If ordering photo blocks, would you expect a proof or not?

[SpangGangDesigns]

Hi, was needing some advice. I've done this both ways: offering proofs and not offering proofs. What's your thoughts? If ordering personalized photo blocks such as this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/116445176/5-photo-blocks-personalized-mothers-day?ref=shop_home_active , would you expect to see and approve a proof before hand?

Pros to proofs: customers like it. Have their "ok" on the exact product purchased.

Cons to proofs: (1) time consuming on my part - more files to create. (2) Extends the creation time: must wait for customer to approve before starting (and if people don't check their etsy convo or email, this can get drug out for a long time). (3)Some customers go crazy with changes, very difficult, expensive, and time consuming to make proof after proof after proof.

I want to keep my prices low and I love what I do. However, if offering proofs is the preferred way to go, any advice on how to do this proficiently?

Thanks, Erica

[LoveJewelryByJ]

I personally would want to see a proof - I would want to make sure the letters are where I would want them to be.

What if you offered one set of proofs and ONE or two corrections only?

[CharmingPrintables]

I think I would want to see a proof with something like that. You could also put a font chart on there (with your most commonly used fonts) so that people can have a say in what font you use. That way it might cut down on the number of revisions... Not sure if that would work for you, but it's just a thought!

I send a proof for all of my custom items (where customers can choose their own colors and fonts), just so they can make sure they like how it looks before I send a final file. In that email with the proof, I always say, "I include 1 round of revisions with each order, so I can make any changes at this time. Changes made after I send the final version will be charged an extra fee." Most times they don't need to make changes, but if there are any major changes I will send a "sample" to double check and then send the final version. Then at least you're giving them a cut off point so it doesn't drag on. Usually if someone is unhappy even after I send the final version, I will generally still make a change (even though I pout to my husband about how they approved the proof), just to keep them happy. But I'm sure my changes aren't nearly as time consuming as what you have to do!

I agree with Janelle, allow one or two corrections, make it clear what the cut off is, and then if they keep making revisions just let me know that extra fees may be involved. I would also put this in your policies on and your listings as well.

[Former_Member]

I would want to see a proof also. But would be fine with allowing one correction for free, then charging after that for any alterations.

[SpangGangDesigns]

I like the option of providing one proof/alteration and stating this in my listings. As for the fonts, they vary - no set font. It's quite a challenge to find letters to fit certain photos, etc. While the above listing does show all the same font, a vast majority are varying fonts as in this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/126208157/3-photo-blocks-personalized-perfect-for?ref=shop_home_active

[CharmingPrintables]

I see, that make sense. The font chart was just an idea because in some ways that could help cut down on changes. The only other thing I can suggest is showing more samples. You have 5 photos available, so I would take pictures and show other ones you've done so people can get a better feel for how theirs will come out. Or they can use it a reference, "I really like how you did X sample."

[Former_Member]

I would want to see a proof, but if it is too much for you, maybe you could put in the listing something like "proofs available upon request" just an idea.

[SpangGangDesigns]

Tasha, I like that idea :"proofs available upon request" - because some have been perfectly fine without a proof.

I'll work on adding that to my listings. Thanks everyone for your great ideas! Appreciate it, Erica

[LaLindaArtStudio]

As a buyer I would love proofs, but as a seller it might be a nightmare of endless revisions and hurry up an waits. Because some people are just like that. I link the idea of 1 revision for free.

Just as side note, as an artist if I let the customer do the revisions I probably would not be happy with the final product.