Are pre-sales of soap allowed on Etsy?

[Former_Member]

I can't seem to find a definitive answer in Etsy's policies, so I'll ask here: does Etsy allow us to list soaps that are made but are curing and won't be ready to ship for 4+ weeks? If so, is there a "correct" way to do the listing? Thanks!

[HausofAriella]

I don't see why that would be any different than listing something with a production time of 4 weeks and putting that in the listing. Most of my items are made to order, so I always put the production time in there. My cake toppers take 2-3 weeks to make, and since it's such a long wait, I always email the customers when they purchase to let them know I got their order and make sure they're aware of the production time. As long as buyers know the soap won't be shipped immediately, I don't see a problem.

[Former_Member]

i agree with ariella. i believe the general rule is, any supply, handmade, or vintage item for sale. no selling of intangible items or services.
just make sure you say so in the listing.

[Former_Member]

I'm curious why would you set up a listing ahead of time like 4 weeks? Maybe 1-2 weeks would suffice. I honestly, can't wait that long so I would want a refund and go elsewhere. I would understand if it's a custom made product so I would wait.

[Former_Member]

I think it would be fine to set up the listing noting a four week wait time. If you're worried it might put some shoppers off, you could draft the listing now. Then, you could publish it in a week or two, or when the soap is done curing.

[Former_Member]

I think what she is asking is if she should list is as "ready made" or "made to order"…. Is that it? I understand how it can be confusing because it is not made to order and it is also not really ready made.
I would choose either or, but make sure the customers now the wait (put it in caps as most people just skim over the descriptions).

[Former_Member]

Thanks for everyone's input! Flavia, you're right - it's very much a grey area. The reason I would want to list the soap 4 weeks ahead of the cure date is because I use my Facebook page to show my fans soaps that are in progress, and I generate lots of interest when I show them pictures of the cut bars. I want to be able to say "this soap is available for pre-sale in my Etsy shop, and will ship in 4 weeks when it's fully cured." That way, I can (theoretically) generate more sales while interest is still high. I see other soapmakers do this all the time, but most have their own websites so it's not a problem. I just wanted to make sure I'm not violating Etsy policies.

[RunkPockDesigns]

I think your fine as long as in the end, you are selling them a handmade tangible product. It's not like they are purchasing a listing to get nothing in return, there is just a wait time like if it was a custom order. I'd be in trouble if that was the case, I can't really pre-make custom invitations, those also have a good 2-3 week turnaround time as I think quite a lot of handmade items on Etsy have at least that as well. I think you are good to go! I would even put in the listing title that it is a pre-sale for this certain soap, that it will be done and shipped at XXX approximate date, then I agree, in all caps in the description state the time it will take for the soap to be done. You many have a couple of people who don't read and purchase anyways, but there's always gotta be one of those :)