Standing order

A standing order is an instruction for a supplier to deliver goods repeatedly according to an agreed schedule. In purchasing, it often covers regular quantities of consumables or other recurring requirements and should define how changes and cancellations are handled.

The instruction normally defines the product, quantity, delivery frequency and start date, with a process for pauses or amendments. It can simplify routine replenishment but does not automatically adapt to changing demand. Buyers still need to monitor accumulated stock, seasonal changes and price adjustments rather than letting the schedule continue unchecked.

For example, a café may arrange delivery of ten cases of cups every Monday. A standing order suits that predictable pattern; a call-off order lets the buyer choose each release separately. Here the term describes recurring goods supply, not a bank instruction for recurring payments.