Is it ok to reject custom order?

[Oyeta]

Not that I dont want to make it, but because I have a very bad time management now (having a 6months old baby)

I can only sew whenever I have time and when I feel like I want to do it. So I am afraid I can't finish custom order especially with time frame. I am afraid if I don't accept custom order, people would think that it wasn't me making the purse or etsy would think so.

Any of you don't accept custom order too?

[Davs]

I don't see any custom order listings in your shop, did someone contact you to ask for one? I have turned down a few requests for commissioned paintings in the past because I didn't feel comfortable and never had any problem. I think it's better to be honest if you don't feel you are in an appropriate position to do a custom request than to do it and have it turn out bad. I really don't think anyone will think it's because you are not really making your purses. :)

[ContempoJewelry]

I've turned down several requests. Usually it's not something I have a lot of knowledge with- so it ends up taking longer than expected and I'm miserable creating it. The customer deserves better than that.

[Former_Member]

I have never turned down a custom listing...however, if I am backed up with orders, I do tell the customer the time frame to expect. For example, I had a craft show in early june, so in April and May I was busy making items for the show. So, any orders that came in May, I mentioned that I would not be able to get it sent out until the week after my craft show. Everyone was understanding and I did not have a single complaint!

[EvesLittleEarthlings]

I only accept the custom orders that I really want to do.Before becoming a toy maker I was a potter and I had a policy of NEVER accepting custom orders. They can sometimes be torture. Or, they can be an opportunity for growth and experimentation. You have to decide.

[LuluDeuxMillinery]

I think it's totally okay to say that you aren't taking any custom orders at the moment.

[Former_Member]

I love custom orders! But of course it is ok to turn someone down if you think they may be disappointed with the service. It would not be good for either customer or seller if you don't have the time at the moment.

[Former_Member]

I think if you explaining having a new baby, the person requesting the order will completely understand. I don't think you should feel bad about it, it's what you feel comfortable doing.

[Oyeta]

Davs : yes, a customer send me convo to ask and I have not answer it yet.

Thank you all for the advise, I now have the idea about custom order. I thought that it's a must to take (dont know where I got that idea from)
but yes, maybe I should try to communicate it first with her.

[Former_Member]

whatever you decide will be the right desicion for you. Always respond to any requests even if it is a polite no, instead of not responding. i have a few contacts I've made and haven't heard back, and I think less of them & their business tactics. However if you stay in good standing with people then in the future they might be a customer still.

[Former_Member]

Congrats on the baby!!!

[Former_Member]

It's your business, your life, your priorities!
You do whatever and however you want to!

Just be polite and give understandable explanation to your customer :)

have fun,
Susan

[Former_Member]

That baby will only be a baby for a short time. Just let them know WHY you are refusing a custom order and communicate with them again when you might be open to doing one.

[LaurasLastDitch]

If you have someone you know on Etsy who makes similar items, maybe you could refer the buyer to someone else.

[HildesJewelry]

It`s ok to say no. It`s your shop and your time.

[LivingGlassArt]

Don't feel bad about turning down a custom request.

[Untwistedsister]

I asked 3 different vendors about making something custom for me recently - 1 is okay with it, the others didn't feel comfortable with what I was asking for or didn't have the material I wanted. No harm no foul. I appreciate more the quick response from the vendor than whether they can actually make what I want.

[Former_Member]

Custom orders aren't my fav.
Many times the customer has a grand scheme of an idea and yet can not articulate the color, size, and shape they want. ITs even worse when they're standing in your studio......"Oh, well, like this, but not that big, Oh MY that's huge, No, not that big but similar. And with this stone hanging to the side of that stone, but at an angle. With these beads, no not really try these beads. And then I want......."

UGH, its too much for me. I have done a few special orders thru' my crudeco shop here on etsy and every one has been positive. BUT in my eco shop, I've turned down many special request. You can not imagine how people want boxes shaped like their products, but they don't want you to use glue.......? Round boxes, flat rectangle boxes, 5 x 9 inch boxes, heart shaped, ovals, and cd boxes......some times its just best say "No thank you."

So sorry for the rant, just came in from mowing my half acre and its hot!

[Former_Member]

If you say you have a new baby, people will TOTALLY understand!

[Former_Member]

I have turned down a custom order - it was a large one, but with an impossible time frame. (ten days to her wedding, she decided she wanted 9 to 12 clutches for her bridesmaids - ummmmm, no).

You have to do what's right for you.