Jun 23 2008
Why Ask For Upfront Payment for Custom Work?
I’ve talked with some vendors –usually new ones– that feel awkward about doing this. It feels strange to ask for money before you have a finished item to turn over, but it’s the best way to keep from getting burned.Getting stuck with a custom ordered item can be a hassle for the seller. What if the item is a special size, odd color combination, monogrammed, or otherwise hard to sell with the rest of your work? If you’ve had to buy materials specifically for this order and the customer changes their mind, are you out of luck?
In my experience, getting at least partial upfront payment for a custom order is the best way to go. Thirty percent of the purchase price is what I require before beginning custom work. This covers the cost of materials and is non-refundable. If the buyer flakes or has to cancel for some reason, all is not lost. I may be stuck with a hard to sell item, but at least the materials didn’t strain my budget.
To avoid making this into an awkward issue, why not spell it out in your store’s policies? If it’s clearly stated on your order forms or webpage, it won’t come as a surprise and you won’t feel the need to explain it to death. Also, post what your policy is regarding a cancelled order. Putting it in writing will help to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
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