Reserved Listing Question

[denisemcguire]

If someone agrees to purchase, and you put up a reserved listing for them - and then they sort of 'disappear' - how long do you leave it up for?

[Former_Member]

I had one I left up for a month. If I had something that I sold frequently, I sure wouldn't leave it that long. Maybe 1-2 weeks. ? Maybe put it in shop policies how long you will hold a reserved listing. I think that's what I'm going to go do right now. For my jewelry shop I think 2 weeks will work. Thanks for bringing up the question!

[Former_Member]

Yeah it is a good question, I've wondered that before. You don't want to appear pushy, but also want to be able to offer the item to other possible buyers too.

Thanks Denise it's a good one :o)

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

Though I regularly violate my own policy I give 48 hours for new customers and a month for returning customer. It is all easier if you tell the customer time limits at the time of reserve.

[denisemcguire]

Great! Thank you! I need to update my policies to include this for sure. Sometimes I know the person is buying in a week or whatever, or I know that the person is actually adding to her order - so no issue. I just don't like having them sitting there. Partly because I'd love to have the sale - and it's a reminder that I don't! LOL! Partly because some of my supplies are limited (like discontinued papers) and I don't like holding them for someone for too long. And partly because it requires taking up a spot on my front page...prime real estate!

Hmmm. That's a lot of parts...

I appreciate the suggestions - as always! :)

[Former_Member]

I've only had one 'reserved' listing, and thankfully she purchased within 2 hours. But I was super nervous, and wondering the same thing! It didn't occur to me to put something in my policies about it! I like the 48 hour rule (unless they mention they can't purchase right away). I may throw that in my policies! Great question, thanks for all the answers!

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

No matter how long you are in business you will always find yourself chasing a sale. The reserve process plays right into this feeling. By giving time limits it prevents you from being hung up

[Former_Member]

I reserve the item for 48 hours for the customer. I feel that is fair to both them and myself. If they need to wait for a paycheck, I usually push it to the day after they get paid and then turn em loose.

[Former_Member]

I once made a special listing for a custom item, and after about 2 days the customer hadn't made the purchase and I hadn't heard from them.

I sent them a message saying that I was removing the custom listing from my shop (I "deactivated" it) and that they had one week to let me know if they wanted the item, and if they did I would put it back up. They messaged me back several days later saying they had changed their minds and didn't want the item anymore. Good thing I was waiting for the transaction before starting the item!

[ashleynchl]

I wouldn't leave it up any longer than 2 days.