Some products in our catalog are manufactured on demand rather than stocked in our warehouse. These items are marked "Build to Order" on the product page and have a longer lead time than our standard inventory.
Build-to-order items typically take up to 90 days to ship after you place your order. Many arrive sooner, but we quote the longer window so you can plan accordingly. You'll see the "Build to Order" label on any product page where this applies.
How It Works
Build-to-order products follow a slightly different process than items we ship from our Rochester, NY warehouse.
Place Your Order
Order the product through our website just like any other item. Your full order amount is charged at the time of purchase.
Manufacturer Builds It
We send the order to the manufacturer, who produces the item on demand. Most build-to-order products come from our manufacturing partners and are built to the same specifications as our stocked inventory.
We Receive and Ship
Once the product arrives at our facility, we inspect it and ship it to you at the shipping method you selected at checkout.
We Keep You Informed
If there's a production delay beyond the estimated timeline, we'll contact you directly and give you the option to keep or cancel your order.
Why We Offer Build-to-Order
Our catalog includes over 9,000 products. We stock the majority of them in our warehouse for same- or next-day shipping. But some items — particularly specialized equipment, less common glassware sizes, and certain demonstration apparatus — are produced in smaller quantities by our manufacturing partners.
Rather than not carry these products at all, we offer them as build-to-order so you still have access to the full range of what our manufacturers produce. The product quality is the same. The lead time is just longer.
Common Questions
How Long Does a Build-to-Order Item Take?
Most build-to-order items ship within 60 to 90 days. Some arrive sooner depending on the product and current production schedules. The estimated lead time is noted on the product page.
When Am I Charged?
You are charged the full order amount at the time you place the order.
Can I Cancel a Build-to-Order Item?
Yes. If you change your mind at any point before the item ships, contact us and we'll cancel your order for a full refund.
What If There's a Production Delay?
If your order is going to take longer than the estimated timeline, we'll contact you directly. You'll have the option to wait for the item or cancel for a full refund.
What If the Product Has Been Discontinued?
In rare cases, a manufacturer may discontinue a product after it's listed on our site. If that happens, we'll let you know and either offer a suitable replacement or cancel your order for a full refund.
How Do I Know If a Product Is Build-to-Order?
Build-to-order products are clearly labeled on the product page. If you're unsure about an item's availability or lead time, contact us and we'll check for you.
Can I Combine Build-to-Order and In-Stock Items in the Same Order?
Yes. In-stock items will ship on our normal timeline. Build-to-order items will ship separately once they arrive at our facility.
Questions About a Build-to-Order Product?
If you need to check lead times, ask about alternatives, or have questions about a specific product, our team can help.
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST