Etsy :: Help Guide: Alchemy

How Alchemy Works

In an historical sense, Alchemy is the pursuit of transforming common metals into valuable gold. In an Etsy sense, Alchemy is the pursuit of transforming your creative ideas and designs into tangible items.

Alchemy is a space on Etsy where buyers can post requests for custom items. Sellers then bid on the opportunity to make the item and win the sale. It's your opportunity to collaborate with a crafter or artisan to get exactly what you're seeking. Buyers can even make private requests to a specific seller within a shop.

We'll explain below how it all works in a nutshell.

For a more detailed description of the buyer and seller roles in an alchemy transaction, please see these additional Help Guides:

Buyer posts a request

Posting a request is free

Sellers bid on the request

Multiple sellers can bid on a request

Buyer reviews bids; seller confirms

Accept, decline, or make changes

Payment is sent; item is made

The idea becomes a reality

Listing is completed

The item is shipped; feedback is left

Step 1: Buyer posts a request

It's free and easy to start an Alchemy request. To begin, click the green Add New Request button at the top of the main Alchemy page. On the next screen, enter in all the details of your request, from your ideal purchase price to the delivery deadline. Be sure to describe your project in detail so sellers can make an informed bid. Include colors, materials, measurements and any other important info. You can also upload relevant images, like sketches of your idea. You will get a chance to preview this request before it goes live on the site. The request will expire 21 days after being posted. You can edit your request before any bids are made.

For a more detailed look at creating a request, see this guide: Alchemy for Buyers: Making a Request.

Step 2: Sellers bid on the request

Sellers can place bids on the request, for a chance to make the custom item. To place a bid, click the orange Place Bid button at the bottom of the request page. The seller then fills in their information about how they would make the item, what it will cost, deadline and shipping and payment details. A seller's bid does not have to match the request identically if the seller thinks the price, deadline or other terms should be different. This bid will only be seen by the buyer. Multiple sellers can bid on the same request. A Conversation is sent to both the buyer and seller when a bid is placed.

For a more in-depth explanation of the seller's role in Alchemy, check here: Alchemy for Sellers: Custom Item Bids

Step 3: Buyer reviews bids; seller confirms

The buyer now has a few options: accept, decline or request changes to the bid. The buyer and seller can communicate about changes by replying to the Convo that Etsy started about the bid. The seller can edit the bid at any time before it is accepted or declined by the buyer. A Convo is sent to both parties when the bid is accepted or declined, and the buyer has the option to include a personalized message. The buyer can accept multiple bids on the same request, if they would like items from different sellers.

Sometimes things change in the time between a seller submitting a bid and the buyer accepting it. For this reason, once a bid is accepted by the buyer, the seller must confirm that they are still available to make the item. Once a seller confirms it, the request/bid becomes a transaction. A 3.5% transaction fee is added to the seller's Etsy bill, based on the price agreed to in the bid. The transaction will now appear in Your Etsy > Sold (orders) for the seller and Your Etsy > Purchases for the buyer.

Step 4: Payment is sent; item is made

Once the seller has confirmed the agreement, the buyer should submit payment according to the terms of the bid. The seller may need to send an invoice to the buyer. The seller will create the item as requested and can upload images to the Alchemy ticket to show off the finished item. When the seller presses the Complete button on the Alchemy ticket, a listing is automatically created in the seller's Sold Items and Custom Items sections of their shop.

Step 5: Listing is completed

The seller now ships the item to the buyer at the address entered in the Alchemy request. Both parties can leave Feedback for each other by going to Your Etsy > Feedback > Items Awaiting Feedback.

FAQ

What is Alchemy?

Alchemy is a feature on Etsy where buyers can post requests for custom items, and sellers can bid on the opportunity to make the item. You can learn more about how Alchemy works in the questions below, or take a peek at these other helpful resources:

Are there any special rules for Alchemy that I need to know?

Yes! The basic rules for Etsy's marketplace apply to Alchemy, but there are a few additional rules you'll need to know as well. You can find them in the DOs & DON'Ts: rules for Alchemy.

Can I use Alchemy to request anything I'm looking for on Etsy, like a Supply or Vintage item?

