advice on a large order

[OwlandWillows]

I'm new to Etsy and had someone convo me about doing 150 place mats that look like my coasters ..(. here they are for reference only ... http://www.etsy.com/listing/82192782/quilted-coasters-retro-turquoise-and )

I haven't made place mats but sure I can do it but my question is: if the customer wants that many items I will be out a LOT of $$$ on fabric. How can I be sure they will actually pay for them? Should I ask for a deposit? I'm really not sure I can get that much more of those fabrics and think that I quoted a price that is too cheap per item. I need advice

[GeminaeCo]

Definitely ask for a deposit. At least for materials that way if they don't pay the balance you can still sell the placemeats in your shop.

[GeminaeCo]

*placemats.

[Former_Member]

Its common to ask for a deposit of about 50%, or enough to cover the cost of materials. Also, explain to the customer that you might now have the fabric for that amount, and see if you can source something similar for her. Make sure you do your math per item and make sure you're covering your costs - including your time put into this!

[Former_Member]

Whenever I have large orders the customer always pays for them before I buy anything! I would never buy the material unless I was sure they were committed to buying them.

[OwlandWillows]

thank you for the advice!!

[JoArtyJo]

I would never make anything without full payment upfront. Treat it like anybother order, create a custom listing (with accurate price, don't sell yourself short, remember to charge for your time) and send them the link.

If and when they purchase the custom listing item from your store, then buy the materials and start making :-)

[Former_Member]

Wow, I assume they are for a wedding or other large event. I would also want payment up front of at least 50% another 25% after you order the materials and start the order and the rest when they are ready to ship.
Hope you can find the material.

[Former_Member]

I agree. Payment up-front or at least a deposit for materials. I would also explain that you need to buy the material and let them know how long it will take you to make them.

[OwlandWillows]

Well I gave a quote which I really was second guessing about being too inexpensive but I haven't heard back from them so .... maybe they thought it was too high. I don't think some people understand all of the hard work that is involved in some of the items that the artisans here on etsy put into our products.