Custom Order Question

[eaststreettins]

I need the help of team members fo this wonderful team. I was contacted by a potential customer to create 2 new items for her. I quoted her a price and she wants to go through with the order. My question is: should I list the items so she can pay for them now, although they won't be shipped until made or should I make them and then list them? Just wondering? How do other shops deal with this?

Thanks in advance
Betsy

[TinyHeadsThreads]

I do not begin work on a custom order until the item is paid for. The forums are full of horror stories!
Create a custom order for your customer. Use a generic photo or use the word custom and your logo or something like that. I have heard of items being purchased by others when the actual photo of the custom order is used.
Good Luck

[izyandoly]

Congratulations on your custom order!

I always receive payment first. Then I create the order, ship and close the order. I have a reserved for... photo that I will use in the listing and then add a picture of the fabric, etc if necessary or available. I just try to be very clear in the listing exactly what the custom item is that has been agreed upon.

[kidsstore]

Definitely have at least half (non-refundable) down to cover the cost of the materials. That's what I do for large orders, and smaller orders are completely paid for before I ever buy the materials or start the project. Also, be sure to put custom in your title and in your description. PayPal and Etsy won't make you issue a refund on custom orders, but it needs to specify that it is custom work.

Before you post the listing for it, be sure to update your policies regarding custom orders. You might want to read policies from other sellers who do custom work for some ideas.

Also, search for Custom Orders in the discussion threads of this team and the Questions forum team to see issues and suggestions regarding custom orders. Most custom orders are great, but there are some with problems. It is wise to educate yourself (by reading the trials and errors of others) before you commit yourself and your customer. The most important thing for a successful transaction is great communication between your customer and yourself, especially with custom orders. Good luck

[SageNThymeDesigns]

I only make custom items once payment, in full, has been received. I create a reserved listing with all the relevant information outlined in the listing itself, so it serves as an "agreement" of sorts- you agree that this is what you are buying when you purchase the listing.

I would not ever make a custom order without having payment in full. If it's a really expensive item then chances are the materials are either expensive or it's very time consuming. Either way, I don't want to make something without payment. These people are your customers, not your friends. Customers pay for their purchases, by definition.
I second what others have said about updating your Policies. You may want to check out the Policies from other shops for reference. I would look at other shops in the same market as you, with high sales.

[Former_Member]

I usually have a discussion about what they want and once we have agreed, I turn the convo into a custom listing and then make it. I do not send it until it has been paid. But, if for some reason they do not go ahead with the purchase, I can always list it in my shop. the custom work I do is more related to color and not size or name specific.

[eaststreettins]

Thanks for all of the advice, you have been most helpful.