Custom orders vs. Instock

[SamanthaSews]

I've been thinking about how I should stock my store. I've seen that some do custom orders & some just sell instock merchandise. But I can't decide which is better for a new WAHM business.

What are the pros & cons of each?

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[MotherMoonPads]

I think there are quite a few different factors at play here.
1. What is your product?
2. Do you have the ability to carry larger amounts of fabric to give your customers a reasonable fabric selection for customs?
3. What does your schedule look like-do you have the time it takes to devote yourself to customs to get them done within a reasonable manner?
4. Do in stock items of your product tend to sell or sit?

Personally, I don't do customs. It stresses me out to have people waiting for their products and it just takes way too much fabric needing to be kept on hand waiting to be ordered for me to be okay with it. But I am lucky that I have the ability of making enough in stock product to give my customers a reasonable selection and that in stock items tend to sell.

[SamanthaSews]

Originally Posted by MotherMoonPads I think there are quite a few different factors at play here. 1. What is your product? 2. Do you have the ability to carry larger amounts of fabric to give your customers a reasonable fabric selection for customs? 3. What does your schedule look like-do you have the time it takes to devote yourself to customs to get them done within a reasonable manner? 4. Do in stock items of your product tend to sell or sit? Personally, I don't do customs. It stresses me out to have people waiting for their products and it just takes way too much fabric needing to be kept on hand waiting to be ordered for me to be okay with it. But I am lucky that I have the ability of making enough in stock product to give my customers a reasonable selection and that in stock items tend to sell.

I'm hoping/planing to sell wool interlock covers etc. Which I know are good sellers lately. And I don't have much time during the day since I have a toddler at home & like you the thought of someone waiting for their order to be finished stresses me out. I would much rather make a variety & sew when I can to stock my store. My mom will also be working with me so as long as things play out well with her getting a part time job, I think we will be able to keep a good stock. The good thing about sewing covers is it doesn't take much time to complete.

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[Chasing Zen]

In the beginning I had a mix of both...a few months ago, my custom business skyrocketed and I had a hard time keeping my store stocked...I've decided to limit the number of customs I do in a month so I can still have time to create new things and adjust my patterns. Good Luck!

[SamanthaSews]

Originally Posted by ccsmom11 In the beginning I had a mix of both...a few months ago, my custom business skyrocketed and I had a hard time keeping my store stocked...I've decided to limit the number of customs I do in a month so I can still have time to create new things and adjust my patterns. Good Luck!

Thanks!

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