We make and keep On Hand a limited number items in limited color and size combinations (the most popular ones). They are labeled "Stocked" and are typically ready to ship immediately. With unlimited funding and no regard for the environment we could make and stock all the products in ALL the possible size and color combinations, even if someone never buys them. That would be incredibly expensive, wasteful, and bad for the environment. Therefore, Made to Order (MTO) is waiting to make a reasonably popular size and color combination until there's a specific buyer for it. Because it's fairly popular, this can usually be returned for a refund and quickly resold to someone else. No waste, no loss. Custom and Made to Measure are either altered specifically to one particular customer or made with such unique, personalized style and color choices as to appeal to only that one customer. And when a customer knows exactly what they need and want, it won't matter if it's a final sale, because they are very happy with it. =)