Prepayment for custom order?

[Former_Member]

What do you do when a customer orders an custom item and then disappears?
Do you think that a prepayment of half of the cost is a bad idea?

[Former_Member]

I have them pay in advance. If it is extremely large amount of money, I will break it up.

[Former_Member]

This recently almost happened to me, but fortunately the buyer reappeared! I spoke with other sellers, and it sounds like a 50% down payment (of the item's price) is standard. This is what I plan on doing in the future. I hope this works out for you!

[DingandKennie]

I always have them pay in advance and then I start the work.

[Former_Member]

If someone request a custom order, it's always a good idea to at least get some kind of deposit amount. Less likely to run.

[GshockModLab]

How do you actually make them pay in advance if they buy from a listing that is active on your shop?

[Former_Member]

For custom orders, I take 50% down and the rest upon finishing. Websites are a little different and if it's a Facebook Fan page or banner/logo, I take full payment up front!

But my husband has a Art Shop here on Etsy and for Custom orders he takes 50% down and the rest before he ships it, seems to work for almost 2 years now!

Jessica

[Emariecreations]

Because my prices aren't that expensive to start with, I will usually have the customer pay the full amount ahead of time. If the order is larger than I would suggest having them pay half before you start making it, then the other half once the item is done.

[Former_Member]

Same as Samantha.

[Former_Member]

I have them pay in full. They don't seem to mind. My largest custom order was just under $30. If it was a large order - over $50 - I would consider accepting a 50% non-refundable deposit.

[Former_Member]

My entire shop is custom and my customers pay 100% up front. The highest priced item in my shop is $100...

[Former_Member]

I require payments for custom orders in advance, but my customs are generally size and color specific tutus.
Anything personalized I defiantly get upfront payment so I don't have unsellable items taking up space and end up out the cost + my time

[Former_Member]

All the custom orders I had was based on items available in my shop (wanted different color or amount of items or names and so...), If someone wanted the item currently in the shop they would pay all the amount in order to make this purchase happen...what is the difference in custom order?
I ask for all the amount up front and don't start working on the order before that. (and so far it was OK with all the customers).

[BeMyBee]

I make a reserved listing for them so they can purchase the item and I can get started (and buy the supplies needed!). I've noticed some customers ask for a quote and then disappear only to return a few weeks later and say they are still interested. Hopefully this will be the case for you. Goodluck!

[Former_Member]

Most of my sales in my graphic design shop were custom orders and those we all prepaid. Same with this shop.

Bricks and Mortar businesses always require at least a deposit for custom orders of any kind.

Prepayments and deposits help the buyer stay committed and not make impulse buys and then walk away.

[PearlesPainting]

I take payment in full for all custom orders. You know they are serious when you get paid in full.
I wont start anything unless I am paid first.

[artbylisi]

All of my items are made to order so I take payment up front. But of course, if they aren't happy when they receive it, they can return items for a full refund.

[aprilisforever]

I haven't done custom orders online yet but I think I would do what Marcia suggests and create a reserved listing. I would certainly want to cover the cost of materials before I started if nothing else.

[MythOfTheWild]

As a buyer, to be honest, if I were to -request- a custom order, I would expect to have to pay at least half of the fee, if not all of it up front. That might just be me. I don't know. I don't like to waste people's time by requesting something. Plus, if you don't pay them upfront, the seller might keep putting it off or not do it at all.

As a seller, I would say request -at least- 50% up front. That way, if the custom order actually turned out to take less time and materials than you had originally thought, you can lower the final payment appropriately. Or if you're having a sale, you could be generous and alter the final payment so that it fits with it,

[Untwistedsister]

If it's only a matter of changing the metal say from silver to gold, I would get payment in full. If it's a total custom design then I would get final approval before even creating the invoice for someone. But I'm in a unique situation - most of my items can either be sold to another buyer or I can send the precious metals off to the refinery to be used again in a worst case scenario.

[Former_Member]

Depends on the item, but I have them pay up front. My custom orders are small (think $20 bucks or less even) so there is no problem asking for the money before making the item.

I've seen with some that make clothing (like wedding dresses, for example) who ask for 50% at order and 50% prior to delivery. It really depends on what you are selling but asking for payment prior to making the custom order is pretty reasonable.

And at least you know they can't disappear on you if they paid for the item and will want to see it through.

[Former_Member]

I just had that happen. I work with women in rural Colombia and a woman from California custom ordered a bag from them - $68. I sent the order and they set to work. The customer was chatting with me on and off for a few days, and then the bag was sent to New York where I'm based which costs loads from Colombia... and when I emailed her to tell her it's ready, she just disappeared off the face of the earth. It set it up for her as a reserve listing for a week and nothing. So I wasn't very happy about that. I don't think there's anything wrong with making people pay in advance.

[HeirloomsbyElisabeth]

I've only had a custom order on the buyer side. I was buying a VERY CUSTOMIZED wedding cake topper that would have been nearly impossible to sell to anyone else. I was SHOCKED that she didn't ask for a deposit on the $75 item. I must have asked her 5x when I should send her the money. She did a beautiful job and I was more than thrilled.

Don't be afraid to ask for a deposit. The buyer is EXPECTING to pay upfront.

[InspiredJewelryShop]

Custom orders always have to be prepaid for in my shop to avoid people just leaving. And when the item is done if they want a picture of it then let them see if and make whatever changes they want to it.

[WrappedToPerfection]

Pay in full up front BEFORE starting the order!