How to place a custom order in 10 easy steps

Sadia Vanager
Jul 20, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Apr 8

So if you’re like me, when it’s time to make a purchase you handle it one of two ways.

The first way, you can plan ahead to determine what you want, when you need to get it by and depending on the price you may even save up for the purchase.

Then the second way has you running into Walmart 20 minutes before you need the purchased item.

Now if we're honest, most of us operate the second way, including me. But for the times that you plan ahead and are looking to make your gift or event more special here are 10 steps to creating a custom order with me. Whether a gift for a loved one or a display stand for your pop-ups or event, let us help you sow into your life or the lives of others.

1.Find visual inspiration

Have you ever been on Pinterest or at a friend's home and saw something and wished you could have that item for yourself or it would make a great gift for someone you love.

Or maybe you’ve attended a friend's birthday or baby shower and you saw a prop piece that you would love to have your own event.

Well no matter where the inspiration comes from it's always good to have something visual to share with me so that I can give a more accurate quote on pricing, time & materials.

2.Contact Me for custom order

I’ve created an array of custom orders for clients that I’ve met through different avenues.

Whether you’ve found me through Etsy, at a pop-up market or from word of mouth I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to create for you.

The best ways to contact me for a free consultation is via

Phone: (704) 266-6153

Email: sadiathehomethatsows.com

Website: Complete Contact form

Etsy: Send a message on The Home That Sows Etsy page

3.Determine Budget

Now realistically whenever you go shopping, even if you don’t have a strict budget, you have an amount that you hope to not exceed.

Except for Target, you just pray your card doesn’t burst into flames when you swipe it.

You always want to do your research and shop around to determine who is going to give you the best all around service for what you are looking for. That includes price, customer service, communication, payment options, materials and labor.

Typically before we even sit down for our consultation phone call I would have given you a base price quote based on our initial conversations.

4.Determine add on’s

There are numerous add-ons that can affect the cost and completion time frame for your order. You can customize your order with logos, dimension changes, initials, dates, words, paint & finishing's, transportability, handling, shipping, delivery or pick-up.

Please note taxes are not an add-on, they are required because uncle Sam always gonna want his cut.

5.Determine Time Frame

HOME DECOR (

Domestic Non-personalized home Decor order: Please allow 2-3 business days for processing and 3-5 business days for shipping.

Domestic Personalized home decor order: Please 3-5 business days for processing and 3-5 business days for shipping

International: Please allow 3-5 business days for processing and 7-10 business days for shipping. Please note that certain countries may require longer shipping times. This information will be confirmed when item is to be shipped.

Custom Home Décor: To follow the time frame of Event & Business Décor products.

EVENT & BUSINESS DECOR

As most products are made to order, upon completion of customer inquiry form, availability will be communicated. Any product that is available for immediate purchase and shipment will be processed in 3-5 business days and shipped using above mentioned shipping methods. Rush processing services do incur additional costs between $20 - $100 depending on the size of the item with the fee added to the quote.

Custom orders take approximately 3-5 weeks for processing and 5-7 business days via UPS ground shipping. Actual delivery date will depend on shop order capacity and is communicated during consultation.

6.Consultation

No matter how we connect, I prefer to always do a phone consultation.

Once I’ve gotten as many visual and written details about your perspective order it helps to collaborate by talking through everything. Before our call I gather the details and conduct research to so that I can more accurately discuss materials, labor and cost. During our consultation call I will typically reiterate and confirm the items we’ve discussed via text/email or messenger and then I will share my vision for how I will execute your build and explain the types of materials that can be used and the cost differential.

The consultation is very much a conversation that should leave both parties comfortable and confident in finalizing the order.

7.Confirm & Acknowledge final Proposal

Once we have completed our phone consultation I will send you an email with all the details of our conversation and request that you acknowledge that you are in agreement with everything before sending out the invoice.

Also, I create a draft sketch of the project for you to review and approve.

8.Pay deposit

I typically do invoicing via QuickBooks and accept all types of payment methods except check & large cash bills ($50 & $100 bills). It is easier for me to receive and transfer funds if paid via electronic methods on invoice. I also accept Zelle, Venmo, PayPal & cash app.

Your deposit is typically for the cost of materials or 50% of your order, whichever is greater. Once the materials for your order are purchased the deposit is non-refundable.

9.Respond to communication

During the build process I like to communicate via text or phone. This is typically to send photo updates or to confer new ideas that improve the process or change the cost. (Please note that no changes will be made to cost without the consent of customer)

I also post project updates on social media and if you are active I may tag you but if not you may see real time updates if you follow any of my accounts. You do not need to follow me to see updates but know that what I put on socials maybe more detailed so if this is an option if you are the type of person who likes to watch the process.