When you do not hold stock.
WHAT DIFFERS
Nothing sits on a shelf. Everything is produced after the order.
WHAT TO MANAGE INSTEAD
Your capacity Your lead time Your materials
THE LEAD TIME
State it clearly on the product page, not only at checkout.
An unexpected two-week wait produces cancellations.
MANAGING CAPACITY
If you can produce ten a week, do not accept fifty in a week.
Some platforms allow limiting quantities or scheduling.
CONFIRMING SPECIFICATIONS
For custom work, confirm in writing before starting.
Dimensions, materials, colours, and the agreed price.
Custom work disputes almost always involve something not written down.
CHANGES AFTER ORDERING
State that changes after a point affect price and timing.
DEPOSITS
For genuinely custom work, a deposit is reasonable.
It covers materials if the customer disappears.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every specification agreed, against the order.