# Etsy Custom Order Responses

**YOUR SHOP:**
Handmade wooden signs and home decor

**TYPICAL PRICE RANGE:**
$45-150 per piece

---

## SCENARIO 1: Simple Personalization Request

**Buyer Message:**
Hi! I love your Family Name sign. Can you make one that says The Johnsons - Est. 2019 instead of the example text?

**Your Response:**
```
Hi! Thank you so much for reaching out—I would love to make a custom Family Name sign for the Johnsons!

Just to confirm the details:

Text: The Johnsons - Est. 2019
Size: Same as listing (18 x 6 inches)?
Colors: White text on walnut stain (like the photo)?

If all that looks right, I will create a custom listing for you at the same price as shown ($65). 

Timeline: I can have it ready to ship within 5-7 business days.

Let me know if you want any changes to size or colors, and I will adjust the quote accordingly!

Thanks,
[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Confirms details to avoid misunderstandings
- Uses clear formatting for clarity
- States price upfront (no surprise)
- Sets timeline expectation
- Opens door for upsells (size/color changes)

---

## SCENARIO 2: Vague Custom Request

**Buyer Message:**
I need a custom sign for my mom birthday. Can you help?

**Your Response:**
```
Hi! I would love to help create something special for your mom birthday!

To give you an accurate quote, I have a few questions:

1. What type of sign? (Welcome sign, name sign, quote sign, etc.)
2. What text/wording? (Her name, a quote, family names?)
3. Size preference? (Small 12 inch, Medium 18 inch, Large 24 inch?)
4. Style/colors? (Rustic, modern, farmhouse? Any color preferences?)
5. When do you need it by? (I typically need 7-10 days for custom work)

If you are not sure, feel free to browse my shop for inspiration and let me know which styles catch your eye. I am happy to suggest ideas once I know more about your mom!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Does not commit before understanding scope
- Structured questions get clear answers
- Mentions timeline early
- Offers to help brainstorm (builds relationship)
- Professional but warm

---

## SCENARIO 3: Complex Custom/Commission

**Buyer Message:**
I want a completely custom design - a mountain scene with our family name and coordinates of where we got engaged. I have a rough sketch I can send. What would this cost?

**Your Response:**
```
Hi! What a beautiful idea—that sounds like a really meaningful piece!

For fully custom designs like this, here is how I typically work:

Step 1: Design Brief
You share your sketch and details (family name, coordinates, size preference). I review and ask any clarifying questions.

Step 2: Quote
Based on complexity, I provide a firm quote. For reference, fully custom pieces with original artwork typically range from $120-200 depending on size and detail.

Step 3: Design Approval
I create a digital mockup for your approval before cutting any wood. One round of revisions is included.

Step 4: Production
Once approved, I make your piece. Typical turnaround is 10-14 days for custom designs.

Step 5: Delivery
I ship with tracking and photos of the finished piece before it goes out.

To get started, please send:
- Your sketch or reference images
- Exact text (family name, coordinates)
- Preferred size (I recommend 24 x 12 inches for detailed scenes)
- Any color preferences

Once I see your vision, I will send a detailed quote within 24 hours.

Excited to see what you have in mind!

[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Sets clear process expectations
- Gives price range without committing
- Includes revision policy
- Asks for specifics before quoting
- Professional, organized, confident

---

## SCENARIO 4: Bulk/Wholesale Inquiry

**Buyer Message:**
We are having a company retreat and need 35 small signs as gifts for our team. Each would have their name on it. What kind of discount can you offer?

**Your Response:**
```
Hi! Thanks for thinking of me for your company retreat—what a thoughtful gift idea!

I would love to help with this. Here is how bulk orders typically work:

Pricing for 35 pieces:
- My standard small sign (8 x 4 inches) is $35 each
- For 35 units, I can offer 20% off: $28 each = $980 total
- This includes personalization with each team member name

What I need from you:
- A list of the 35 names (Excel or typed list works great)
- Design preference (I will send 2-3 options to choose from)
- Deadline (when is your retreat?)

Timeline:
- I need at least 3 weeks lead time for bulk orders
- Rush orders (under 2 weeks) have a 25% rush fee

Process:
1. You approve design mockup
2. 50% deposit to start production
3. Remaining 50% before shipping
4. I ship all pieces together with individual wrapping if needed

Would you like me to send some design options to get started? Let me know your retreat date and I will confirm I can meet your timeline.

