How about a Tip Jar for Creators?

[Cat]

With the new Ambassador program, many of us are scrambling to adjust our approach and make ends meet. I was thinking that one way to lessen the blow a bit would be to provide a system where customers could leave a tip or payment that would go directly to the designer - it could be used as a way to collect compensation for custom design work, or it could simply be a way for a customer to leave a tip as a thank you for a designer.  Just a thought...

[Connie]

I think that's a wonderful idea, as long as they don't bug the customers with reminders by email. A simple tip jar in the Chat area would be great.

[MOM]

I agree with both of you. Definitely no nagging!! But a token of appreciation would be really nice (and in some cases truly earned as well).

[Mariholly]

Well, I think it's a good idea, but if they usually don't bother to leave a review, expecting them to leave a tip seems like wishful thinking.

[Badeesie]

To leave a review, they have to come back and figure out how to word things. To leave a tip, they just add something more to their cart when they're already there. Much less effort.

[wheresthekarma]

I agree, something has to be done with the custom orders. I have worked way too many hours on them and then they don't buy anything or just buy something with very low commission. 

[SweetBrie23]

I think this is an awesome suggestion! Many platforms offer some kind of donation option to their creators so it would be a nice addition to our profiles. I know my followers do ask me if these options are available and im always looking for an easier way to say yes to them. 

[CrazyMermaid]

I think customers in general are sick of being asked for tips everywhere they go. I would want the option of opting out. I am a professional designer and want people to think of me like that. Not some waif who is down on their luck and needs a helping hand. If I want more money from a job, I'll enter into a contractual relationship. 

[Pádraig]

Hi @Cat et al,

Thanks for your suggestion and sharing your opinions on this. I'll take note of this for our team to review.

All the best,

Pádraig

[chefcateringbiz]

What the heck, peeps, why aren't you charging people for design services? Custom work, and you're not charging anything? Shame on you! 1) It's the only way you can determine if someone is serious about a purchase 2) You should be paid for your time. Now, if it's one of those online helper thingamabobs that I will never, ever do simply because it doesn't pay, I suppose a tip jar would be convenient, but as we're always yawing on about how we're independent designers, then independence is achieved by charging your own private fees to customers who want you to customize pre-made designs.

[BevStuff]

I don't think a "tip jar" would be dependable. Relies too much on whim. World is full of frugal scrooges. I think a "non refundable fee" would work better. People buying stuff for celebrations, weddings, parties and so on are totally used to non-refundable fees.  When customer is putting their order into the Zazzle shopping card that higher then a certain amount, like $100, a pop up could ask "did this designer help you with custom work?" then, if "yes," the non-refundable fee for "artistic custom work" is added on. (say like $15 or $20 for first $100 and incrementally higher as $ amount is higher) It comes out of the customers pocket for custom work; not out of Zazzle's. None of it for Zazzle. It's strictly to benefit large orders of custom work. A disclaimer would have to be on in the fine print of the order form that *nonrefundable fees are nonrefundable even if order is canceled* or something.
I don't custom work myself. So just an idea for those who work hard who do.