First show tomorrow...

[sarahjean]

I'm seriously freaking out! I feel like there isn't enough time to get everything done. DH was up until 2am putting bows on cards for me and it's still not done. Set-up is from 3-6 today, so he's getting off work early to set it up for me. (yeah, he's sucking up! lol)

Anyway... I have some questions about custom orders. I'm assuming it's probably a good idea to do them. So, should I have a form or something for that? Does anyone have one to show me? Also, how long should I give myself to get the orders completed?

[specialhome]

I did a custom order at my last show. I just took my reciept book with me and wrote the order out on that. I told her that I would ship in 2 weeks. I knew that it wouldn't take that long to make and ship but I wanted to give myself plenty of time in case I had an emergency or something come up that I HAD to do. I ended up shipping within 1 week. I don't give receipts out at my shows I only do a reciept if it is a custom order that way I have a copy and the customer has a copy. Hope that helps you out!

[sarahjean]

another question... do you always ship the stuff, or do you allow people to pick up?

[specialhome]

I have only done 1 custom order at a show and since she lived 2 hrs away I shipped it. I think that if they lived closer and wanted to pick it up then I would let them. It would save them money on shipping.

[ldelzer]

I would have a receipt book. You'll want a way to keep track of your sales tax you collect.

I have done very few custom orders at shows. So I wouldn't let that aspect stress you out. I think most people won't even think about custom orders unless you mention it to them.

[SpunkieDoodleBows]

Just from the shows that I've done. Not done a huge amount of custom orders. I set up with a lady who makes little girls clothes, so any custom orders I have are to match her outfits. I do have a form, but it's just the basic information...
name
address (both shipping and billing) if they are using a CC
type of clip
size of bow
style of bow
ribbon choices
and amount charged.

I do normally make them pay the full amount up front unless it's a customer that I've grown to know and trust.

[maddismommy]

I don't have any advice because I have never done one. But I just wanted to wish you good luck, let us know how it goes.

[hippychick]

Good luck Sarah! I know you will do just fine. Try to have fun too.

[Princess Babies Bowtique]

You will be fine...Liz and I will be having a drink for you! I think you need one, too, lol!

It will be okay and you will learn so much and your next one will be so much easier. Have a good time and smile!

Your dh is a dear to help you! Good for him!

Not to stress you more, but...you know we LOVE pictures!

[sarahjean]

Hubby went to take our tables and they let him pick a spot. He said the spot that he chose can be seen from both sides, so that's probably good. I don't really want to take my camera because it's huge. I think DH has my old one at work. If I remember I will ask my mom for hers in the morning.

I don't drink Joan, so you can take care of that for me. I did get a coke slush though. I need lots of sugar to keep me awake long enough to finish everything!