handbags: Etsy Success: Custom Order Tips

22.10.09

Etsy Success: Custom Order Tips

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October 22, 2009

Hey there Etsy Success readers! One quick note before we get started. We'll be sending out a special edition of Etsy Success tomorrow, October 23rd, with a few offers from trusted partners. Since this is something new for Etsy Success, we would love to get your feedback on the email and offers - there will be a link to a forum thread in the email so you can tell us what you think. OK, on to today's email!

One of the great parts about buying directly from an artist or crafter is the ability to have an item made just for you. In this email I've put together a few tips to help you benefit from the custom order wants and needs of the Etsy buyer.

Grab Custom Orders
To make sure your shoppers know you are interested in fullfilling their custom requests, make sure you do the following: 1. Turn on your Alchemy settings. (Change your settings by editing your Shop Appearance page.) 2. Mention your custom work and link to sold custom transactions in your Profile, Shop Announcement or even within relevant item listings. 3. Blog, Tweet or boast about your custom orders on Facebook. Show your fans the process and finished piece!

Collecting Payment
I suggest asking the buyer to pay in full up front (either by using Alchemy or creating a reserved item listing for the buyer). Some sellers like to create a listing for a 50% deposit when the buyer places the custom order and then a second item listing for the remainder when the order is finished. Either method works, it really is up to you! Just remember to collect payment in full before you ship the item. More custom order payment discussions can be found in the Etsy Forums here.

Custom Order Snafus
Sometimes, due to the nature of creating an item that you and your buyer might have envisioned differently, you'll run into a custom order "situation". I suggest doing what you can (within reason of course) to please your buyer. Remember, a buyer who has been turned from unhappy to delighted will probably be one of your best word-of-mouth assets! However, if you've created a custom piece that can't be resold (for example, a custom portrait) you'll want to state your return policy up front (before the buyer makes the purchase). Find more great customer service tips in this blog post and I also really love the advice given in this Forum thread, Replies to Potential Buyer's Not Happy Comments.