Am I going to get paid?

[Former_Member]

About a month ago a friend of a friend came over to look through my journals, because her's was ruined. She seemed very picky, and we talked for HOURS about what she wanted and what I could do. Finally she decided that she wanted two journals, one for herself, one as a gift, both custom made. We settled on a price and I said I would list it for her.

*Crickets*

She didn't pay for it immediately, but that was ok. She said she'd pay for it when she got paid. I said ok. Now that it's closer to when her friend leaves, I messaged her to confirm she'd pay on the 18th. She says, very nonchalantly, that we'll "only worry about his" and that she'll pay for his on the 18th. But the problem is that I listed them as one, and I just want this to be over and done with! My shop title isn't a joke. I really do need the money, and I've spent money and time on her. Luckily I haven't actually made the journals yet because I said I needed a guaranteed sale first, but how do I tell her that I need to be paid for them both without losing the one sale?

[Former_Member]

I think that business are business and friends are friends, you have to separete things and act as if was with a normal buyer that you dont know.
As you said its not a joke, your work is for real, so you have to be the first one to give lots of value for it and make people realize this too.
I would ask her to be paid, explain that its about a personalized orders and you cant go ahead without a payment, I'm sure if she is really a serious person she wont take bad and she will understand you.

[Former_Member]

Ah, mixing friends and business - so risky, but virtually inevitable. I think you've already got it worked out what to say: paraphrasing what you've written above...

"You know, I haven't actually made them yet, and I'd hate to lose the sale, but I listed the two journals as one item and need to be paid for both at once. My shop title really isn't a joke - this is making my rent. I'm sure you understand."

[Former_Member]

Thank you for that. I think I'll message her, and while remaining polite, tell her that I need to be paid for both.

Do you ever get that feeling in your stomach at the beginning of a custom order that tells you that this is going to be a long-drawn-out, drama-filled transaction that's not really going to end satisfactorily? If that happens, do you run for the hills or try to get through it?

[Former_Member]

to be honest, i guess i'm lucky ...
I never had a buyer that take long to pay, always when i see the order, is already paid and available in my paypal account.

[Former_Member]

There have been times that a custom order has made me cringe. Especially when I'm at craft shows and people say things like "I want this bag in this fabric" and I have a feeling they will forget about this order the second they walk away. I always give them my info and tell them to think about it for a day or so and then get back with me and I would be more than happy to do a custom order for them. 9 times out of 10 then never contact me and I'm happy I didn't get my hopes up and start making something that would never have been paid for.

In your situation, besides the listing fee I'm not sure how much money you'd be out if your friend didn't pay because you haven't made the journals. If you don't want it to be drawn out I would just suggest telling your friend the same thing many people have in their policies. That if payment isn't received after X hours/days than the order is cancelled. I know that sounds a bit harsh but your friend isn't abiding by the friend rules anyway.

[WildWildernessPhotos]

I had someone I know mentioned wanting multiple card sets, only to eventually buy 1. I usually don't do, "custom card orders" but because this is someone close to me, I spent the extra money to make the cards. Sighhhh, guess we can't force people to buy things, but yeh its aggravating. Not doing that again.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I took a look at your shop and it is lovely. I like the journals you have there.
I actually agree with on that stomach feeling.... I think if a buyer just buys it without asking anything, they are mostly likely going to be happy about it. And if a buyer asks details about the product before they purchase it, it is more likely they are going to have a problem later on( but not always true). Sometimes if a buyer convos me and asks questions, I usually hope that they don't buy it......
This is a very delicate situation you have... I try not to mix friends with customers because of this. But since this already happened, I think you should treat her as a normal buyer and try to explain the situation to her and let her know that even she's a friend's friend, she should follow the policy of your shop and pay for it.

[Former_Member]

I completely understand your dilemma. Here is what I would do...

Send your friend an email or call her up and say something to the effect of: "sure, no problem! I will change the custom listing to reflect that you're only ordering one journal now." If she says: "wait, I still want one for me," then you can tell her to let you know when she can pay (right away) and you will re-list the custom order for her to purchase again.

Here's the thing... I have lots of friends who love to window shop when they see what I make. Many do end up to be paying customers. But most who say they plan to buy, don't. I don't take it seriously... or personally.

As for custom orders, I actually charge a small added fee for them. Because they always end up taking a little more time, and sometimes more resources. In your case, it might also discourage friends (with no intention to pay) from giving you their orders and not following through. I will say it was smart of you to not create the journals until she paid. :)

Editing your listing, or even cancelling it all-together, is not a problem for Etsy... they still get their listing fee. You can change the price and description to reflect the change of order. And you can't "make" her pay for both if she is not able. Just edit it to one journal for him and put hers on the back burner.

PS: $44 bucks for two handmade custom leather journals is a STEAL!

[Former_Member]

A social-worker friend told me years ago, "Always listen to your tummy." Your tummy knows when something isn't right, and you need to get out before going further, in the firmest and kindest way you can. thetinybird is right - state right up front in your Policies that you expect payment within three days of the sale, or the sale will be cancelled. Then point demurrers to the policy statement and say, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is my business policy."

As for those craft show custom orders, that's one of the things Etsy's great for! Point out your Etsy shop on your card as you give it to them, and tell them you take custom orders only through Etsy. Yes, you'll lose a cut to PayPal and/or to Etsy, but with pre-payment policy in place you won't waste time and materials on someone else's wishful thinking.

[marybethhale]

here is another take on it...I know you need the money, and you really want the sales, but you could change her custom listing to one journal and then add a separate listing for the second journal if she still wants it. It will only cost you .20 and it could save you from losing her sale altogether.
However, she has said she would like to buy and spent hours of your time choosing, but she hasn't actually pushed the "buy" button yet, and you haven't made them yet. She may have changed her mind....I wouldn't count on her buying, nor would I pursue her to purchase. You make very lovely journals. It could be a blessing in disguise if she doesn't purchase, she could possibly end up being difficult as someone else mentioned. Also, this is not personal, you sound very sweet and sincere, but it can put customers off if you sound needy for the income.

[HopscotchCouture]

It is frustrating to get the ball rolling on a custom order, come up with ideas and then hear nothing. I just keep going on the order and put it in my shop to sell to someone else. It just gives me that, guess you missed out and look how fabulous it came out satisfaction. Then I move on to the next, gasp, custom order. Oh what I would pay for a working crystal ball.