Managing Orders from Received to Delivered: A 5-Stage Guide for Indian Vendors

Why Custom Jobs Get Delayed

Unlike off-the-shelf retail products, custom orders involve multi-step production. A custom furniture maker or bridal boutique often juggles 30 to 50 active jobs simultaneously. Without a structured workflow, orders sit forgotten in one corner of the workshop until the angry customer shows up at the door.

The 5 Core Order Fulfillment Stages

1. Stage 1: Received — The customer places the order, provides specifications, and pays an initial deposit or advance.
2. Stage 2: Processing / In Production — Raw materials are allocated, cutting begins, and active workshop labor is underway.
3. Stage 3: Ready to Dispatch / Ready for Pickup — Production is finished, quality checks are completed, and the item is packaged.
4. Stage 4: Delivered — The client picks up the finished item or delivery is completed, and remaining balance is collected.
5. Stage 5: Returned / Cancelled — Handled cleanly in case of customer adjustments or cancellations.

Customizing Stages to Match Your Craft

With Stellar Forge Orders, you can rename these stages to fit your exact trade (e.g., 'Measurement Taken' → 'Trial Pending' → 'Final Alteration' → 'Ready') and add up to two extra stages.