OOAK definition

[Former_Member]

I am having trouble deciding whether to list my items as OOAK. Most of them are, for now, but I could probably go and get the same fabric again and make another item at a later date that is the same as something currently for sale. Does that make sense? Anyone have an answer?
Thanks, Sarah

[SewMuchFabric2010]

I made quite a few ooak items and lived to regret it. Sometimes you find something that sells really, really well and if you say it's ooak, I really don't think you can make another one later, but that's just my opinion.

[Former_Member]

I am not sure... for me my items are OOAK since even though the idea its the same it would not look exactly the same because it is not a 100% copy. Material would be different, some plus or minus... I really don't know what OOAK will mean to others.

[Former_Member]

it would be a little misleading though seeing as it would not really be one of a kind.

[Former_Member]

I definitely say that my items are OOAK as I do not mass produce anything nor can I. So many of my items are pieced together with new and vintage items. Some pieces might look similar at some point, but never identical.
I have offered custom orders on some of my hair clips though should a bride want them for her bridal party.

[Former_Member]

If it is one of a kind that let it be.
If it is an original design that's readily available to make another then say so.

Stop using OOAK it is worn out here on etsy.

I like and use T.O.O.













The Only One..............my philosophy for every thing I create. My promise and I'm sticking to it. My customer deserve at least that.

[wildwomanbeads]

I think this depends on whether or not you intend to mass produce or reproduce some of your items. I could certainly make a similar piece of jewelry but it's highly unlikely I'd be able to get all the same components as an earlier piece, even if I wanted to. So nothing would be identical to an earlier piece, although it could have a similar look.

I don't claim everything I make is one of a kind. I use that term when there's a component I can't find again or can't afford again (the price of sterling and gold rising so high that some components are now out of reach). So if I know there's only one set of beads like that, or only one pendant like that (especially if I made it), I have integrity about calling it OOAK.

But if I struck on a design that looked successful and I wanted to keep producing it for wider sales, I wouldn't use that term even if I was the original designer.

I think we have to be honest with ourselves when we use the term. If we plan to create more of the same, even not exactly the same, it doesn't really qualify as OOAK. But if this is a one-time-only product, it sure does.

[wildwomanbeads]

Forgot to day I like crudeco's TOO term! Great idea.

[Former_Member]

I like the concept of TOO. I design my own fabric so I use the term OOAK to mean that you can't find the print anywhere else.

[Former_Member]

IF you type in the tool bar above OOAK............................I bet you get more pages than you have time to surf thru'

People want to sell, they'll do anything to create a vib to hit those tags. And unfortunately OOAK is so over used to describe the most ordinary items.
Don't you want to stand out above the rest?

[Former_Member]

i agree the term ooak is way overused... i really like the concept of t.o.o., but to be honest, the first thing that comes to mind when i hear that is tigger ("the most wonderful thing about tiggers is i'm the only one!")... i dunno, maybe i've just been working in pediatrics for too long, so that's where my mind goes... anyway, i prefer to just describe things as unique or original...

[Former_Member]

OOAK by definition is One of a Kind.

That means it is the only piece as it stands that looks like it does.

Identical means a replica of something else or original design. Either way more than one.

If you are going to make something that's original in its design and makeup then mark it as such. If you are going to use the same materials make the design different enough to be recognized as it's own design or as part of a series.

Take Alexander McQueen and his awesome tartan clothing collection. All his designs are unique but built upon a theme. Collection.

Reproduced for others? Not one of a kind.

Hope Diamond? OOAK. Mae West? OOAK. Hearst Castle? OOAK.

If you reproduce it then it's not one of a kind by definition.

Human race? Collection. Individuals? One of a Kind.

Abstract idea but you get the gist ;)

[Former_Member]

All of my jewelry is sort of one of a kind, but I won't ever label it that way. Not because I don't want them to seem like they're unique (they are, afterall) but some of the designs I really like and can't promise that if I can find the materials I wouldn't make another one like it.
I can at least promise that the pieces I sell aren't mass produced and the chances of running into someone with the exact same necklace will be one in billions :)

[Former_Member]

@ashley, that's a good perspective to come from.

I think as customers browse your shop they'll see that too.

[Former_Member]

I would only use OOAK if it is just that, I make one and no more.

[Former_Member]

If you want customers to know that you may make another item like the one listed, then use the term "limited edition". (or say nothing) If the item doesn't sell after a while then maybe change the term to "one of a kind" and retire the design after that.

[Former_Member]

LOL - Stephanie ♥ your definitions.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone. I'll stick with staying away from OOAK as I have been.
Sarah