Question about custom orders

[Former_Member]

Hi,

I just recently opened up my etsy store making hand painted wooden signs. I had a contact through facebook request a custom order. Since I haven't had much experience selling, I wasn't sure if I should charge extra for custom orders.

For those of you who have had some experience, do you charge extra for custom orders?

What do you guys think?

Thanks so much!

[juliaheartfelt]

Hi Alison, I have been doing custom orders at the same price but have decided that I need to put at least another 10% on them.
I find they actually take a lot more time not only in the making but also sourcing specific products to produce the article.
Good luck!
I will be very interested in the replies you get.
Great question!

[PaperBoundLove]

Hi Alison,
For me, it depends on how specific the design is.

If I can reuse the design and list it on my shop for sale, then I normally don't charge extra for custom order.

And I really like custom orders, because they give me new ideas. But it's all up to you, of course!

- Khin x

[PennyBirchWilliams]

Yes I do charge more for custom ornaments, pendants, and paintings. It takes more time to make them. Also mine are often portraits which takes more effort to achieve a good likeness. I think most sellers charge more for custom orders and buyers probably expect that.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone. The order is for something that I can add to my shop later and I have all materials on hand so I may not charge more. But it's nice to hear what others do. This helps!

[HeritageDishes]

And make sure to get (at least) a deposit. If it's not something I generally show I'll request a deposit before I start with final payment on completion.

Send photos along the way if possible.

Be very clear as to what the end result will be. It's amazing how far apart interpretations can be as to "red" or "a splash of color" etc.

[Former_Member]

I don't charge extra, but I should. I usually don't have the specific yarn or other materials and I have to go spend more money that I was usually saving for something else.

[Former_Member]

I do not charge extra for custom orders. I love doing these orders, the contact with the buyers is so much more personal and rewarding. Also, it expands my items on my site, I list them as made to order itesm.
Have fun with your custom order!

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I don't charge extra from custom orders, but from what i have learned in the past, get something for the deposit before you make anything. I've gotten burned before by people who didn't pay and ended up loosing interest after I made their item.

[FunandBaubles]

I do not charge extra, but I do require at least 2/3 payment before I start. Make sure what you charge covers all the supplies you will have to buy, not just the ones you will use on that order. In general, I find I can add the custom item to my normal listings, and I feel like the reduced risk on my part (since I've already gotten payment) offsets the extra time I spend.

[Former_Member]

I currently don't charge extra even though they do take more time. Some of my past custom buyers have become repeat customers to it was worth the extra time. I do require full payment up front for $50 or less items and at least 1/2 up front for items over $50 (most pay up front anyway).