Reserve problems - Advice?

[TigersandDragons]

What would you do if you had a potential customer who asked for a reserve, then changed their mind...a few week later asked for another reserve on a different item and changed their mind again? I'm asking because I'm a little irritated, and want to decide what to do if this person contacts me in the future....for yet another reserve.

Every other reserve I've done has worked out, but I don't want to waste time and hold an item that could sell to someone else. Trying to think of a diplomatic response for this person. They are also a demanding, and send multiple convos. if I don't respond within an hour.

[sockysocks]

Maybe you need to decide on a general policy about how long you would keep something in reserve and then update your policies with this. That way if this person hasn't bought the items within x number of days you can convo them to draw attention to your policies and to advise them that you are going to cancel the reservation and list for the item for general sale.

I can't think why someone would reserve something and then not buy it within a few days, so I wouldn't give them too long to make up their mind!

Good luck!

[ClosetGothic]

Yes, I agree. Set a time limit for a reserve, maybe 3 days to a week? Most reserve listings work well but some are just naturally indecisive people and its best not to give them too much time to dilly-dally!

[Former_Member]

If its a higher priced item, I'll gladly reserve it on the 'layaway' plan. The buyer puts down a non-refundable deposit before the item is held, and its only held for a very limited time.

If full payment isn't made within that time period, the deposit is forfeited.

[lilwillowvintage]

I usually only reserve an item that is ready to ship on rare occasions and only for 24 or 48 hrs.

[SallyAnnaBoutique]

I always think I am going to reserve an item for a few days but I had one item on reserve for weeks. The sale eventually went through. However, it might be a good idea to put a time limit on this particular customer.
Recently a customer asked me to make a scarf similar to one she had lost. I made about 5 to give her a choice and we had many convos. When I sent all the pictures.....never heard from her again! So..I always make things with the idea that I can list them and I don't count on the sale till it actually goes through. Online selling can be very fickle!

[TigersandDragons]

Well it worked out, they bought it 5 minutes before the deadline. However, I have a very strong suspicion that this buyer regularly asks for holds from several shops at the same time, and then makes up their mind and picks one.

I know what you mean Sally Anna, we've done some custom work and there were a few times where we did graphic design and sent many convos. back and forth and then there was no order! It took a lot of time and effort, and these were designs that we weren't interested in etching for our line. So I'm thinking that in the future, customers will have to pay a design fee up front. Sometimes customers provide their own art, and usually that requires little graphic design on our part, but when we have to start from scratch...