Can you solicit custom content?

I've wanted a new look that requires a wardrobe change, but as usual I can't seem to find the products by shopping. I just don't have the patience to look for them. I suppose I could ask on the Products Wanted forum, but I wondered how one goes about asking for a custom design. I can't really design clothing myself.

What I want is fairly simple, I just haven't seen it for a male. What would be a reasonable offer in Lindens for someone to design a custom outift which would not necessarily be exclusively for me, but might not appeal to a very broad market either? It would be kind of sci-fi oriented.

Thanks.

Yes, go to products wanted, or browse classifieds for people that do custom work.

You might also try asking some of the clothing makers who make things kind of similar to what you are seeking, As long as it isn't an "exclusive", and they can resell it in their store, they just might agree to make it.

I solicit my products--for example:

When I finished my new Nikon SL100 digital camera, I did a search for 'photographer', 'photography', things along those lines. Then, I systematically went through each person, and IM'ed them with a friendly, well-written schpeel (certain words being changed to personalize it).

Some of you may think this rude, however, out of the hundred or so I 'spammed', not a single one took offense or told me not to do that again...if fact, I sold dozens of copies this way...

Don't get me wrong, this style isn't for everyone, or every product. It only works if you can write some good 'copy', and the product ties in with their 'line of work.'

The OP was talking about buying not selling

Sure. But a short IM to ten or fifteen designers describing the product wanted, along with the question, "Do you do custom work?" should produce results as good as Michael got for his camera

Yeah, true enough.

Especially considering that youd be offering them money.

You're always so pleasant Colette. Thank you brightening my Thursday.

* I thought my example clearly tied into the OP's topic. Sue me.

LOL i read the OPs post then the rest everyone was talking about buying custom work.

Then I got to yours and its about Selling your products, I had to check to make sure it was the same thread

Lindal made a good point reguarding your post though. The approach of politely and just asking designers after looking over their profiles isnt a bad one.

Good examples all -- I didn't know where to begin.

Thanks.

If you send me an IM in world, I can get you in touch with a friend of mine that wants to get into being a personal shopper for people. There's a good chance that what you are looking for is already available somewhere.

That would be hard work! But well worth some L$'s. I just might take you up on that. I get so bored using the search tool and going to stores all over the world only to find the same content over and over - or what may as well be the same content. I know there's different content out there.

Thank you for the suggestion.

For a custom design you should be willing to pay a real world wage to someone for the actual amount of time it takes to create the product. You may think there is a market for it elsewhere, but perhaps not given that no one else has apparanlty made what you are looking for. I get approached regularly by people who want me to custom build something for them and sell it to them cheap, because they think I can make lots of money reselling it. There have been very few occasions when I personally thought the custom build they wanted would have much resell value.

Like others have said, it's always a good idea to approach a designer for something; who knows, they may be stuck in a rut and feel like jumping on your bandwagon. Custom jobs can get expensive though; it really depends on how busy the designer is. Just to give you an idea of what I charge, which is what I've seen many other designers charge:

For an exclusive custom job for you and you ONLY (i.e. I would never resell it) I would charge L$3000.
For a custom job that I can then also sell (resell) in my shop I would charge L$1500.

That's the basic rate; could go up depending on how complex the project is. Others may charge a lot more or a lot less, dunno. But I would say, expect to pay double for any custom job that is exclusively for your use.

there are people who do custom stuff for one person or for people to sell retail. It can be very pricey depending on what it is. People often come to me and suggest stuff and often if the suggestion fits with what i make (which is probably why they are asking anyhow) I make it and give them a copy and put it up for sale. I dont do custom work cause it stresses me out and this is recreation for me, but there are people who only do that kind of stuff or maybe you know someone who knows someone who makes stuff