Thanks!
[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Clear pricing structure
- Discount is specific and clear
- Timeline and rush fees stated upfront
- Payment terms protect the seller
- Asks for commitment (retreat date)

---

## SCENARIO 5: Price Negotiation

**Buyer Message:**
I love the design but $85 is a bit more than I wanted to spend. Would you take $60?

**Your Response (Option A - Offer Alternative):**
```
Hi! Thanks for your interest in the piece!

I totally understand budget considerations. Here are a few options:

Option 1: Smaller Size ($55)
I can make the same design in 12 inch instead of 18 inch—same quality, just more compact.

Option 2: Simpler Version ($65)
I can simplify the design (fewer details/colors) to reduce production time.

Option 3: Original as Listed ($85)
The full 18 inch piece with all the details shown.

Which option appeals to you most? I am happy to create a custom listing for whichever works best.

Thanks!
[Your Name]
```

**Your Response (Option B - Hold Price):**
```
Hi! Thank you so much for your interest!

I appreciate you sharing your budget. Unfortunately, $85 is my best price for this piece—it reflects about 4 hours of handwork plus quality materials.

What I can offer:
- Free gift wrapping if this is for a special occasion
- 10% off your next order if you decide to purchase

If the budget is firm, I do have some smaller pieces in the $45-60 range that might work. Happy to point you to those if helpful!

Let me know what works best for you.

[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Does not just say no
- Offers alternatives that protect margins
- Explains pricing rationale briefly
- Leaves door open
- No guilt trip

---

## SCENARIO 6: Unrealistic Request

**Buyer Message:**
I need 10 custom signs by Friday. Is that possible? (Today is Tuesday)

**Your Response:**
```
Hi! Thanks for reaching out!

I wish I could make Friday work, but I want to be honest with you: 10 custom pieces in 3 days is not realistic if you want the quality I am known for. Each sign takes 2-3 hours of handwork, and I want your order to be perfect.

Here is what I can do:

Option 1: Rush Order (Earliest Possible)
- I can have all 10 ready by next Wednesday
- This includes a 30% rush fee
- Total: $X with expedited shipping

Option 2: Partial Delivery
- I can have 3-4 signs ready by Friday
- Remaining 6-7 signs ship Monday
- Rush fee for the first batch only

Option 3: Standard Timeline
- All 10 ready in 10-12 days
- No rush fee, standard pricing

I know Friday was your goal—would any of these alternatives work for your needs? If this is for an event, sometimes a preview piece with the rest to follow can work well.

Let me know and I will do my best to help!

[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Honest without being negative
- Explains why (quality)
- Offers multiple alternatives
- Shows flexibility within boundaries
- Does not just say impossible

---

## SCENARIO 7: Follow-Up After Quote

**Situation:** You sent a quote 3 days ago, no response

**Your Follow-Up:**
```
Hi!

Just checking in on the custom sign quote I sent a few days ago. I wanted to make sure it did not get lost in your messages!

Quick recap:
- Item description
- Price
- Timeline

No pressure at all—I know custom purchases take some thought. If you have any questions or want to adjust anything, I am happy to help.

If you have decided to go a different direction, no worries! Just let me know so I can close out the custom listing.

Hope to hear from you!
[Your Name]
```

**Why This Works:**
- Friendly, not pushy
- Recaps key details
- Gives them an easy out
- Creates soft urgency

---

## CUSTOM ORDER PRICING GUIDE

| Request Type | Pricing Approach |
|--------------|------------------|
| Simple text change | Same as listing price |
| Color/size variation | Base price +/- adjustment |
| Personalization (names, dates) | +$5-15 per item |
| Design modification | +25-50% depending on complexity |
| Fully custom design | Time estimate x hourly rate ($25-50/hr) |
| Bulk orders (10+) | 10-20% discount |
| Bulk orders (25+) | 15-25% discount |
| Rush orders | +25-50% rush fee |

---

## SCOPE PROTECTION CHECKLIST

Before confirming any custom order:

- Exact text/wording confirmed in writing
- Size specified
- Colors/materials agreed
- Price quoted and accepted
- Timeline stated
- Revision policy mentioned
- Payment terms clear (deposit for large orders)

---

## RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR

| Red Flag | How to Handle |
|----------|---------------|
| Asks for discount before seeing work | Politely hold your price |
| Vague requirements, resists giving details | Keep asking until clear |
| Unrealistic deadline | Be honest, offer alternatives |
| Comparing to Amazon/mass-produced prices | Explain handmade value |
| Asks for free sample/mockup | Offer paid design deposit |
| Excessive back-and-forth before purchase | Set a decision deadline |