Selling Holsters On Forums

[Shorts]

I'm suprised at how many people don't take deposits or get paid before starting an order, I started with MC seats which were all custom items that couldn't easily be resold so I always got a deposit and I just carried that over to my holsters. But in a reality I suppose I wouldn't need a deposit on them because they'd be an easy sell and I wouldn't have as much pressure to get them done(might not be a good thing). I may reconsider my methods. But I do find it's easier for me to keep track when I know that all my orders are paid for before I start them. I'm only 2-3 weeks out though, If I were further I don't think I'd feel good about having everyones money.

I've posted pictures of my holsters in a forum and people get directed to my site if they are interested, I haven't had any issues, but I do it pretty descretlely and it doesn't come off as an advertisement.

That's exactly what I adjusted from. I didn't like having payments in my possession and I was starting to crawl up in turnaround time. Now with this email when an order is going on the table, it gives me an easy 1-2wk window.

I found I was pretty stressed having payments in my possession because my turnaround clock started as soon as I got it. And I don't like to have someone elses money and not be active on an order. Aside from keeping pressure off me, it also keeps the customer a bit more settled since they still have their money and are not "waiting" because they sent payment.

[billymac814]

That's exactly what I adjusted from. I didn't like having payments in my possession and I was starting to crawl up in turnaround time. Now with this email when an order is going on the table, it gives me an easy 1-2wk window.

I found I was pretty stressed having payments in my possession because my turnaround clock started as soon as I got it. And I don't like to have someone elses money and not be active on an order. Aside from keeping pressure off me, it also keeps the customer a bit more settled since they still have their money and are not "waiting" because they sent payment.

I think I'm going to start something similar to that. Then contact them prior to starting theirs for payment and they should have it within a week after payment. I would imagine this increases the chance they find something else first or change thier mind, but that shouldn't happen to often and realistically if they are the type of person who is willing to pay up front they won't back out.

I never really considered doing this, and still probably wouldn't make the order before I get payment for a custom item, but I like the idea of getting it when I start and not a few weeks prior.

[Shorts]

I think I'm going to start something similar to that. Then contact them prior to starting theirs for payment and they should have it within a week after payment. I would imagine this increases the chance they find something else first or change thier mind, but that shouldn't happen to often and realistically if they are the type of person who is willing to pay up front they won't back out.

I never really considered doing this, and still probably wouldn't make the order before I get payment for a custom item, but I like the idea of getting it when I start and not a few weeks prior.

Yeah, I do give them an estimated time for when their holster will be going on the table. It gives them something to think about and a reason to stay with you. I'm also discovering that it gives them time to change their orders and add on to their original plan. This is a positive in that you're upping business; a negative in that it throws all your time estimations out of whack for every customer you communicated with after them. That can put you in a crunch. But you can build in some fluff time when you mention dates. It also makes you look good when you get it done before the time frame you told them