Hoping some of the more seasoned members can help me out. I have someone wanting to buy a doll on payments over the next 4-6 weeks. I’ve only sold one other prior and that was full payment at time of purchase. I’m not entirely comfortable doing this, and I know that I would need a contract and a non refundable deposit to hold her. How have any of you done this? What is “standard” as far as down payment? Contract? I’ve read so many horror stories about people laying out a down payment, then changing their minds later and wanting their deposits back…ugh. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!
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@Peachtree has a good contract! It’s posted on the forum… somewhere. Maybe she will Pop in and direct you to it. 
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Thanks @Nikkiroc! I used the spyglass but wasn’t coming up with what I was looking for!
I always make one big invoice for the entire amount, making it so it accepts partial payments. I set the minimum amount due as whatever deposit amount the customer and I decide on. In the terms section I state that there are no refunds and that the doll will be mailed after final payment is made. You can also state what date that needs to be.
Also…NEVER agree to hold a doll without a down payment. Even if it’s just $20…any non refundable deposit usually weeds out the time wasters.
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Yeah no worries there…I didn’t just fall off the turnip wagon 
I honestly don’t even really want to mess with this, but I know that it will probably come up again, so i thought it best to ask what all the ins and outs were. Thank you for your reply!
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@Peachtree thank you so much. I might add that your return policy is more than generous!
I would rather have my doll back and mint condition and resell it
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Your not worried that it will come back in less than pristine condition? That would be my fear…
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I don’t do layaways anymore, more than half had back off. Even with the deposit it’s not funny as I may miss a sale during that time. I do payment plan on customs tho.
Ask for a non-refundable deposit and a fixed payment each month/week.
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@Leabelle thanks for the advice, but I’m heavily leaning towards not doing it. I just really don’t need the hassle or the money that bad. I can afford to hold on to her as I haven’t actually listed her for sale.
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I don’t do them. I figure a doll is a nonessential purchase and they could save up until they have the full purchase price. The one time I tried it I ended up refunding because of a sad story.
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@Micharick that’s a good point. I’m sure there are tons of sad stories.
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My sales have increase since I started accepting payment plans. I require a non refundable deposit, usually $150 depending on the price of the doll. I give them one month to send the agreed upon 2nd payment and a month after that to send final payment. I state if any payment is not made by the agreed upon dates deposit if fortified and doll goes back up for sale.
I’ve never had a problem. I also have never had anyone taken the three full months to pay. They usually pay it off in a few weeks. They want their baby.
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I have never had a return. I do not ship until the doll is completely paid off.
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I do exactly as @Katinafleming does. Although I don’t really like payment plans. I’d rather have all the money at once - it seems like I get more that way lol.
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It’s more about the hassle and less about the money for me. I have a full time job, and I have a home to take care of. Babies take up what’s left of my free time. I really don’t have time to be chasing people “reminding” them they owe me money. And I know not everyone would be like that. Ultimately, I very gently explained to this person that we live in an unstable world at the moment, and situations change, and that I would hate for her to lose a deposit because of that.
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Knock on wood, I’ve had really good experiences with payment plans. I’ve had plenty of people ask for reserves and then ghost when they see it involves a deposit, but everyone that has committed the initial down payment has come through. I kind of like the extra communication with customers. It’s fun to see them excited and hear about where the baby is going. With straight sales, you may never even talk with the customer.
I think the interaction helps build rapport and make connections with buyers. (And I just like talking to folks! Lol!)
I’ve had a lot of flakey inquiries, but after a while, it’s easier to sort those from the ones of real interest. My sales increased when I raised my prices and started allowing payment plans.
I offer a 50% down and 50% later plan, and then a plan that splits it into thirds. Their deposit is whatever their first payment works out to be.
I’m upfront that all payments are non-refundable and that if the full balance isn’t paid within 1 week following the plan’s end date, they forfeit all payments and I relist the doll.
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I accept payments plans. I do 20% down then I divide the rest by the number of payments either 3 months or 6 months.
Over the years I have had only one person who didn’t pay on time. She ended up paying in full. Other than that no issues.
I send an invoice at the beginning of the month and as long as it’s paid by the end of the month I am ok with it. I never spend the money until they receive the doll. I don’t take returns, but just in case it sits in my PayPal.