Custom order image

[lemontoes]

I was just wondering what others do about the image for a custom order. My custom orders are unlikely to be anything I have done before, which means there won't be a photo of the painting until after I have finished it. On my last custom order I just put a random photo in thinking I would be able to change it for the actual painting once I had finished it. This isn't possible. It just seems a shame not to be able to show the finished piece.

[Former_Member]

I usually put a photo of finished item - but I see lots of people use a standard pic which just says reserved or something. Can you not just edit and delete the photo you put in and exchange it for the new one of finished item? Otherwise perhaps a pic which just says reserved for x

[lemontoes]

Helen....there does not seem to be a facility to change the picture once it has been sold. I think I will have to do the reserved thing...I'd just prefer that customers could see the actual painting in the sold listing

[Former_Member]

I often sell custom orders before they are completed so I use a generic image that I created from another product image from my shop:

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/162702810?

[BlackCatStudio98]

I use the same pic that is in my banner, and I added the words "custom listing". I just made it yesterday. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/179006717/custom-listing-for-paula?ref=shop_home_active_1

[PopItWhenShePops]

Most of the items I sell are personalized, and therefore it wouldn't be appropriate to show an actual photo.

So, keep in mind I'm shooting from the hip based on YOUR scenario - I wonder if you could set up the listing as a 'new item' (under the main setting, list new item). Use a generic starter photo. When the custom painting is complete, edit the listing to add the new photo, and change the order of pics? Or, can you not edit the listing once the listing is sold?

Alternatively, when I create a new design for someone, I almost always will list the design (altering any personal info) once it's sold. In other words, could you take a photo of the custom painting and list it stating in the listing that this is an actual photo of an item that has already sold. There may be slight variations of the newly purchased painting, or something like that?

Good luck. I really stumbled on getting my point across. Maybe too close to bedtime to be offering advice, haha!

(Na-nite!)

[BlackCatStudio98]

Can you use a generic pic for the listing and then send them an image of the completed painting in a convo?

[KiltedWoman]

I typically use a custom listing image I got off of google images. This tends to cut down on people accidently buying a listing meant for someone else. I also post my custom orders on Facebook in an album so fans can see.

I usually don't have the customer pay up front unless it is something big. This way I can convo them a picture, they approve it, I add the pictures to a custom listing and send them the link to purchase.

[Former_Member]

I think it would be great to add another photo once the listing has sold. I sometimes have custom listings that are a bit different to my usual style and since being burnt I have to take payment upfront now. I generally use a generic image now, but it would be great to show the finished item for potential customers to see.

[lemontoes]

Thanks for all the replies.

Margaux...I think I will have to use a reserved or custom pic...which I have done in the past.

Mae....I think I know what you mean. I could use the pics to advertise that I do custom orders. It is worth thinking about

Amy ...I do send an image to the customer.....it is just that no-one else gets to see it.
Kilted woman...I take a deposit.....which means I have to do the order as two separate listings.....I'm wondering if I didn't list the second until after the painting is finished?...mmm..that might work.

Sarah ...I agree it is a shame that the finished article cannot be seen by prospective customers. My last two custom orders have been for larger paintings. I don't have anything similar in my shop as they are specific to the customer.

[CatherineMarissa]

For items that can be customized, I use a picture of a similar item in the listing. So, if your necklace can have the words & colored gems of your choice, I would show a sample with my words & gems and then offer options for customization.

If someone wants to place a custom order and I don't have a similar item photo, I use a pic of my bench (in it's unnaturally clean state) in the reserved listing:
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/178645561