Custom work allowed?

[Craftychick]

Hi, I’m relatively new to the POD game, so please pardon me if this question has been asked already. I would like to know if it’s possible to accept custom work orders from customers if they message us. For example, I have posted a cat on a remembrance plaque but maybe someone wants it of their particular cat or likeness. Am I able to communicate with the customer that way and maybe even advertise that in my brief description when posting a plaque for sale? TYIA.

[PenguinPower]

Of course you are... You'd have to work it out with the customer, whether or not the person wants exclusive access to the product.. I've done custom items. I generally just reserve the right to sell them openly rather than seek extra renumeration beyond what they choose to buy. 

[Craftychick]

I’m sorry, ‘reserve the right to sell to them openly’? Does that mean aside from using Zazzle as your platform? To sell to them through using what? I don’t have my own website, I just use Zazzle and my Facebook page. Thank you.

[PenguinPower]

That means that the artwork remains mine and I can do what I like with it... 

[Cat]

You might also want to consider making products that have template images and text so the customer can replace the image or text with whatever they like - this is one of Zazzle's big selling points, the ability for customers to personalize the products instead of just buying it "as designed."

[Craftychick]

Oh sure, I understand that feature of the templates, I was referring to a portrait done by me of said pet, not their picture. I would paint it digitally. Thank you for your advice.

[Cat]

Aaaaahhhh... well, that's a different story. That's more like a commissioned piece of art than a custom design. You're absolutely allowed to do it, but you probably want to charge extra. Like @PenguinPower mentioned below, I usually only do custom designs if I can make it into a template and offer it for sale as a separate Zazzle product - but I'm only doing things like making a different product or style using my same artwork, I don't do commissioned art. 

I know there are some folks who do that sort of thing, and I think there are several options. You can charge them separately (like accept payment through PayPal or Venmo or something) or you can just publish it as a direct only product (so it's only available to them) and up your percentage so that you get paid the amount you want for doing the commissioned work. The first option is messier, but it has the advantage that you get paid before you do the work so you don't get stiffed. 

Maybe someone who does that sort of work will pipe in with what has worked for them.

[kimberlyjtilley · Accepted solution]

You can create a notice on your fb account to have commissions open for requests with how to contact you, your prices, how to go about getting the print to them; are they going to get a main file to do what they will with it or are you doing all the customization per product. Some that do customization just gives the file and washes their hands with it. Some do all the steps to getting whatever product to the customer's doorstep.

Ko-fi is a big customize art request platform.

You can create a direct purchase category on your Zazzle store, have the customers contact you via facebook and pay via paypal then just give the hidden link to them in their receipt.

You could use a file sender for the customer to pay for and receive their commissioned art, like sendowl. Alternatively if you're interested in download only, but want to be in a marketplace, seek out a handmade platform like, GoImagine or IndieMe.

Another option to consider, if you want to be the one to get the product to the customer, look into drop ship/print fulfillment companies. Mpix has good prices and they can even customize packaging with your logo, or maybe there is a local printing service in your area.

You should set up a website to have a better place for people who do not use fb to find your portfolio, contact info, and read reviews about doing business with you.

Good luck!