Does Made to Order make you leave?

[Former_Member]

Hi Friends,

I just posted a new listing in my shop today and listed it as made to order. This item is done with a lot of TLC and is time consuming so I want to be sure the sale is in place before I go through that process.
My question to you is, does Made to order make you want to go some place else for your shopping? Is it a turn off to see Made to Order on an item or is this beneficial knowing your item would be ooak and well made just for you?

Thanks!
Alana

[Former_Member]

To be honest I slowly started turning my earring items to made to order. That way I could change my earring hooks to hypoallergenic. But I noticed that I no longer get visitors or feedback for earrings.

[Former_Member]

It depends on how long it will take to be made. I've seen some shops that have made-to-order items that say it will take a couple weeks to process, and that's not including shipping time. In your case, I saw the made-to-order Christmas ring you just posted, and you have in the description that it will take 48 hours to ship. That will not turn me away at all, since that's pretty quick shipping to me! :]

[MoonlightDesigns2]

I haven't used that option myself so not sure how well it would be received by buyers. Worth a try though! I use to make everything OOAK until I started getting requests to repeat some items that had sold....so I will repeat popular earrings, pendants, necklaces when I can...it is better to make a sale to me than have none. I admit it is hard sometimes to create what buyers want if it is something I have made over and over but that's just good business.

[BubbleCitySoap]

I guess it really depends on how long it takes to make or how fast the buyer needs the item. All my items are made to order (I dont have a choice as the buyer chooses scent and color). I have lost a couple sells as some people waits until the last minute to order.

[InspiredJewelryShop]

If an item is made to order I check shop policies and announcements and anything I can read to see how long it will take to make and get shipped. I would rather buy something thats already MADE if I need it soon but if its something that I dont need right away then I dont care if its made to order or not.

[DingandKennie]

I do made to order tiems and clearly state my turnaround times. Usually I get the items out quicker than stated and always let the buyers know when it will be mailed. Nobody has seemed to mind waiting an extra day or 2 for a custom item.

[Former_Member]

It depends on what kind of item it is for me. If it's a dress that will take weeks to make and ship that might turn me away....unless I really want it enough to wait! I saw a response a couple posts down that said 48 hours to make and ship, and that to me is reasonable.

I am also a seller whose items are made to order, in my case I make essential oil massage blends and sprays. I have it in my policies section that items will be shipped within 2 days of purchase. Maybe I should state that in the product description as well?

[Former_Member]

My entire shop is made to order. If I'm in a rush I'd prefer something that was not. And if I'm not in a rush, it doesn't matter! :o)

[Exaltation]

Hi! This is a great question. I don't have an answer, except that I certainly hope not!! Every single item in my shop is made to order.

I find it works great for me as a seller because each thing is made especially for the person ordering it, to her specifications. They can be completely customized and personalized with the style, size, color, etc that a person chooses, and she can know that it was made with care, just for her, to be the only one like it in the world. Of course a lot of customers just want it to look exactly the way it does in the photos, and that's fine, too.

But I also find it's great because it cuts down on the amount of inventory I have. I wanted to create a business that was fully portable and travel friendly, and I have! :)

I know this doesn't really answer your question, from a customers perspective, but I can tell you that I have yet to hear from someone for whom this method has been a turn-off.

[Former_Member]

No, of course not. There are some items that simply must be made to order. I'm in a group with a lot of seamstresses, for example, who do custom dresses for brides and such - these are standard for them.

I think that pretty much is normal for custom listings, right?

[ColorStyleDesign]

Alana - I love your shop and all the incredibly cute, well thought out items. Your things are so quirky and cool. I would be happy to have a made to order item from your shop. I don't think it turns anyone away but my suggestion is to see how it goes for a few more days and then relist your items as is without the "made to order" description. See how it goes - play around and see what works. I have one item in my shop that needs to be "personalized" with a specific name and that item always gets a lot of views and I sell it quite frequently too. I do realize that there is a difference between your description and personalized. Good luck - hope this helps.

[Former_Member]

It doesn't bother me, usually. Even if there is a 2-3 week lead time, I'm down with that. However, I did see a 6-8 week lead time in one shop the other day, and for me that was totally a turn-off. I don't want to have to wait months to receive a purchase, even if it is made just for me.

[artangel]

As long it's clear how long the item will take to make/ship it wouldn't put me off at all.

[Former_Member]

I would definitely emphasize quick turn around time as well. OP, I see you are already doing that so you should be fine.

I've only heard of longer lead times with large custom orders, like wedding dresses or bridesmaids dresses, for example. These obviously need additional time because it depends on the customer providing the proper measurements and whatnot.

With me, I like to get out custom orders as quickly as possible, so 3 days is the max for me, if I can help it.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone for the feedback on this!
And thanks Kendra for visiting my shop!
I will leave this item as a Made to order listing for a few days to see how it goes.
Thanks again!

[Former_Member]

So far it hasn't turned me away from buying anything. Even if it is a week or two. I'm usually not in a rush, so I'm fine waiting for someone to make a special purse, etc for me. Especially if i get to choose my own colors, designs etc. I appreciate that someone is taking their time to make this product, so it doesn't bother me at all.

With all that said if it was a really long wait like a month or so, I may not order, but I haven't seen anything like that.

[Former_Member]

All of my sales have been made to order, but I do have finished products available. All of my made-to-order products have a guarantee to ship within 4 business days of the order placement. I think this helps.

As a customer I have no problem with made to order. I am currently working with a seller on a 100% custom messenger bag, and her estimate is two months out for the finished product. This doesn't bother me because it's something I really want, It will be an original piece designed just for me, and I know her work is high quality.

[Former_Member]

I do made to order on some of my items and they sell well. I think if someone wants something badly enough they don't mind waiting a few days to get exactly what they want.

[IndigoPaisleyDesigns]

It wouldnt put me off if I am shopping for myself or for future
use, but if I am looking for a gift to give to someone
instantly, then it would make me look someplace else.
-D

[Epheriell]

Personally, not at all! Unless I'm in a rush, as some folk have mentioned.

All of my items are made-to-order, and I do okay ;)

[Former_Member]

I think it really depends if you really want this special item and it is so special, you are willing to wait for. Of course it depends on the time it takes always.

[Former_Member]

Not at all! I've bought made to order items here plenty of times, but I also am the type that shops in advance. I suppose it might be a problem if the amount of time didn't make sense for the item ordered or if I needed it in a hurry... but neither has ever been an issue.

[Former_Member]

@Mary Jane

You know, I'm so glad that someone is doing hypoallergenic earrings - I have allergies. So for you it just might work out fine, since it is quite a lot of people who can't wear brass......

[1AEON]

that is crazy, I for some reason though, that made to order means, that you made it as a custom order because some ordered it. wow. hah!