Commissions payment

[MarpesiaAndCo]

Hi everyone!

I've just been asked for 7 of the same kind of bracelet. Everything I make is one of a kind, so all commissions have been something I can deal with when it comes to people changing their mind, but if this person does I don't want to get stuck with 7 of the same thing. When should I charge? Upon agreeing on the order? When bracelets are ready? When I'm about to start making them?

Thank you! Hope you all had fantastic weekends :)

[fishcouple]

Mine is paper, so I usually show my clients the paper patterns/colors, if we agree on it, then I'd go ahead and list it for them to place orders. If the design is not available, I usually would create a sample (like a sample box, tag or something), after we agree on that, I'd set up the listing for them to pay in full in advance.

Hope this helps. :)

[Former_Member]

I ask for payment up front. If somebody wants a pillow from my shop in a different size or a different fabric I need to order the fabric so I like to know they are serious about the purchase. So far I haven't had anyone who had a problem with that request. I just try to be very honest and upfront about the time it takes to receive the fabric from my vendor and how long I will need to complete the order so that they don't feel like I've forgotten about them. Periodic updates on progress help with this too.

[Former_Member]

We ask for payments up front. We have a pricing guide for different designs and agree a price first. Then we ask for payment before making the garment or accessory. We have been stung before unfortunately so have to do it this way unless it is for a loyal trusted customer. And we do the same as Katie giving regular updates on progress too. That way everyone knows exactly where they are.

[MarpesiaAndCo]

Thank you for answers!

Yes, 7 bracelets do take a while to make and I do need to order a few things so it would be a bit of a risk. I don't want to act in a way that isn't in line with the way other sellers act. Feedback appreciated x

[Former_Member]

Custom Orders should always be paid upfront for. I suggest you go for upfront payment for the order as it would mitigate the risk.

[ForestsOfWildflowers]

I always make a sample for approval to make sure we are all on the same page and then create the custom listing, just send them the link to their listing with a polite 'I created your listing once payment has been received I will start on production'
Congratulations though, that will be a nice order for you

[HanoverMerryMakers]

Nice to know the answer to this question, I've also wondered the best way to tackle this situation.

[ConcertinaPress]

I ask for 50% before designing, and the remainder after they're completed (I make stationery and invitations) but before I ship! Customers seem to prefer this over a full up-front payment, especially online, and I've never had anyone back out after they made the deposit.

[CloudyLeather]

I make lots of custom orders, I figure out what they want and open custom order. There's nothing wrong about %100 downpayment,

I always send pictures of the items I have crafted before shipping.

I know myself very well, when paid I turn into a bee with lots of creativity, when not paid or partially paid I'm not that motivated or my mind is not focused. I wouldnt hesitate to say this to the customer as well. It must be true for everyone.

Better be open & honest !

[SageNThymeDesigns]

I make a ton of things that are 'commissioned' and I ALWAYS have payment in full prior to beginning work. If you approached me to make something special for you it's because you liked the idea of something you saw in my shop. We can hash out all the details and put them in writing in the custom order listing. When the customer purchases the listing that's the 'contract' for our work.

[LoveAccented]

Always get payment upfront. Write up a detailed listing with photo examples or graphics or drawings.

Sent pictures for approval before shipping