Date: 10-NOVEMBER-2023 Last Updated: 6-JULY-2026
Understanding Special Order Items at MicroSolv – What Customers Need to Know
At MICROSOLV, some products are supplied differently than our regularly stocked catalog items. These products are classified as Special Order Items and may require additional planning, longer lead times, minimum purchase quantities, or customized manufacturing.
Understanding how Special Order Items work helps ensure a smooth purchasing experience and sets clear expectations regarding availability, delivery, pricing, cancellations, and returns.
Special Order Items generally fall into one of three categories:
- Customer Custom Manufactured
- Made-to-Order Standard Products
- Non Standard Item - Minimum Purchase Required
If you have questions about any Special Order Item, please contact Customer Service using our online notification form.
Why Isn't This Item Stocked?
Special Order Items are typically products with lower overall demand, highly specialized applications, customer-specific requirements, or supplier-imposed purchasing constraints. Because these products are ordered infrequently, they are not usually maintained in inventory. Instead, MICROSOLV manufactures or procures them when customer demand arises.
We welcome inquiries for all Special Order Items and will gladly provide pricing, lead times, minimum order requirements, and ordering guidance to help determine the best solution for your application. Also, blanket orders are welcomed for routine ordering of these items.
What Is a Special Order Item?
A Special Order Item is a product that is not maintained as a standard stocked inventory item and therefore requires special manufacturing, procurement, or sourcing activity before shipment. They normally are
These items are ordered, manufactured, assembled, or sourced specifically to fulfill customer demand and often involve supplier commitments that differ from routine catalog purchases.
Types of Special Order Items
1. Customer Custom Manufactured Products
These products are manufactured according to specifications requested by a customer.
Examples may include:
- Custom dimensions or configurations
- Specialized packaging
- Unique product modifications
- Customer-specific manufacturing requirements
Because these products are made specifically for an individual customer, production begins after the order is confirmed.
2. Made-to-Order Standard Products
Some MICROSOLV products are standard catalog offerings but are not normally stocked in inventory.
Examples may include:
- Preparative HPLC Columns
- Semi-Preparative Columns
- Purification Columns
- Other low-volume specialty products
These products are manufactured only after an order is received. While the product itself is standard, delivery times may be longer than stocked products because manufacturing must be scheduled before shipment.
Lead times can vary depending on production schedules, raw material availability, and supplier requirements.
3. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Purchase Items
Certain products require a minimum purchase quantity before they can be manufactured or sourced economically.
These products may depend on:
- Supplier minimum production requirements
- Raw material purchasing minimums
- Packaging or assembly constraints
- Imported or specialty components
When an MOQ item is requested, MICROSOLV may need to obtain quotations and delivery information from suppliers before providing final pricing and lead times. This process can take several business days depending on supplier response times.
How to Identify a Special Order Item
Special Order Items are typically identified by one or more of the following:
- Product descriptions indicating Special Order or CUSTOM ITEM status
- Notes regarding custom manufacturing or special sourcing
- Products available only by quotation or request
- Items that require MOQ review before ordering
- Products identified as made-to-order
If you are unsure whether a product is considered a Special Order Item, contact Customer Service before placing your order.
Pricing and Lead Time Considerations
Because Special Order Items are not produced or stocked under normal inventory conditions, pricing and delivery schedules may differ from standard catalog products.
Customers should expect:
- Longer lead times than stocked products
- Production schedules that vary based on demand
- Supplier-dependent delivery estimates
- Pricing that may change due to raw material, manufacturing, or sourcing costs
MICROSOLV will provide the most accurate information available at the time of quotation and order placement.
Order Conditions and Restrictions
Special Order Items involve manufacturing and purchasing commitments that begin shortly after an order is accepted.
Non-Cancellable Orders
Once a Special Order Item has been released for manufacturing, procurement, or production scheduling, the order cannot be canceled.
Non-Returnable Products
Special Order Items are generally non-returnable because they are manufactured, sourced, or procured specifically for a customer's order.
Returns may only be considered in cases involving verified manufacturing defects, shipping damage, or fulfillment errors.
No Resale of Special Order Products
To maintain product quality, traceability, and inventory integrity, MICROSOLV does not typically place Special Order Items back into inventory for resale after production or procurement has been initiated.
What Customers Can Expect from MICROSOLV
When ordering a Special Order Item, customers can expect MICROSOLV to:
- Review manufacturing or sourcing requirements before processing orders
- Provide quotations when required
- Communicate anticipated lead times whenever available
- Inform customers of applicable MOQs
- Provide updates when supplier or production conditions affect delivery schedules
- Work closely with customers to ensure order requirements are clearly understood
Our goal is to provide accurate information and realistic expectations before production or sourcing begins.
When to Contact Customer Service
Please contact Customer Service if you:
- Need a quotation for a Special Order Item
- Are unsure if a product is made-to-order
- Need information regarding MOQ requirements
- Have questions about lead times
- Need assistance ordering a non-stock or specialty product
- Require a custom-manufactured product
Contact Customer Service using our online notification form.
Conclusion
Special Order Items are products that require custom manufacturing, made-to-order production, or sourcing under minimum-order purchasing requirements. Because these products are produced or obtained specifically for customer demand, they may involve longer lead times, MOQ requirements, unique pricing considerations, and restrictions on cancellations or returns.
Understanding these conditions before ordering helps ensure a smooth purchasing process and allows MICROSOLV to deliver the specialized products you need as efficiently as possible.
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What Is Considered a Custom Order Item?
A product may be classified as a Custom Order Item under the following conditions:
1. Made Specifically for You
Some items are manufactured to unique specifications, configurations, dimensions, or requirements provided by the customer.
2. Not Stocked Regularly
MicroSolv may not keep these items on hand due to low demand, special handling requirements, or specialized sourcing.
This means these items are produced or acquired only after an order is placed.
How to Identify a Custom Order Item
Custom Order Items are typically identified in one of the following ways:
- A product listing that includes the term “Custom” or “Custom Order”
- Notes in the item description indicating non‑standard or special sourcing
- Items available only by request, not listed directly in the online catalog
If there is uncertainty, customers should reach out to Customer Service for clarification before placing an order.
Order Conditions & Restrictions
Because these items are specially manufactured or sourced, MicroSolv applies stricter purchasing rules:
Non‑Cancellable
Once the order is placed, a Custom Item cannot be canceled, as production or sourcing begins immediately.
Non‑Returnable
Custom Order Items cannot be returned, unless there is a verified manufacturing defect.
No Reselling
To maintain product quality and traceability, MicroSolv does not resell Custom Items, which further prevents accepting returns.
These policies ensure product integrity and protect customers from receiving re‑circulated specialty items.
Additional Requirements & Considerations
Custom Order Items may also include:
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Some special‑order items have minimum purchase requirements.
Longer Lead Times
Production or sourcing time may extend delivery schedules compared to stocked catalog items.
Because these items are made‑to‑order, manufacturing or procurement timelines vary.
When to Contact Customer Service
Customers should reach out if:
- They are unsure whether an item is classified as “Custom”
- They want to understand lead times or MOQs
- They need help with ordering a non‑catalog or specialty product
We are available to help clarify product categories and ensure accurate ordering.
Conclusion
Custom Order Items are specialized products that MicroSolv manufactures or sources specifically for individual customers. These products may involve longer lead times, minimum order quantities, and strict policies regarding cancellation and returns.
Understanding these conditions ensures smooth purchasing workflows and prevents unexpected issues.
