Etsy :: Help Guide: Alchemy

Alchemy for Sellers: The Bidding Process

Alchemy is a space on Etsy where buyers can post requests for custom goods, and sellers then bid on the opportunity to turn that idea into a real item.

This guide will walk through the seller's side of an Alchemy transaction, from making a bid all the way through to leaving feedback for the buyer.

For more information on Alchemy, see these additional guides:

Bid on the Request

Submit an offer to make an item

Confirm the bid

The bid becomes a transaction

Make the item; Upload images

The idea becomes a reality

Invoice the buyer; complete the listing

The item is done!

Ship and leave feedback

Alchemy transaction complete

Step 1: Bidding on the request

The main page in Alchemy lists all the current requests from buyers. Anyone who is registered as a seller on Etsy can place a bid on an open request. The buyer will select bids to be made into items. If you're not currently a seller and would like to make Alchemy items, check out Sell page to see how to sign up for a shop of your own.

To place a bid, click the orange Place Bid button at the bottom of the request page. Let's look at the information you need to provide as a seller placing a bid:

How much will it cost to make? Provide your price for creating this item. Your offer may be different than the buyer's "ideal price" in the request if you think it will cost more or less to make the item.

Estimated shipping cost: This is what you anticipate it will cost to ship the item, based on the the buyer's location and the description of the item.

When can you finish the item? Your deadline may be different than the buyer's deadline if you think it will take more or less time to create the item. Be honest, but keep in mind that the buyer might need the item for an event or by a certain date for a gift.

Describe exactly what you will make: Describe in detail what you will create, based on the buyer's request and your own skills and creativity. This text will become the item listing description if this bid is accepted and turned into a transaction, so be sure to include all the relevant details.

How would you ship the item? Explain your shipping method and packaging here.

Terms of payment: As the seller, you determine the terms of payment. You can specify PayPal, check, money order, or other means of payment. You should also note if you require full payment up front, after the item is complete, or in installments.

Your bid will only be seen by the buyer. A Conversation is sent to both you and the buyer when a bid is placed. You can edit the bid as many times as you would like. A Convo will be sent to both you and the buyer each time you edit the bid.

Multiple sellers can bid on the same request. The buyer can accept, decline or request changes to your bid. They'll Convo you if changes are desired, and you two can work out the details in the Conversation. Be sure you edit the bid to reflect those changes before the buyer accepts it.

Step 2: Confirm the bid

Congratulations, the buyer has accepted your bid!

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, you must confirm that you are still available to make the item. Once you confirm that you'll make the item, the request/bid becomes a transaction. A 3.5% transaction fee is added to the your Etsy bill, based on the price agreed on in the bid. (The shipping cost is not included for the 3.5% fee.) The transaction will now appear in Your Etsy > Sold (orders).

Step 3: Make the item; upload images

Now that the transaction has been agreed upon, its time to start working on the item. If the terms of the bid involve any up front payment, now is the time to invoice the buyer.

As you work on your Alchemy item, you can upload in-progress photos. You can upload up to 5 images, the last of which should be a photo of the completed item. This photo will become the main image in the sold listing.

Step 4: Invoice the buyer; complete the listing

Collect the final payment from your buyer. If the buyer is using PayPal, you can send a custom invoice through PayPal. If the buyer is paying by another method, we recommend emailing an invoice of your own to the buyer.

Press the Complete button on the Alchemy ticket to finalize the transaction. A listing is automatically created in the Sold Items and Request Custom Item sections of your public shop.

Step 5: Leave Feedback

Ship the item by the method you noted in the bid, to the address the buyer specified in their request.

The final step in any transaction is feedback. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What if a 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.