Before you start crafting custom orders, it’s important to have a clear payment policy in place. Getting paid upfront protects your time, materials, and effort. It also helps customers take your business seriously from the very beginning. In this post, I’ll share what I learned about accepting payments for custom orders and how to set up professional systems that make the process easy for both you and your buyers.
If you’re just starting your Cricut business, check out my post on Cricut Tips for Beginners: 10 Must-Know Tricks to Start Crafting with Confidence. It’s filled with practical advice to help you build good habits right from the start.
Why Getting Paid Upfront Matters
When you buy something from Amazon, Etsy, or any online store, you pay first and then receive your order. Your craft business should follow the same rule.
If you sell custom or personalized items, collecting payment before starting is essential. Each order requires your time, supplies, and creativity. Once someone’s name or design is on a product, it cannot easily be resold. Requesting payment upfront guarantees that your work and materials are covered and helps you avoid cancellations or no-shows.
The Hard Lesson I Learned
When I first started selling handmade projects, I made a beginner mistake by letting customers pay when they picked up their orders.
At first, it felt friendly and flexible. Then I learned how risky it was. I spent hours designing and creating personalized products, only for some buyers to never show up. In one year, this happened about five times. Each time, I lost both the materials and the time I spent making the project.
The only positive outcome was that I could use those unfinished orders as display samples for craft fairs. That experience taught me an important lesson: my time and effort have value.
Now my rule is simple. Payment is required before I start any custom order.
My Payment Policy
After learning the hard way, my policy became clear:
Payment is due before I begin making any custom or personalized order.
If someone says they only have cash, I meet them in person to collect payment before starting the project. I have occasionally accepted checks, but I always wait until the payment clears before beginning.
For most sales, I use PayPal or Square because both are secure, simple, and professional. They also make it easy to track transactions and send receipts.
Once you’ve set up your payment system, take your product photos to the next level with my guide on How to Use Product Mockups to Make Your Cricut Projects Look Professional.
Using PayPal for Custom Orders
PayPal is one of the easiest ways to accept payments for handmade and custom items. You can send a professional invoice to your customer by email, and they can pay directly online.
Your buyer does not need a PayPal account to pay. They can use any debit or credit card. The process is quick, easy, and secure.
I also opened a PayPal Business Debit Card that connects to the same account where I receive payments. I use that card to buy materials, pay for shipping, and cover other business expenses. This helps me keep my business and personal finances separate, which makes tax season much easier.
Using Square for Local Orders
If you sell at craft fairs or offer local pickup, Square is another great option. It allows you to:
- Accept credit card payments in person using a free Square Reader
- Send digital invoices by email
- Track all sales and payments in one dashboard
Square transfers your money directly to your bank account, usually within one or two business days. It is a reliable choice for in-person transactions and custom orders.
🎥 Watch my step-by-step video tutorial:
How to Use Square to Accept Payments for Your Craft Business
👉 Sign up for Square and get your free card reader
Want to learn how to price your handmade products confidently? Read Cricut Crafting 101: Must-Know Cricut Tips and Tricks for Beginners for advice on materials, tools, and setup that can help you price your crafts more accurately.
Tips for Smoother Transactions
Here are a few simple ways to make the payment process easy for you and your customers:
- Be clear about your policy. Include your payment rules on your website, Etsy listings, and social media pages.
- Keep business and personal finances separate. Use a dedicated PayPal or business bank account to track income and expenses.
- Always send invoices. They make your business look professional and create a record for both you and your customer.
- Stay consistent. Apply your payment rules every time. The one time you make an exception might be the time a customer disappears.
Final Thoughts
As a small business owner, your time and creativity are valuable. Requiring payment upfront does not make you pushy; it makes you professional.
Once I started collecting payment before making orders, the stress of no-shows disappeared completely. Customers respected my time, and I could focus on creating instead of chasing payments.
If you are building a small business with your Cricut or laser machine, setting clear payment policies will save you time, money, and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accepting Payments for Your Craft Business
Q: Can I accept Venmo or Cash App for custom orders?
It is safer to use business-friendly platforms like PayPal or Square. Venmo and Cash App are designed for personal use and do not offer seller protection. If you decide to use them, upgrade to a business account and clearly label each sale.
Q: Do I need a business PayPal account to accept payments?
You can use a personal PayPal account for small sales, but a business account looks more professional. It allows you to send branded invoices, accept all card types, and organize transactions for taxes.
Q: How should I handle payments for local pickups?
Use Square or PayPal Invoicing to collect payment before starting the order. If someone prefers cash, meet in person to collect it first. Avoid letting people pay when they pick up.
Q: What should I do if someone refuses to pay upfront?
Explain politely that your policy is to begin work only after payment is received. Serious customers will respect your policy, and you will avoid wasting time on those who would not have followed through.
Q: Is it safe to accept payments online?
Yes. PayPal and Square both use secure systems that protect both you and your customers. Always keep your account information private, use strong passwords, and avoid sending payment links through unverified messages or social media DMs.
