1st custom order listing - deposit advice please!

Shop Talk
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Hello everyone. I have a crochet shawl ready to list which I would like to offer in alternative colours as a custom order. I would like to ask for a deposit just for the yarn cost but does anyone have any advice on how to go about setting a deposit payment up? Is the best way to create a listing for the deposit payment, then a later listing for the completed item? Do most people ask for a deposit on custom orders? Many thanks, Hilary

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I always ask for full payment up front, with only a percentage refundable if they change their minds. That is in the case of embroidered with names etc.

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I ask full payment upfront.

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Bespoke orders are always paid in advance, in full. They are also non-refundable.

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Get paid in full, up front.
If the customer is choosing from a list of colours that you specify then it would count as ‘made to order’ not ‘custom/ bespoke’ - if the customer requested a different colour/ yarn/ size that you haven’t listed as an option then that would be ‘custom/ bespoke’ as it is to their specific requirements. From what you have said in your post it sounds like you would be offering a ‘made to order’ option not ‘custom’. ‘Made to order’ is still subject to the usual returns/ refund policy whilst ‘custom’ isn’t.

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As the others have said, agree in detail exactly what the customer wants, then get full payment as confirmation of order. If it is a genuine order they will pay without quibble.

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I’ve just done a custom order on Etsy and they paid upfront - all went smoothly. Make sure you get all the details of the request in writing so there is a record of exactly what they ask for and make it clear that there is no (or limited) refunds on bespoke items. I also charge a slightly higher price for a ‘bespoke item’ to cover any extra costs like taking time to find custom materials or planning a new design etc.

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Thanks, this is helpful; you are right - I will be making to order from a specific list of colours from a yarn brand so it will be ‘made to order’.

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Thanks to everyone who replied, I’m really grateful for your help and will be listing my shawl with a ‘made to order’ option today.