Private Listing for Etsy Sellers:Reserved & Custom Orders
Master private listings to create custom-priced items for specific buyers, handle custom orders, and reward loyal customers.
Private Listings at a Glance
🔒Quick Answer: What Is an Etsy Private Listing?
An Etsy "private listing" is a regular listing created for a specific buyer. Etsy doesn't have a formal "private" or "hidden" listing feature—instead, sellers use workarounds to create listings intended for one customer.
The 5-step process:
Important: Etsy listings are always publicly visible and searchable. "Private" listings rely on clear naming conventions and direct link sharing to ensure the right buyer finds them.
Why Use Private/Reserved Listings?
Private listings solve real problems for Etsy sellers
Custom Orders with Unique Pricing
Standard listings have fixed prices. When a buyer wants modifications—different size, material, or personalization—you need a listing with the agreed-upon custom price.
Example:
Your standard wooden sign costs $45. A customer wants a larger size with rush shipping. You create a private listing for $85 reflecting the custom specifications.
Reserved Items for Specific Buyers
Sometimes buyers need time to purchase. They might be waiting for payday or confirming details. A reserved listing holds the item and shows other shoppers it's spoken for.
Example:
A buyer loves your vintage lamp but asks you to hold it until Friday. You relabel the listing "Reserved for Sarah" so others know it's not available.
Repeat Customer Discounts
Loyal customers deserve special treatment. Private listings let you offer exclusive pricing without publicly advertising discounts that could undercut your brand.
Example:
A customer has ordered from you five times. You create a private listing with 15% off as a thank-you, sent only to them.
Wholesale or Bulk Orders
Bulk orders require custom pricing that doesn't fit standard quantity tiers. Private listings handle wholesale deals cleanly.
Example:
A boutique wants 50 units at a bulk discount. You create a single private listing for the entire order at the negotiated price.
Complex Custom Work
Multi-part custom orders—where scope might change—benefit from private listings you can update as the project evolves.
Example:
A customer wants custom pet portraits. You start with a sketch approval listing, then create the final work listing once they approve.
6 Methods to Create Private Listings on Etsy
Choose the right approach for your workflow
Reserved Listing Approach
Best for: Most custom ordersCreate a new listing titled "Reserved for [Buyer Name]" with agreed-upon price and share the direct link.
Pros:
- + Clear who listing is for
- + Other buyers understand it's taken
- + Simple to create
Cons:
- − Still visible if found
- − May confuse browsers
- − $0.20 listing fee
High Price Deterrent
Best for: Wholesale/VIP dealsSet base price extremely high ($9,999) and create a variation at the actual price for your buyer.
Pros:
- + Prevents accidental purchases
- + One listing for multiple deals
- + Lower listing fees
Cons:
- − Complex for buyers
- − May look suspicious
- − Requires instructions
Sold Out Toggle
Best for: Managing capacityKeep listing at quantity 0, toggle to 1 when buyer is ready, return to 0 after purchase.
Pros:
- + Complete control
- + Only invited buyers can purchase
- + One listing fee
Cons:
- − Requires manual toggling
- − Easy to forget to reset
- − More admin work
Section Organization
Best for: Multiple private listingsCreate a shop section for reserved/custom orders and don't link it publicly.
Pros:
- + Keeps listings organized
- + Easy to manage many listings
- + Quick to find
Cons:
- − Section may appear in navigation
- − Browsers could find it
- − Not truly hidden
Scheduled Deactivation
Best for: Time-sensitive offersCreate listing, share link immediately, deactivate after 24-48 hours if not purchased.
Pros:
- + Limited exposure window
- + Creates urgency
- + Minimizes discovery chance
Cons:
- − Requires diligent follow-up
- − Buyer may miss window
- − Still incurs fee
Custom Order Feature
Best for: Simple requestsEnable custom order requests in settings, respond with quote, create reserved listing if accepted.
Pros:
- + Built into Etsy
- + Clear transaction record
- + Buyer protection
Cons:
- − Less presentation flexibility
- − Some buyers don't know it
- − Still needs listing
Step-by-Step: Creating a Reserved Listing
Follow this process for every private/reserved listing
Finalize Details with Buyer
Confirm via Etsy messages: exact specifications, final price, shipping costs, timeline, and any special instructions. Save this conversation for your records.
