Free resource
Deposit policy template for custom jewellery
Clear terms, agreed before you start, are what let you say “no balance, no handover” without an argument. Copy this, change the [brackets] to suit how you work, and send it with every deposit invoice.
Plain text: paste it anywhere, then fill in the [brackets]
[Business name] — Custom order terms 1. Deposit To begin a custom piece, we take a deposit of [50]% of the quoted price. We start the design and order materials only after the deposit is received in our account. 2. Design approval We share the design (sketch, CAD or sample) for your approval. You can ask for [two] rounds of changes at no extra cost. Once you approve the design in writing (a WhatsApp or email reply is fine), we begin making the piece. 3. Refunds and cancellations - Before design approval: we refund your deposit less [S$___] for design work already done. - After design approval: the deposit is non-refundable, because the materials and work are specific to your piece. - If we can't complete the piece as agreed, we refund your deposit in full. 4. Changes after approval Changes after approval (size, stones, metal, engraving) may change the price and the completion date. We'll confirm both with you before going ahead. 5. Completion and the balance We'll tell you when your piece is ready. The balance is due [before or at collection], and the piece is released once the balance has been received in our account. A payment screenshot on its own isn't proof of payment. 6. Collection Please collect your piece within [30] days of our "ready" message. After that, we may charge [S$___] a month for safekeeping. We'll contact you before then. 7. After collection [Resizing within [60] days is free / charged at S$___.] Please check your piece when you collect it. 8. Payment We accept PayNow to [UEN / mobile], bank transfer [and card]. Please use your invoice number as the payment reference. By paying the deposit, you agree to these terms. [Business name] · [UEN] · [Contact]
This is a starting point, not legal advice. Have it checked by a lawyer before you rely on it.
How to make your terms stick
- Get them agreed before any work starts. Terms sent after the deposit are an argument waiting to happen.
- Tie the non-refundable point to something the customer does, like approving the design, so it's clear when it applies.
- Put the same terms on every deposit invoice. Consistency is what makes them feel fair rather than personal.
- Release the piece when the balance is in your account, not when a screenshot arrives. See why screenshots aren't proof of payment.
More on this in how to take deposits for custom orders.
Have customers accept your terms before they pay.
Your deposit terms go on the pay link. The customer ticks to accept them, and you keep a timestamped record.