Custom orders- Pay before or after

[Former_Member]

I'm beginner to take custom orders in my shop. I work back and forth with the potential buyer to get the exact look for the item they are looking for, then I like to have payment in full before I begin working on it, It makes me feel more secure that my investment is actually going to pay off.

I was just curious what you guys do if you take custom orders as well?
Pay before or after the work is completed, any input is greatly appreciated.

[ShabbyRoad]

I used to do custom orders at my other shop but not anymore. I asked for 15% down for some of the materials as really I knew if they didn't like it, I could sell right away. That never happened but it could.

It's totally up to you how you feel. Many ask for 50% some 100%.
))

[Former_Member]

My policy is 100% up front and I state in my policies that there are no returns on custom items.

[Former_Member]

I take custom orders and have done so for many years now. I require at least 50% deposit before I even start the work to cover at least part of the costs.

Depending on the item, I'll request additional payments as the work is done. Again, this will depend on the complexity of the item.

I do NOT allow any returns on custom orders.

Since most of my custom pieces are wearables, I take the time to work with the buyer in selecting the right yarn for the project. This can (and most often does) involve me sending out swatches of various yarns to the buyer so that they can get the 'touch and feel' of various yarns.

Even with custom orders with a deposit, there are still people who don't complete the purchase.

This particular piece
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32060907/crocheted-womans-heirloom-fisherman
was a custom order (outside of Etsy) where the buyer gave me 75% down and, selected the patterns and once it was finished, never replied to my phone calls or my emails.

[Former_Member]

I've only done one custom request so far and had asked for a deposit while also telling him the projected price. He paid the full instead on his insistence. I think it depends on your process, costs and the buyer.

[Former_Member]

I can't believe someone would pay for 75% of an item and then disappear. That is so weird.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the input! @crochet gal, I guess things worked out for the best, strange as it may be, at least you got most of the money, and now have a product you can potentially sell.

I just got done reading;
http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/etsys-guide-to-custom-work-10792/
by our own Danielle, it was very helpful on the entire custom making process.

[Former_Member]

That's a great article to use as a resource. I never create a custom item without the buyer paying ahead of time. I've had over 30 custom orders within the last month and I haven't had anyone complain about this system. It saves hassle and worry, at least for me! :)

[TanjaDesign]

My first sales were custom orders. I had no feedback, so I made the items first (dresses) and asked for payment before shipping. Now I have 100% positive feedback I ak for 100% downpayment for single items orders and about 50% for multiply orders.

[Former_Member]

I only do custom orders and always require a 50% deposit up front. If the order is under $200 the payment is due in full up front. In the beginning I didn't do this all the time. After getting burned, I learned. If you take the time, you need to make sure you are protecting yourself and your work.

I do not buy any supplies or begin production until payment is received in full.

[hazelgibbs]

Some really good tips here - thank you. The Etsy Guide to Custom Orders is great too.

[GoTo]

We always get payment in full upfront.

[Former_Member]

WOW,thanks such much for this information.I've had custom orders outside of etsy and when I was finish the customer loved them a lot and still wanted a discount.I felt used because I worked so hard to source the items and made it priority and the person still wanted such a discount after I already gave it at a lower price that what I sell them for.I will never do that again.

[misskukie]

Definitely take the money up front.
I recently got asked for a custom order and stupidly didn't request payment up front, now the person is not answering my emails regarding the order!

[GoTo]

That's cruddy jamieson--often folks charge more for custom items for because of the extra time discussing details & designing as well as special material costs.

[Former_Member]

Lots of really good information you guys have given me. Custom orders usually cost me a pretty penny because 9 times out of 10 have to go out and buy something unique for the item. I'm strapped for cash as it is and don't need to go running around to buy something for them that they wont follow threw on. It has happened to me a lot in the past, even though I love making custom orders, its tricky to do over the internet.

[Former_Member]

I require 1/2 down, then 1/2 and shipping upon completion. Lately I've sent an invoice for the first 1/2. Then when I'm done I create a listing at full price w/ shipping but have a 50% off coupon code for custom orders- so when they check out they use it and just pay for the 2nd 1/2 and the shipping and everythings all good . For me it works- but of course my items don't require a huge investment. I've never had someone not happy- I try to ask a lot of questions and communicate well to make sure we're on the same page.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the great tips. I had a potential customer ask about a custom order and needed it by a certain day, so she asked if I could ship it priority. When I told her no problem, but priority shipping would cost her more, I never heard from her again.

[bstudio]

I require full payment up front with no returns on custom orders. I do not begin work until they have paid.

[Former_Member]

I updated my custom order section in my policies, anyone want to take a quick look over it and give me some advice?

"Custom orders:

I welcome custom orders. Please contact me with your ideas. I can make about anything in any color imaginable.

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.

If you have any questions about any of my items or policies, please do not hesitate to contact me."

[lilyofthevall77]

This is great info. I do some custom orders locally and wasn't sure how to charge. I am still figuring out the prices on things too. Maybe I will get some advice later on it.

[Former_Member]

I just read this thread and was inspired to post my first "custom" listing. Can you guys tell me what you think of it? These are earrings I've had several special requests on, but I hadn't thought of actually posting them that way because I'm an idiot.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71632910/custom-dragonfly-earrings

[Former_Member]

@annaleahy I love that you were inspired to make a custom listing. If I was a potential buyer I would like to know what colors you have to choose from, maybe a picture of all the colors next to each other would help me decide.

[Former_Member]

Yeah, I'm working on that. I still have to actually buy the supplies! But since I've already had requests, I needed to get a listing up so I could get paid for them.

[Former_Member]

So far, all my commissions have been through friends, so I trust them to pay and don't ask until I'm done. And if they don't pay, I can hunt them down >:D
I'm going to be more actively trying to do custom orders/commissions over the summer, and I'll probably be asking for 50 at the beginning, 50 at the end or something like that.