Custom Orders: Private Listing?

[Former_Member]

Can anyone here clarify what "private listing" really means? I read the post in Etsy News about the new custom order process feature, but couldn't determine if "private listing" meant only my buyer could see and buy it, or anyone can see it but only my buyer can buy.

I like knowing people visiting my shop can see the custom orders that I create, so I'm hesitant to use the "private listing" feature.

If anyone can clarify, it would be appreciated :)

[Former_Member]

I have listed custom orders as RESERVED LISTING For......and give a deadline for purchase.... I agree that I like having those listings seen so that others know I can create something just for them as well. I have not read about the "private listing" so I am anxious to hear what others have to say.

[Former_Member]

That's how I've always done it as well, Custom/reserved listing for.... and the first line of my description for those has always been "please do not purchase unless you're soandso. If you'd like a similar product, contact me to arrange your own custom listing".

I just don't want to hide cool stuff I can make for people!

[Former_Member]

Okay so I went ahead and filled a custom order using this new process. A private listing is a listing that does not show up publicly in your shop, or even when you're logged in as the shop owner viewing your shop. You can only see it if you click on "listings", and the only other person who can see it is your custom order customer. Etsy then sends a notice to the customer that their listing is available for purchase, but I did not receive a copy of that notice.

I think I liked my own process for filling and co-ordinating custom orders, and probably won't use this service again, but I do like the way the way that a convo can be highlighted for custom order placement.

[ScrapendipityDesigns]

It won't show in your shop when it is not purchased yet, but it will show up in your solds so buyer can see your work there. I like having them private myself, but I just use a generic first pic and generally don't put too much useful in my custom listings for other buyers to go on. This is because most of my custom listings end up for sale as a regualr listing in my shop anyway. Some of my best designs started as custom requests from customers! :)

Cheers!
Rachel

[Former_Member]

How do you create a private listing? I did not know that was an option. I don't see the location of the link anywhere to create one....thank you!

[Former_Member]

Maria, In the convo thread between you and the customer you'll get a "you created a private listing" notification.

Sam, You can create a private listing from convos you have with others. I'm fairly certain the option is there if THEY initiate the convo. The option to do so is located on the upper right hand corner within the convo message. I just used this option for the first time and it's pretty neat. I love that you don't get charged the listing fee until the customer has purchased the listing, and you can track the progress of the order right through there ( I wonder if the customer can too), and you're pretty much guaranteed that no one else will accidentally purchase the listing, since only they can see it.

Like Rachel said, once it's been purchased it will show up in your sold orders. And I agree with Rachel, the best designs/ideas start as custom requests from customers!

~Felie

[Former_Member]

It remains private whilst listed but shows up in sold items apparently

[SproutsPressDesigns]

Ever since the new 'Request Custom Orders' button came along I've received more than a usual amount of custom order requests! Love it! I didn't realize it created a private listing until I started creating the listing in the convo.

I'm mixed about this as I like others seeing what I can create as a custom order. However, I've also had customers ask to use a different name because it's for a gift and they don't want the gift recipient seeing the listing. I suppose the 'private listing' fixes that. (Hopefully prospective gift-getters won't look through shops' sold items!)

I also really, really like that we're not charged the listing fee till after the item is purchased.

[Former_Member]

This is an old post but I have similar questions -- I had someone here in town that I know ask for two orders and I have them almost done. I want her to buy them through Etsy so I can get some more exposure and some reviews on my shop. Can I create a custom order by just creating a new listing with pictures with descriptions that Maria and James mentioned? Or do I have to have HER actually request it by pushing the Request a Custom Order from my shop?? Which is better?