In stock items vs. made to order

[Former_Member]

Hi guys!

I've been asking myself this question recently...
I've made my very 1st proto of a quiet book which sold within about 12hours!!!
I was really thrilled, and got so many great comments about it, I'm planning to make some...But since this item was kinda time consuming to make, I'm wondering if:

1) I should wait until I have one completely finish to list it as an "in stock" item
2) I should try to relist the one that I've already sold as a "made to order" item (but I'd have to explain that hand stitched details can be slightly different from pictures...and also that the woven fabric patterns can be different since I've used to fabric scraps (from the quilting I'm doing for my daughter!) to make this very first quiet book)

A friend brought the idea of the made to order item, because that's what she does for most of her items now...so she doesn't invest to much time & money in items she might get stuck with. I think this idea is not bad, I was simply looking for some input to help me take a decision! :)

Thank you all!

[Former_Member]

I do both - I have custom order items and ready to ship items. At this point, my custom items outsell my ready to ship about four to one. Go for it! Most people understand that with handmade, details will be different. I always send progress photos, so my brides know what they're getting.

[CopperLeafStudios]

made to order can be great if you can turn your items around in a reasonable timeframe. My "made to order" items typically ship in 3 days, and I use Priority Mail, so most customers receive their items within a week. So they barely notice a difference between those and my "ready to ship" items. But if your things take weeks or more to make, you may want to stick with in stock items, unless you are doing something personalized where your customer would expect the delay.

[ThekawaiiOD]

Once I sell something I usually re-list it as "made to order" I would just put in the details how things will be different ect. I say something like "it will be made just for you" that always make people feel special.

[Former_Member]

I do re-list as a "made to order" as well and I give a time frame I'm comfortable with.

[Former_Member]

My clutches can take up to a couple of months, depending on how big the order is and how many other orders I've got lined up. So far, no complaints. My brides so far have been great to work with.

[Former_Member]

I would say go ahead and make a "made to order" listing, and in the meantime you can work on one. When it is done, make a listing for the finished one, and add the photos to the "made to order" listing as well, so customers can see how one book varies from another. Some ppl might prefer to choose the "made to order" listing so that they can have input on the book, like if they love certain colors or something, while other ppl would rather just purchase "ready to ship". But congrats on selling your book so quickly, that's awesome!!!

[designbcb]

I started out with in stock but moved to made to order last year and that has really worked well but since I have to make something in order to photograph it and sell it and because I also do craft shows, I do have a lot of stock so I am starting a category in my shop for 'ready to ship' for those items i have in stock.

[Former_Member]

I think "made to order" is a great idea, especially if you're willing to customize it more for the person purchasing, as they may likely ask at some point. I've done well with a small number of custom orders.

[Former_Member]

Amber from ThekawaiiOD says
Once I sell something I usually re-list it as "made to order" I would just put in the details how things will be different ect.
___________

I do this, too, and it's worked well, so far. I only worry about getting more orders than I can handle, but if that happens, I will just have to edit my lead times, I think.

[Former_Member]

I do most things made to order! And it works fine, the only thing is that this year for the holidays I will make sure to do the ties and scarves in advance.

[Untwistedsister]

When I sell something that I can reproduce or that needs customization (size, etc) I list it as 'made to order'. Sometimes I have one made and then I just edit the listing or create an additional one.

I think it's fine as long as you are very clear about the time it takes to produce the made to order in the listing. Alot of people don't even read and figure if it goes into the cart you must have one on hand.

[Former_Member]

Thanks to all of you for your answer! It's really helpful!

I guess I should give it a go! :)

[Former_Member]

I do made to order once the original has sold...I just make a note that states that it will be made to order & thus pattern placement may vary slightly.