"Mark as Shipped" button

[cutterstone]

I am a new DC user and really excited about that. I don't have a problem with Etsy holding my funds. But....I just found out that down payment transactions are not allowed by Etsy. We don't do a terrible amount of custom orders, but our first DC order (that came before our account was even verified) is a down payment for a custom order. My question is: I don't have a problem waiting a week or 2 until the item is complete and shipped, but what does hitting the "mark as shipped" button actually do? I mean I can hit the button and that doesn't really mean I shipped the item. Does it ask for a valid tracking number? I also would like to hear if anyone has found a different way to deal with custom orders/down payments with DC. Same thing with layaway/payment plans that the Etsy community does but doesn't sound like it is Etsy legal. Thank you for all your input in advance!

[Former_Member]

I wonder the same thing, I have quite a few items that are made to order and somtimes I just don't have the money to buy the supplies until they are purchased

[Former_Member]

It just puts the order into your completed orders and frees up your money (after it clears). However it also shows as "shipped" to your customer.

I just found out that downpayments for partial orders are not allowed here - apparently they never have been. So the issue isn't just with direct checkout, it's with Etsy's terms in general. I've been here since 2005 and I had no idea. I'll find the conversation, be right back.

[Former_Member]

Here it is:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/11969/direct-checkout/discuss/10022793/page/1

[cutterstone]

Thank you for the info Helen, I had seen that thread already and I had no idea either, especially since many others are doing it. This will be my last down payment sale, all other custom orders will need to be paid in full up front per Etsy's requirements. I was just wondering how the "Mark as Shipped" button actually worked, thinking maybe I had to put in a valid tracking number...and then the second payment would need a different tracking number. I know that right now the tracking numbers are optional, but anybody can hit a shipped button and still not ship their goods. Seems a little vague to me. Otherwise, I think this option will work really good for us! Good luck to everyone in your sales!

[OriginalsbyLauren]

no need for tracking number, I think etsy is still working on a plan for custom sales that go through direct checkout

[Former_Member]

I think distinct listing options could be an idea. A listing option, for instance, a ready to ship vs. a custom/made to order transaction. Based on how we list an item determines how much money is released after 3 days.

This would probably require etsy to place a time frame within which orders had to be completed and marked as shipped, but at least it would free up, let's say, at least 50% of the funds to get started and as good faith. I'm anxious to see how this works out. I know it's a major issue.

[Former_Member]

Apparently it sounds like no matter how you work it whether paypal, direct checkout, or even a money order, it is against policy to take deposits. So, I am also thinking it must be against policy to do layaway and take payments on an item. I can see their reasoning to a point, but this is not really the ideal way for us to operate our business. I welcome and encourage layaways, and considered it a better customer service.

[ClaycrazyPottery]

Here is my thoughts on handling custom orders...
I am wondering if there is a way to split up a custom order, so that you can ship out the "custom request consultation document" and then when it is done have a second listing for the shipping fee. Been tossing this around in my head since this came up. Just like a while ago, I think someone on one of my teams paid for a custom stamp and they charged a design fee with a listing.

[MadMamaMiller]

I have been wondering about this, too. If a custom order should take longer than, say, two weeks, it would be good to be able to access the funds from etsy in order to help out with the cost of materials.

ClaycrazyPottery, I like the possibility of a customer paying a design fee on a custom order. Is that allowable now?

[Former_Member]

A listing just for a design fee would be against TOUs because it's making one purchase contingent upon the purchase of another item. You wouldn't sell just the designing time. And you couldn't sell the item itself without design time.

I think Etsy is very much aware of this problem and is working on a solution to make direct checkout work for custom items.

[OriginalsbyLauren]

OP in this case, you could wait until it is done and then mark both listings shipped if you want.

I always get 100% up front on custom orders, but mine ship within a week so buyers don't mind. I can see where there would be a problem with a shop that does mostly custom work and has a longer turn around time than I do.