How do you handle custom orders?

[JDsBowCreations]

I just received an inquiry for a large number of bows and was wondering how to handle this. Do you ask for 1/3, 1/2 or other amount down? Do you list all of the ordered items, or just one? The buyer would pick up the order locally so no shipping is involved.

Any suggestions would be welcome. The order is for 30 bows for a church.

[Former_Member]

I only take payment in full, some do half. It's up to you, your materials costs & if you can cover them, and if it's something you can resell if they back out. If you just take a deposit, I would make it non-refundable.

[Former_Member]

I get the full amount up front in my purse shop - I do a lot of custom bridal clutches. If for any reason they need to cancel, it's in my policies that they will get back whatever I have not spent on supplies. If I haven't ordered anything, they'll get everything back. If I've completed the order and sent it, no refunds, unless there is something I've done that's drastically wrong (that hasn't happened, yet. ;P)

[Former_Member]

Congratz on your custom order Jan! I would do a deposit too if its a big order like your so your cost is at least covered incase anything happens. And of course best of luck!! :)

[GildedXRoseXStudio]

Congrats on your big order Jan! I would take either a deposit for half or a payment in full. I've never encountered a buyer who had a problem paying for the whole thing in full before it's been worked on.

You also might want to reconsider meeting in person. I once thought this was a good idea, but then another seller had pointed out that if the transaction occurs via PayPal and you met up, you'd have no way of proving this. If the buyer wanted to be sneaky, they could definitely have the room to do so with this scenario! Not saying all buyers are bad...just a few bad eggs out there, that's all. I would just take some steps to CYA.

Good luck and congrats again! :)

[TheCrookedBobble]

I recently did a rather large custom order. I had them pay for supplies up front. Then they paid the balance when I finished their order. I'd definitely do only what your comfortable doing.

[Former_Member]

As a buyer, I've paid the full cost upfront.

[Former_Member]

@Jan
Hello,
I have no problem with face-to-face clients. I would give out a double receipt : one copy for her, one for yourself. To make it look professional "oh, i do this all the time", then sign them both YOURSELF FIRST, and then ask her to sign both copies. Say it is "for the record" because you like to keep track of everything ordered and sold and DON'T give excuses! This is a business transaction, after all! Quite simple, really, and the bad apples wouldn't have a chance to protest. If they did, you know that it may be better not to deal with them.

As for listing, make it a "custom listing" if you are selling it through etsy, that way you only pay 0.20 cents (not 30 x 0.20cents)!

[Former_Member]

If it's an item I already have available in my shop, I just make it and offer them a small discount if they order in a large quantity, but not wholesale prices (I reserve those specifically for wholesale accounts). If it is entirely custom, I would probably ask for an up-front deposit or something. I haven't had a custom order for anything different that what I already have listed in my shop, but it seems like a good idea to cover your bases!