If you have been shopping online long enough then you have probably heard the terms "made to order" or "custom order" and you may have been curious about what the difference was between the two.
Here's a quick overview:
Made to Order
When a brand or business states an item is made to order it usually means that the item has to be made prior to shipping out to you or picking it up. You pay for the dress with either the deposit or pay for it in full depending on the agreement. Then the designer creates the piece to your measurements. There is often little to no room for customization as you are just getting the design made to your measurements.
For Example
Say you order the dress below;
This dress is from my AI- generated dress design collection. Once a payment has been made and measurements have been provided, I purchase all the materials and recreate this exact design. For my business I do not offer much customization for made to order designs. The materials have already been pre-sourced to ensure that they are available to ensure the dress will be completed in the appropriate timeline. Any changes would be considered custom and may require more time and research, plus since I created the design, I want to keep it as close to the original as possible.
Measurements
When you provide measurements for a made to order dress, those measurements will typically follow a standard pattern measurement chart, like the one below;
The final measurements of the dress will follow these number guidelines, so you will be ordering a size 12-14 dress if your measurements fall along the same numbers as those shown in that column. You may still need to take the dress to a tailor to have the dress altered. Unless you are able to come into the studio in person.
Cost
The cost of made to order in my business is usually 1/2 the cost of a custom dress, because its not as personalize as a fully custom dress. I have most of the say in the design outcome as far as style and the client is purchasing an original design.
Signage and contracts
There are no contracts to sign unless there's a 2 payment system set up. The dress is purchase like normal item, the client must check processing times to ensure the order will arrive on time. I do not accept rush fees for made to order designs
Custom Design
If you order a custom dress, that is a slightly different process as you would follow this process;
The Design
This process is far more detailed and offers a different experience. Its in person and the client has the final say in every aspect of the design from start to finish. I can offer input and suggestions but the client has the final say in the outcome.
Measurements
The measurements are taken by me in person and adjustments are made during fittings, no additional alterations are required.
The Cost
The cost is higher as the services provided are far more detailed then it would be in a made to order design.
I hope you find this guide helpful, when you are shopping for that dream dress whether its from me or another maker. You will be able to understand the difference between a made to order design and a custom design.
If you want to learn more about the custom order process head here;
Jasmine Terry-Ankobil owner and operator of LAIDIECLOTH fashion house, where I create custom designs and perform alterations for formal occasions. & Online Couture Sewing School LAIDIECLOTH U. Please feel free to share this article and/or visit my site www.laidiecloth.com
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