Alchemy is for custom handmade goods only. (We may extend the feature to include sourcing for Supply of Vintage items at some point in the future, but for now please use Alchemy to request handmade items only.)

What currency is used for Alchemy transactions?

All transactions on Etsy, including Alchemy requests, are in United States Dollars (USD).

Who can create an Alchemy request?

Any Etsy member can make a request, since all members have "buyer" status. (Not a registered member yet? Join up! It's free and quick. See the Registration Help Guide for more details.)

Who can bid on an Alchemy request?

Only members who have signed up to be sellers can place bids, since this is a transaction. To convert your buyer-only account to a seller account, visit the Sell page. You'll need a valid credit card to create a seller account.

What are the Etsy fees associated with Alchemy?

There are no fees for buyers to make an Alchemy requests. Once a bid is accepted and confirmed, the seller will be charged a 3.5% transaction fee on their Etsy bill. This fee is based on the item price agreed upon in the bid (shipping excluded).

Can I negotiate a bid with a seller?

Yes, you can communicate with the seller via Conversations if you would like to request changes to the bid. The buyer and seller should work together to find terms that are they both can agree upon. Make sure the seller edits the bid to reflect all the changes before you accept it. The bid reflects the terms of the agreement.

Can a buyer accept more than one bid on a request?

Yes. A buyer can accept as many bids as they like. However, each accepted bid should be regarded as an agreement to purchase the item. Please do not accept bids that you do not intend to purchase. You can request changes to a bid prior to accepting it.

Does accepting a bid close my request?

No, your request will remain open to additional bids until you choose to close it or it expires. All requests expire 21 days after being posted.

How do I pay for my Alchemy item?

The buyer and seller negotiate the payment terms for an Alchemy transaction. The seller will include their preferred payment method in the bid. Some options include full payment upfront, payment by installments (50% as a deposit upfront and 50% when the item is complete), full payment when the item is completed prior to shipping. The seller is responsible for sending the buyer an invoice if necessary.

How do I send my buyer an invoice?

If your buyer is paying through PayPal, you can send an invoice through PayPal. If your buyer is paying by another method (check, money order, other), you will need to send them an invoice by email.

How do I make a private Alchemy request to a specific seller?

When you visit a shop on Etsy, you will see a link in the shop's sidebar that says Request Custom Item if that seller is open to taking private Alchemy requests. From there, you will see previously completed Alchemy items from that seller and a link to the request form. From there, a private Alchemy request is very similar to a regular Alchemy request, except that only one seller is involved.

As a seller, do I have to allow private Alchemy requests?

No, this is optional. We understand that not all sellers are willing or able to take custom orders. You can change your preference in Your Etsy > Appearance (under Shop Setup).

As a seller, do all of my custom orders have to go through Alchemy, or can I list them in my shop like a regular item?

You may still list a customizable item in your shop like a regular item. You should list the item at the full price you want the buyer to pay, as this will be a binding transaction if someone purchases the listing. You can use the images and description to show off examples of similar items you've created in the past. (Please note, a listing that is strictly an advertisement is not allowed; all listings must be an item for sale.)

What happens if a buyer declines a bid, or a seller is no longer available to make the item?

Both buyer and seller are sent a Conversation by Etsy to notify them that the Alchemy transaction was declined. If the request has not yet expired, the buyer can select a different bid from another seller.

What if I have a problem with an Alchemy transaction (buyer doesn't pay, seller doesn't ship the item)?

Please contact support@etsy.com in this unfortunate event. We'll do our best to help set things right.

Does closing a request automatically decline all the bids?

No. The buyer can close the request at any time. This just prevents new bids from being placed. The buyer must accept or decline bids manually. There is also a tool to decline multiple bids in a batch.

What if I accept a bid, but the seller doesn't confirm it?

The buyer can cancel an accepted bid up until the point the seller confirms it. So if the buyer does not hear from the seller within a reasonable amount of time, the buyer can retract acceptance of the bid.

What if I see a request that doesn't follow Etsy's policies?

Please use the "Report this request to Etsy" to let us know that there is an issue with the request. We'll review the request and take action if necessary. This is an anonymous report.