> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dishink.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Order Lifecycle

> The full status flow of an online order with automatic WhatsApp updates.

Every online order moves through a defined lifecycle. Customers receive WhatsApp updates at each stage automatically.

## Overview

| Status               | Meaning                       | Customer notification            |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Received**         | Order landed                  | Acknowledgement message          |
| **Accepted**         | Restaurant confirmed with ETA | Confirmation with ETA            |
| **Preparing**        | Kitchen started               | Update message                   |
| **Ready**            | Awaiting pickup or dispatch   | Pickup ready OR out for delivery |
| **Out for Delivery** | Rider dispatched              | Rider info + tracking            |
| **Completed**        | Delivered/collected           | Thank-you + review prompt        |
| **Rejected**         | Cannot fulfil                 | Apology + refund (if paid)       |

<Frame caption="Order lifecycle">
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dishink/images/whatsapp/lifecycle.png" alt="Lifecycle" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  Every status change is timestamped and appears in the order's audit trail.
</Note>

## Tips & best practices

<Tip>
  Set realistic ETAs. Under-promising by 5 minutes is safer than missing an over-promised time.
</Tip>

## Common mistakes

<Warning>
  Do not manually message customers with status updates. The auto-flow is already sending them — duplicates confuse.
</Warning>

## Related pages

* [Order Management](/whatsapp/order-management)
* [Delivery & Pickup](/whatsapp/delivery-pickup)
* [Auto Replies](/whatsapp/auto-replies)