Making jewellery to order - why a clear process will keep you and your clients happy

You would probably be surprised to learn that in my previous life I was a Management Consultant, working on large IT projects for one of the big Accounting firms.  On the surface, you wouldn’t expect the technical focus of my work back then to have much in common with the organic design process of my ‘work’ today.   So, when I opened up my old flowcharting software and started charting some of my business processes, I was surprised, just how many similarities I found.

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It was following some interesting discussion on a craft forum about accepting commissions which prompted me to look at my own custom order process and identify how I could improve it. I had some questions that I needed to answer for my own clarity and that of my clients: 

·         When is an order a custom order?

·         How do I clarify what the client wants?

·         When should I ask for payment?

·         How can I be sure the client will like the finished item?

When is an order a custom order?

A lot of my jewellery pieces are created on an ad-hoc basis.  I get an idea (often in the middle of the night!) and the design develops, usually as I create.  However, as I have built up a portfolio of designs and satisfied customers, I have started to work more on special order items or commissions.  Sometimes, the request is for an item similar to one I have already made or a slight variation on something from my gallery.  Other times, the client wants something completely new and may or may not be able to describe exactly what it is they are after.  Whatever the request, if there is any risk that the client will not be satisfied with the finished item, I treat the request as a custom order and follow the process to minimise this risk and give the client confidence in my service.

How do I clarify what the client wants?

One I’ve identified a request as a custom order, I need to get a clear idea of what the client wants.  What is their budget for the piece?  This will determine the beads and components I can use in my design.   When do they need it by?  No point in designing them a necklace that needs components shipping from the States, if they need it by the end of next week!  Who is it for?  I like to find out a little about the person I am making for.  What age are they? Do they prefer gold or silver jewellery?  Understated or statement?  Do they prefer modern or vintage style?  I ask if the piece is for a special occasion or to wear every day.  I can then choose colours to match a specific outfit and tailor my design and materials to suit how it will be worn.  Oh, and I always ask about sizing for necklaces and bracelets.

When should I ask for payment for the order?

Once I have a set of clear requirements (just like those big IT projects of old!), I select beads and components for the design and photograph them.  Sometimes I might lay the beads out in a rough design to help the client visualise the finished piece.  I’ll email the pictures to them for their approval and may have to tweak the bead mix or the design a couple of times until they are completely happy.


Once they are happy with the design, I will email them a final quote for the work including postage costs.   Assuming they are happy with the quote (I have designed the item with their budget in mind after all!), I will ask for payment.  So far, all my customers have been happy to pay up front and in full.  They have confidence that the item will meet their expectations and that they will be able to have input into the process at every stage.

How can I be sure the client will like the finished item?

Take a look at the flowchart closely.  How many times in the process do I check that the client is happy?  I ask when I’ve designed the piece, when I’ve prepared the quote, and again, when I’ve finished the item.  I always send the customer photos of the finished piece before I send it to them.  This is another opportunity for them to ask for small changes to be made.  By sharing a design and component set with them earlier in the process, I‘ve minimised the risk of having to make major changes at this stage.


But it doesn’t end there!  Once I’ve sent the finished item to the client, I want to know that they are happy with the item they have received.  If I don’t hear from them within a week or so, I’ll generally get in touch just to make sure they are 100% satisfied.  As yet, I haven’t had a dissatisfied customer but as my flowchart shows, I will always try and rectify a problem (even if it means asking them to return the item for alterations).  Positive feedback is extremely valuable to any small business and a recommendation to another potential client is the best reward of all. 

Stay in tune with your customer
The process I have described is not set in stone and I will tweak it for each individual client but the basic principles are always there – staying in tune with the customer, making sure they understand the process right from the outset and, keeping them informed of progress regularly.  An informed customer is a happy one and a happy customer will help you grow your business!