Adding customization to existing product, duplicates, titles

[SpiralGiftsPlus]

Years ago, I created some pride flag designs of various types. I didn't think to allow customization. I sold a few.

Now I'm back, and I'm trying to decide the best way to improve them. Some of my questions are:

1) I think I read that Z doesn't like duplicates. If that is correct, exactly what is considered a duplicate? 

2) If a product might be desired by some customers with personalization or text, do you create one of each so that they don't have to delete the customization?  Example: a flag that says "Chicago" or a plain flag. 

2) If I go to the old design with no template field, edit design, and add a template field, that will create a new product with the existing title, description, etc. Any recommendations on whether to add "custom", "customizable" or  "personalize" to the title of the product?  I know Z is all about customization but I also see a lot of products that don't indicate they are customizable. 

Thanks so much, I've seen that there are many helpful designers (oops, creators) on the forums!

Sera

https://www.zazzle.com/store/thefaefay

[Barbara · Accepted solution]

You're right, Zazzle doesn't want duplicates. As for templates, I often give the instruction when creating them that the person can edit to change or delete if no text is desired. That way, the template is there for those who want it but still removable for those who don't.

I believe that using customizable/personalize is unnecessary since that's what Zazzle is all about and what they stress on the site and in their ads. You're better off using that space for words that might help the product be found when a customer searches.

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[SpiralGiftsPlus]

Thank you! I just checked out your daguerreotype card and saw how you use the text labels to give short instructions (Edit if you like). I use meaningful labels, but never thought of putting instructions in there.

Sera

[Barbara]

In turn, I need to thank the person who clued me into it. 🙂

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