What Do Built to Order, In Stock and Preorder Mean?

Built to order means every Ella walk-in tub is assembled, jetted and tested for a specific order in Chicago. Within that, in stock means the shell and components for your exact configuration are on hand so assembly can begin right away, and preorder (or backorder) means that configuration is scheduled for a later production run. None of the three words means a finished tub is sitting on a shelf; each tub still goes through assembly, leak testing, cleaning and crating before the freight carrier is booked.

How It Works

Tub shells are made in partner factories overseas, then shipped to Chicago, where each one is inspected on arrival, fitted with its jets and pumps, filled and leak-tested, checked at the door and latches, cleaned, crated and matched against its paperwork. Stock is tracked per model, door side, therapy package and color, not by model name alone, which is why a left-door soaker can be available while the right-door version of the same model is on preorder. A preorder records your configuration and holds your place in line for the next run. Once your tub ships, a shipment confirmation with a tracking number is emailed within 24 hours. The knowledge base publishes no production or delivery timeframes; timing depends on the model, options and current stock, and the team confirms it for your specific order. The complete explanation is in in stock, built to order and preorder.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Ella walk-in tub is built to order, from the Petite to the two-seat tubs and the LayDown line; what varies is availability of a given configuration. Clearance and warehouse tubs are the exception in spirit: specific finished units sold as configured. For where the shells come from and how the Chicago steps go, see where Ella tubs are made and the build, test and pack video tour.

What to Know as an Owner

When you ask about availability, give the exact model, door side, therapy package, color and any accessories, and ask which combinations are on hand if your first choice is waiting on a run. Ordering while your configuration is available is the surest way to avoid a wait. If your bathroom will not be ready, say so when you order and ask whether shipment can be timed to your installer; the answer is agreed order by order, so ask rather than assume and tell the team as soon as your date moves. For a ticket about an order, have your order number, the configuration as written on your invoice and your installer's expected date ready. What happens between payment and delivery is laid out in order status: what happens next.

Related Guides

• Where Are Ella Walk-In Tubs Made, and What Is the Country of Origin for Customs?
• Can I Order an Ella Walk-In Tub Without a Door?

Common Questions

Want to know what is on hand? Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850.