Custom jewelry commissions sit at the intersection of artistry and logistics, demanding both creative confidence and precise organization. Start by defining your niche, price structure, and service levels, then translate those choices into a transparent contract that protects both parties. A clear scope, including materials, techniques, sizes, and finishes, minimizes miscommunication. Establish payment terms up front, with a deposit that supports your material costs and a realistic timeline for completion. Include revision limits and a policy for unexpected delays. When clients understand what to expect and what is expected of them, you reduce friction and foster trust, making collaboration more enjoyable and sustainable over time.
The contract acts as the cornerstone of a successful commission process. Craft it to be fair, enforceable, and easy to reference. Specify project milestones, payment schedules, and the consequences of late payments or cancellations. List the exact materials, sourcing sources when possible, and any third‑party services, such as engraving or sizing. Clarify who owns deigns and produced pieces during the process, and set expectations for ownership upon final delivery. Include a clause about changes in scope and cost adjustments. Finally, provide a method for handling disputes or refunds that aligns with consumer protection norms, ensuring you stay professional even if tensions rise.
Use deposits to secure materials and commitment, and protect your time.
A well‑defined scope forms the backbone of a smooth commission journey. Begin by detailing the piece’s concept, dimensions, metal type, stones or beads, and any special finishes. Create a visual reference, whether mood boards or sketches, to align both sides before production begins. Then specify inclusions and exclusions—what is included in the price, what will incur additional charges, and how changes are handled. The timeline should reflect realistic production steps, from design approvals to casting, setting, polishing, and quality checks. By documenting every element, you avoid scope creep and ensure the client understands what they are paying for, reducing post‑purchase surprises.
Timelines should be practical yet protective of your craftsmanship rhythm. Break the project into milestones with specific dates: design approval, material sourcing, casting, setting, finishing, and delivery. Build in buffers for unexpected delays, such as sourcing rare stones or confirming custom engravings. Communicate openly about lead times for materials and any back‑ordered components. If you anticipate potential holdups, share contingency options with the client, like alternative materials or minor design refinements. A transparent schedule helps manage client expectations, reduces anxiety, and keeps production on track, while giving you room to maintain high standards without feeling rushed.
Build a professional template for offers, invoices, and updates that remains personal.
Deposits are more than a payment; they are a commitment that respects your labor and covers upfront costs. Set a deposit amount that reflects material expenses, design time, and the risk of cancellation. Common practice ranges from 30 to 50 percent, depending on project scope and material value. Include a refundable vs. non‑refundable policy for changes in scope, ensuring the terms are fair and clearly stated. Document how and when deposits are applied to the total balance, and provide a payment schedule aligned with milestones. Transparent deposit terms build trust, help you manage cash flow, and reduce the likelihood of last‑minute cancellations that disrupt your schedule.
When presenting deposit terms, accompany them with a concise explanation of production costs and risk sharing. Break down the price into components: design time, materials, labor, and overhead. Explain which costs are non‑refundable and under which circumstances a client may receive adjustments if the piece is altered or canceled early. Clarify how rare elements or custom finishes affect pricing. Offer payment methods that are convenient for clients, and provide a clear deadline for the deposit to secure the slot. The goal is to align financial commitments with project milestones so clients feel informed, respected, and confident in their decision to move forward.
Create a clear fulfillment plan with packaging, shipping, and risk notes.
A well‑crafted offer sets the tone for the entire commission experience. Begin with a warm, concise description of the proposed piece, followed by the agreed price, payment schedule, and timeline. Attach visual references, material swatches, and size specs to minimize ambiguity. Include a section for anticipated adjustments and a note about potential delays that might arise from sourcing or customization. Your tone should be collaborative, not transactional, inviting questions while asserting your professional boundaries. After the client reviews, provide a designated date for approval. This approach preserves artistry while guaranteeing a predictable process that both sides can rely on.
Invoices and updates should be timely, precise, and easy to follow. Use a consistent format for every stage: balance due, due date, milestone description, and a brief narrative of progress. Include a references section for materials sourced and any measurements confirmed. When updates arrive, pair them with photos or videos that document the craft steps taken, which helps clients feel connected to the making. Maintain a cadence that balances transparency with respect for your workflow. Clear communication at each step helps prevent misinterpretations and demonstrates your commitment to quality, which reinforces client satisfaction and future referrals.
Protect your time and artistry with consistent policies and ongoing care.
Fulfillment is the moment where preparation meets delivery, and it deserves as much care as design and making. Finalize packaging that protects delicate components while enhancing the unboxing experience. Document the shipping method, estimated arrival, and tracking details, ensuring clients know when to expect their piece. Include insurance information for valuable items and a contingency plan if delivery fails. Prepare care instructions, authenticity certificates, and maintenance reminders to underscore the piece’s value and longevity. A thoughtful fulfillment process reduces post‑purchase anxiety and strengthens client trust, turning a one‑time buyer into a repeat customer who appreciates your professional approach.
Provide efficient guidance for post‑delivery support, returns, and adjustments. Clearly define who bears responsibility for flaws, sizing issues, or accessory changes after delivery, and set a reasonable window for addressing these concerns. If your policy allows alterations or resizing, specify the costs and lead times. Encourage clients to share photos and feedback, which can inform future commissions and help you refine your process. A transparent returns and adjustments policy conveys confidence and fairness, encouraging clients to feel secure in future collaborations and to recommend your services to others.
Long‑term success comes from repeating best practices across all commissions, so establish a stable framework you can apply again and again. Create a standardized contract template that you customize per project, plus a pricing sheet that accounts for materials, time, and overhead. Pair these with a robust deposit policy, milestone schedule, and fulfillment checklist. Consistency reduces negotiation time and errors while projecting professionalism. Regularly audit your process, noting where clients commonly request changes or where delays tend to occur. Use those insights to refine your terms, improve communication, and keep your business resilient against seasonal fluctuations or supply disruptions.
Finally, cultivate a client experience that mirrors the care you put into each piece. Respond promptly, listen actively, and translate feedback into precise revisions. Celebrate each completed commission with a polished delivery and a thoughtful thank‑you note, inviting testimonials and referrals. When clients feel respected and informed from first inquiry to final receipt, they are more likely to return or recommend you to others. The combination of clear contracts, steady timelines, fair deposits, and meticulous fulfillment creates a sustainable path to profitability that honors both craft and client relationships, enabling you to grow artistic capacity while keeping earnings steady.
