Custom Orders - How do you handle deadbeats?

[fiberfanaticfandango]

I have just had two custom orders fall through. The customers were so effusive, so enthusiastic that I agreed to them both though I don't usually find custom order to be worth the trouble. After days and days of reminding them that their order was ready (and yes, I had followed the procedure for creating a custom order so ETSY had notified them as well) they just didn't respond. Arghhh!

Is my mistake not asking for money up front? What do other shopowners do? Thanks for your advice.

[Former_Member]

I always get paid first so I don't waste my time. If they don't respond within a reasonable time, I would list them if they are able to be sold. That stinks.

[StuckOnSilver]

I always get paid first as well. It means estimating the cost but it works for me.

[NataBurgos]

I always ask for payment upfront too.

[SageNThymeDesigns]

I'm pretty sure that Etsy policy is to make the custom order listing and then have the customer purchase it...

I cannot imagine starting on any order until full payment has been received. I make free stuff for my friends and I'm happy to make custom orders for customers. The main way you can tell that they are customers is because they made a purchase from my shop. Otherwise they're just friendly people who admire your work....

[mirrymirry]

Money up front - always.
Hope you can re-sell

[luminescetreasuresdj]

Is it against the rules to ask for a partial payment on custom orders? Curious noob here!

[VenueDecor]

I do a lot of custom orders and have never had a problem until today. After something like 44 emails between the customer and myself, including her arguing my prices, comparing my products to what she could get on Amazon, telling me she would pay for the order but not until . . . I cancelled it. Never had to do this and hope I did it right :( but I just couldn't see getting into shipping (which is expensive because our items are heavy and fragile) and then wanting a refund or more changes. Ugh.

[fiberfanaticfandango]

Thank you for all your good input. I think that I will start asking for that payment up front. Fortunately I think the denim gloves will sell. They were always popular before. I just got tired of putting in all the time on them.

Got sucked in by all the flattery.

Oh, and both customers were new to ETSY - had never made a purchase before. You would think I would have noticed that red flag.

[Former_Member]

Just remember that its not an order until you have the money in your account. Until then its simply an inquiry.

I have many many inquiries each day and I work out all the details via convo and then list the item. If the item is not paid for within the agreed time frame, it gets deactivated and a note sent to the prospective customer to let me know when they actually do plan on making the purchase.

[fishcouple]

I've always asked the potential clients to pay for the custom order listings before working on them.

[Former_Member]

Usually I can sell the custom orders as normal items but custom orders under 20€ have to be paid upfront, above 20€ the half needs to be paid upfront, the other after completion.

[Former_Member]

"Is my mistake not asking for money up front?"

Yes.

It sucks, but it wasn't an order until they paid. You learned a (hopefully inexpensive) lesson that it's not an order until they have made a purchase.

Each seller has their own policies regarding whether this is in full or partial, but not having an actual transaction to fall back on means you have no protection as a seller if they simply just walk away, like your potential customer might have done.