Reserving for a customer

[VintageLoretto]

A customer messaged me today saying they could not purchase two items as my shipping would not allow it.  The customer lives in CA.

I looked up both items and Etsy says they are in someone's cart.  (I often see this and it means nothing.)

I suggested that I could put the items in reserve for the customer.  Now I cannot see how to do this operation.  

Please give me directions on how to put an item in reserve for a customer.  Thank you!!

[Former_Member]

You just edit the listing and add RESERVED to the title and to the top of the description.

[VintageLoretto]

Thank you!!

[Former_Member]

I usually add the buyer's initial.  RESERVED FOR C.

In the description I'll add something along the lines of RESERVED FOR C. UNTIL 4/29.  PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE.

[PurityGems]

nothing stopping them from still buying it. I would raise the prize temporarily and tell the client you will put the price back when they are ready. That's what I've always done. Once someone did actually buy one that was on reserve for 3 times the regular price. I guess that was payday for me 

[MarjVintageTouch]

First word of the title is RESERVED.  Direct your customer to Add it in cart.  You can then adjust the price on that cart you reserved. 

[FashionFallback]

Change the 1st photo on the listing to something generic, like a photo of your pet.  it will make the listing less enticing to other potential buyers.

[VintageLoretto]

Thank you for these great suggestions!  I so appreciate fellow Etsy sellers.  You all are what makes this place special amidst all of the other problems and challenges with Etsy.