I need your advice. I had a person who "commissioned" me to make this baby blanket in purples, yellows, greens etc., which you see above. Made in a pattern from Lion Brand that she picked out. After I completed it and let her know I was going to list it on ETSY for her to select payment to complete the transaction, she tells me she lost her job and can't afford to buy it now. Well I completely understand but now I have a baby blanket I don't need.
My question is, how do I avoid this happening in the future? Should I have asked for the money up-front? Would that have been proper? I'd like some feedback. If I was supposed to get partial payment up front, how would I have done that on ETSY? Any ideas?
Donna
9 comments:
Hmmm... don't know how to do that in Etsy, as I'm not totally familiar with how Etsy works. But, I would definitely get a partial payment up front on a commissioned item. After all, the customer requested the blanket in very specific colors, so a deposit paid up front is not at all out of the ordinary, IMHO. :O)
Lauren C. (Hutt5)
one of your friendly neighborhood testers. LOL!
either ask for payment up front or at least a non-refundable deposit. how much was she going to pay for it?
if you don't mind my asking :D
my name is branwyn, i found your blog while looking for crochet patterns, i am a follower under branwyn aka madhouse mauly
You could list a .PDF file on Etsy (call it a contract), stating that by purchasing this document you agree to whatever terms you put in it... etc. Then the fee of the document could be a deposit, or atleast the cost of the yarn.
I'm a follower, and occasional tester for you.
I don't know how etsy works, but I would at least have been paid up front for the cost of the materials, esp since it was a special order.
Judy
I agree with Ivory, and I think asking for a deposit up front is reasonable, and let them know that deposit is non refundable in case of a cancellation on their part, but you could also let them know that if item is completed either all or part of the deposit will go towards the final purchase of the item.
I would charge them the cost of the materials first and then when the product is finished charge them what you think your time was worth. On Etsy maybe you could list something that says 'custom orders' and then explain they have to pay for materials first due to issues in the past.
I'd say to get your supply money or 50% up front so you aren't stuck with the cost of the yarn. Now, I'd throw it up onto etsy and hope it sells.
Sorry you got burned. It's a beautiful blanket.
I had something similar happen to one of my friends. She had gotten a small deposit so I think the yarn ws covered , but it was a bunch of shawls which took a lot of time. I would get at least a 50% deposit, I think anyone special ordering a handmade item would understand, and even expect that.
tonyfan4ever on ravelry
I'm pretty sure you could invoice her for part of the cost through your PayPal account. That way you have part of the money upfront. You would then do a special listing for her with the balance (and an explanation in the description that the price lefts a balance and not the original cost).
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