Short answer: a made-to-order product is made after your order is confirmed, so you can set size, finish and artwork; a stock product is made before a buyer is known, so you choose from what exists. ArtzFolio makes products for you, and does not describe its range as a ready-to-ship stock catalogue.
Two definitions, two sources
Made to order (build to order): items are made only after a customer's order is confirmed (Wikipedia, Made to order). Make to stock, by contrast, makes goods before a buyer has been identified, with volumes set by past demand (Wikipedia, Build to order). Build to order suits heavily customised or low-volume goods; its main drawback is that the maker is exposed to swings in demand.
What it means when you buy
| Question | Made to order | Stock | How ArtzFolio works |
|---|---|---|---|
| When it is made | After the order is confirmed | Before a buyer is known, from past demand | Each order is made for you after a brief; the approved sample is the reference |
| What you can change | Size, finish and artwork can be set per order | Little: you choose from what exists | Sizes beyond the published lists, colours beyond the six standard colours, artwork and pack |
| Risk for the maker | Exposed to swings in demand (Wikipedia, Build to order) | Holds stock that may not sell | Not described on the site |
| Suited to | Customised or low-volume goods (Wikipedia, Build to order) | Items with steady, predictable demand | Own-label ranges made to your brief |
| How the standard size list helps | A known list to plan from | The list is the catalogue | Standard sizes are published so you can plan a range before you enquire; each order is still made to your brief |
ArtzFolio does not describe its range as a ready-to-ship stock catalogue: the product is made for you.
Six questions to ask any supplier
- [ ] Is this item made after my order, or taken from stock?
- [ ] If it is stock, can I change the size, colour, label or pack?
- [ ] If it is made to order, what do I approve before the run?
- [ ] Is the standard size list a menu, or a limit?
- [ ] What is written in the quote about samples?
- [ ] Who holds the reference once I approve a sample?
Start an enquiry when your list is ready; we reply within 1 business day, with questions or a quote.
Sources: Wikipedia: Made to order [V95-PL1-WIKI-MTO]; Wikipedia: Build to order [V95-PL1-WIKI-BTO]; sample vs production run [V95-PL1-SVP]; for retailers [V95-PL1-RET]. As of 2026-11-12. Terms are typical and are confirmed in your written quote.