So what do you do when you've set up a custom listing for someone, only to have someone else buy it right out from under them?? I just had this happen and I'm not sure what to do about it......
I do what some others have suggested, I have a similar avatar that says "reserved" that I'll put up instead of a photo of the item. I haven't had any issues doing it that way.
I also usually give the person a few days to purchase. If someone else had purchased the item, I would probably have mentioned that it was reserved for another customer but offer to make one for them if the materials were available.
The good news is, OP, that whatever special size you created is obviously one that is in demand! :)
As a supplier only, many of my Japanese textiles are "one of a kind" . Probably 20% of listings are "reserved" for regular customers - some "special order"
in two years I've only had one reserved listing purchased by another buyer. Turned out that she was new to Etsy and didn't understand my procedures. While in the process of contacting her she realized her mistake and contacted me. We agreed on another item so all turned out well. She is now a repeat customer. A bit of additional time for both of us straightening it out but worth the hassle.
Taking reserves is a personal choice for each shop with the potential of someone jumping in. If you don't want the bother don't do it. Personally I have found that by giving customers time to leasurely shop is a huge benefit for both of us and adds many loyal buyers over time. I have NEVER had a reserved item refused.
If someone bought a reserved item and I could not make a second, I would cancel the order and convo and email the person who tried to buy it to explain things. Things put on reserve are not for whoever gets them first...it's the whole point of reserving the listing in the first place, especially if a down payment has been made.
Most of my custom order customers take 1-3 days to purchase their listing. Sometime people go out of town for the weekend or whatever. I like to be a bit flexible. More than a week is not cool though.
