Custom Orders

[Former_Member]

I often have people contacting me for custom orders. I always finish custom orders before I list the item for the customer to purchase, but sometimes find that once I've made the item and listed it, the person never comes back to purchase it. Sometimes this leaves me with an item that I just can't find a home for, and it seems like a lot of wasted effort.

What are your thoughts on having someone pay in full upfront for a custom versus a deposit on a custom order? I can see where each could have its downfall, such as not being able to accurately estimate how much I would need to sell an item for with the upfront payment, or multiple listing fees/paypal fees for a deposit and then a final payment.

What works best for you when filling a custom order?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Here is my custom order policy from my shop:

"I would be delighted to do custom orders and I am very flexible. I have a wide range of colors of yarn, and hundreds of patterns to choose from. When discussing the custom order I will send you as many pictures of finished products that I think will fit what you are looking for, and will make sure each detail is to your liking. I will send you a quote and reserve you a listing in my shop. I will not start working until it has been paid for in full (This helps me charge you my going rate for all products in my shop, and protects me from losing out on my investment).

A final picture will be sent upon completing your custom order where we can change anything that isn't to your liking. Once shipped, custom orders cannot be returned or exchanged."

Here's a link to a discussion I started Saturday night on this topic as well, has a lot of good ideas to check out.

http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/6858876/

[Former_Member]

If it is something that I can sell to someone else, I take the chance and make the item first and (hopefully) get paid later...that way I can list the item for sale if the customer doesn't come back to buy.

If it is something personalized or difficult to sell otherwise, I would ask for the $$ upfront.

[Former_Member]

The large majority of my orders have been custom, but that's because I encourage it in my shop. I think the customer needs to pay upfront. This opinion is twofold: first, you need the money for the materials/time/postage for the item, and second, you need it for your business! I don't see a downfall in full payment upfront, I just don't. If your product is well photographed and presented (as I can see from your shop), the customer will be able to make a sound decision.
I also don't think there should be a difference in the price between your listed product and a custom order. You still spend as much time and material on either one, right?
My products are a set price, so I don't waiver. I didn't look at your prices that closely, but if you had a set price list?
I hope this was helpful!
P.S. I always send a photo before shipping and have had only had one person request changes (she didn't like the color of a doll's jacket).

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

As far as not always having a price estimate upfront, that is generally when someone asks me to create something new for them that I don't already sell. For example, someone contacted me and asked me if I could make them a plush sloth when I had never made one before. I created the item, sent them pictures and a price, and I never heard back from them again. In this case it wasn't a very big deal because I listed the Sloth and sold it in just a few days, and have even sold a couple more with the pattern I created, but it doesn't always work out that way.

[Former_Member]

All product in my shop is custom made with maybe the exception of one or two items. I expect payment in full prior to order being put in production. I won't work on an order where someone commits but doesn't pay as I can't afford to give the benefit of the doubt that they will pay after the order is completed. I state in my policies that it's a heavy revision process on all custom orders, so there is no room for mistakes. Each step is approved by the customer via pictures before moving forward. This is the best way for me because I don't want to take the chances of being burned and being stuck with customized product that I wouldn't be able to sell to someone else...

[Former_Member]

In my shop, they purchase the custom item before I begin work on it.

[Former_Member]

I have a shop and like to have a deposit to create a custom order. Most people aren't willing to throw away a 50% deposit, although I guess it depends on the prices of your items. As a shopper on Etsy too, I don't mind paying a deposit, but don't like paying in full sight unseen.

[Former_Member]

I do not do any work or order any supplies until I have a minimum of a 50% deposit. If the order is under $200 I require payment in full upfront. Every once in a while someone complains, but for the most part people understand.

If you don't know how much an item will cost to make, you should research it properly and then come back with an exact estimate.