order process typically begins with a quote and confirmation of availability and lead time. The supplier or retailer may present pricing based on sourcing costs, customization, and delivery logistics. Depending on policy, a deposit or full payment may be required, and the order may be non-returnable or subject to specific warranty terms. Once approved, the item is procured or manufactured, and delivery or pickup is arranged. Customers are usually notified of any changes to lead times or costs.

Lead times for special orders are generally longer than for standard stock and can vary widely depending on supplier capacity, customization, and shipping constraints. Returns, if allowed, are often more restrictive than for in-stock items.

Advantages include the ability to meet specific customer needs, access to nonstandard products, and potential competitive differentiation. Challenges involve higher costs, longer wait times, coordination with suppliers, and more limited post-purchase support.

Related concepts include made-to-order, custom order, and engineered-to-order, which differ in degree of customization and production control. Special orders are common in industries such as furniture, electronics, automotive parts, and apparel.