Off the shelf Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3No Waiting Indicates you can buy something and take it home immediately. I needed a phone today, so I got an off the shelf model. Pro Tip 2/3Common Choice Suggests the item is not unique and is readily available to everyone. They decorated their office with off the shelf artwork. Pro Tip 3/3No Customization Implies the product comes as it is, with no special alterations or additions. The software was off the shelf, so we couldn't request any changes.