💡 Get everything in writing before creating the listing
Create New Listing
Go to Shop Manager → Listings → Add a listing. Upload photos (or sample photos for custom work). Set the agreed-upon price and quantity to 1.
💡 Use your existing photos as templates for custom work
Title and Tag Strategically
Title format: "Reserved for [Name] - [Item] - Custom Order - DO NOT PURCHASE". Use unlikely-to-search tags to avoid random buyers finding it.
💡 Include the buyer's first name in the title
Set Description Clearly
Include warning that this is reserved, specify who it's for, list item details, and provide price breakdown (base + customization + shipping).
💡 Add a warning emoji section at the top
Share Link with Buyer
Copy the listing URL and send it via Etsy messages. Include the agreed details and ask them to complete purchase at their convenience.
💡 Set a deadline for purchase in your message
After Purchase—Deactivate or Delete
Once buyer completes checkout, go to Shop Manager → Listings → find the listing → Deactivate (preserves for records) or Delete (removes completely).
💡 Deactivating keeps your custom order history
Private Listing Pricing Guide
Price custom work profitably
Fee Breakdown
Same fees apply to private listings as regular listings:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | $0.20 per listing |
| Transaction Fee | 6.5% of total sale |
| Payment Processing | 3% + $0.25 |
| Offsite Ads | 12-15% if applicable |
Note: Even for $0 or heavily discounted listings, the $0.20 listing fee applies.
Customization Pricing
Suggested additional fees for custom work:
| Customization Type | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Size upgrade | +15-50% |
| Material upgrade | +20-100% |
| Rush order (1-3 days) | +50-100% |
| Rush order (4-7 days) | +25-50% |
| Extra personalization | +$5-$25 |
| Complex changes | +$15-$50+ |
Example Calculation:
Private Listing Price:
$87.50
Common Problems and Solutions
Avoid these pitfalls with private listings
⚠️ Wrong Person Purchases Reserved Listing
Why it happens: Other shoppers find your reserved listing through search or browsing.
Solutions:
- ✓Use obscure tags
- ✓Put "DO NOT PURCHASE" in title and description
- ✓Reach out immediately if wrong buyer purchases
- ✓Offer full refund or alternative item
⚠️ Buyer Never Completes Purchase
Why it happens: Buyer changes mind, forgets, or has budget issues.
Solutions:
- ✓Set time limits upfront
- ✓Send polite reminders after 24-48 hours
- ✓Deactivate after agreed timeframe
- ✓Require deposits for expensive work
⚠️ Pricing Disputes After Listing Created
Why it happens: Miscommunication about what's included, or buyer expected different price.
Solutions:
- ✓Get written confirmation before creating listing
- ✓Show itemized breakdown
- ✓State quote expiration period
- ✓Establish change order process
Do's and Don'ts for Private Listings
✅ Do This
- ✓Get written agreement before creating reserved listings
- ✓Use clear naming so the right buyer can find their listing
- ✓Itemize pricing to avoid disputes
- ✓Set time limits for reserved listings
- ✓Send direct links via Etsy messages
- ✓Follow up if buyer hasn't purchased within expected timeframe
- ✓Deactivate promptly after purchase to keep shop clean
- ✓Keep records of all custom order communications
❌ Don't Do This
- ✗Assume buyer will find listing without direct link
- ✗Skip confirmation before creating listing
- ✗Use popular tags that attract random buyers
- ✗Leave old reserved listings active indefinitely
- ✗Forget shipping in your custom pricing
- ✗Over-promise delivery times on custom work
- ✗Ignore buyers who purchase reserved listings by mistake
- ✗Delete communications that document agreed terms
Optimize Your Etsy Listings Today
Use InsightAgent's tools to research keywords, analyze competitors, and understand what custom orders your competition offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Etsy private listings
Related Guides
Variations for Etsy Sellers
Set up customization options without private listings.
What to Know About Selling
Beginner guide to Etsy selling basics.
What Percentage Does Etsy Take
Understand fees on your custom orders.
Accept Payments on Etsy
Payment methods for custom orders.
Good Profit Margin for Etsy
Price custom work profitably.
Selling Custom Clothing
Custom order strategies for clothing.
Etsy policies and features may change. Always refer to Etsy's official Seller Handbook for current guidelines on listing management, custom orders, and shop policies.
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