Custom Order Pricing

[TheSwoonPaperCo]

Hi!

I've been creating customized stationery for quite a while, but I am fairly new to the Etsy community. I'm starting to receive custom order requests and I'm curious how other stationery makers price these orders? In the past, I've charged the typical amount for the cards, plus a $25 custom order fee. Does this seem reasonable? I'm just curious how other designers handle these types of orders.

Thanks for any/all advice!

Sarah
Dapper Prints

[Former_Member]

Thanks for posting this question. I'm curious as well.

[Former_Member]

Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Customization should have a price tag on it because of the extra back and forth service provided to the customer. As long as the customer knows upfront about it, it should be fine. That said, I'm pretty new too (only 1 sale so far). Perhaps more established shops have the overhead to build customization into their pricing...? but a lot of the shops I've seen do charge a nominal fee for customization.

BTW, congrats on the number of sales for the time you've been open! Any tips on how to get more views?

[ModernPinkPaper]

I dont charge extra for custom orders. I currently don't have enough sales to do that, so I offer that service for free. Gives me a better edge I guess

[Former_Member]

So far, my custom cards are double the price of my pre-designed cards. That will vary, give or take.

Pre-designed cards are done and done. I can price them knowing each design will sell as is, multiple times.

Custom designs are made from scratch, plus communication, plus (most importantly) it's possible I can't resell the design to anyone else.

By charging more for customized work, you are putting value on your time and talent.

And it can really be a lot of fun! You'll likely enjoy the process, which will inspire you to go the extra mile for the customer. That should give you the confidence to say, "This is how much I charge", because you know how much MORE they'll be getting from you.

[TheSwoonPaperCo]

Thanks for all of the feedback!

Yes, Naava, I couldn't agree more! I spend quite a bit of time creating custom orders and, as you said, a "custom order customer" requires a great deal more than an "ready-to-print." I love ALL of my customers, but with two little boys, I value my time a great deal. I think it only reasonable to charge a fee for the time it takes to make a from-scratch design! And, I like your approach, i.e. doubling the cost of the cards instead of charging a flat custom order fee...
I'll have to toy around with that concept.

Again, thanks to all. I know you all understand how wonderful it is to do what we do and I appreciate your feedback!

Sarah