Process for down payment?

[Former_Member]

Anybody know how to sell with a down payment? I'm assuming it's allowed.....

[Former_Member]

I think you mean 'layaway' which is done quite often; or requiring a fee prior to starting custom work; both would require working out a 'payment plan' with a potential customer, for this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/118275300/nutcracker-gown-sizes-8-10-12-14
I would say $16. down & $10 a week until paid for, and for each scheduled payment you would create a custom listing for that order, and would ship once the product is completed & paid for

[GrammaticalArt]

You can set up a deposit listing. It will then apply to their future full order!

[JJMaslinsArtDesigns]

Hello Natalie,

What would be the best way to set up a deposit listing?

[Former_Member]

Thanks Nicolette and Natalie,

Actually for a custom order I would not begin production until fully paid....this request is for a vintage item.

If I set up a listing for a deposit, then do I set up another listing for the balance? Do I take the item off my shop pages immediately? What if the buyer changes her mind, does she get back the deposit? I can't find any information about this in the Help area.....!

[GrammaticalArt]

What I've done in the past is this:
- Determine what sort of deposit you would like to guarantee the custom idea / draft work and if you would need it to be non-refundable.
- Discuss the expectations for custom work, a deposit to get started, and whether or not the deposit would be refundable.
- Set up a listing for the deposit with the terms outlined specifically in the listing.
- After the idea is agreed upon, you could set up a listing for the remaining balance. Again, specify if it'll be refundable or not (my guess is not).
OR
You could set up a custom listing where they pay for everything up front before work starts that is non-refundable. I have done both depending on the complexity of the work involved.

[Former_Member]

Natalie, it's not custom work. It's just a vintage item that the customer wants to put aside with a deposit and pay for later.

Is that allowed?

[GrammaticalArt]

Sorry for not clearly understanding! As long as all of the payments are through Etsy (and not split between Etsy and a private transaction - could be viewed as fee avoidance that way), you are fine! You could still do a custom listing for the deposit reserving the item. You'll have to decide with the buyer when the next payments will occur.

You need to decide whether that deposit is refundable or not. For me, I personally would make it refundable during a specific window of time as you haven't sent it yet. It's tough though because you're taking your piece off of the market for you. Make sure it makes sense for you!