Market Trader Custom Order and Sale Agreement

What a good one includes

• A precise description of the custom item, including dimensions, materials, colors, and any specific design requests to prevent creative misunderstandings.
• A clear breakdown of the required deposit amount, specifying that it is non-refundable once materials are purchased or work begins.
• A realistic target completion date, along with the agreed-upon pickup location or shipping terms and costs.
• An explicit statement of when the final balance must be paid and what happens if the payment is delayed.
• A clause explaining how design changes are handled after signing and if they incur additional fees.
• A standard policy detailing how long you will hold the completed item before it is forfeited and sold to recover costs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on verbal agreements for crucial design details like colors or sizes instead of writing down exact specifications on the spot.
• Failing to clearly state that deposits are non-refundable, which leaves you vulnerable if a customer changes their mind halfway through production.
• Forgetting to set a strict time limit for when the customer must collect their order, leaving you stuck storing unclaimed inventory indefinitely.
• Accepting a payment without getting a physical or digital signature on the terms, making the agreement difficult to enforce if a dispute arises.

Frequently asked questions