Balance Deposits for luthiers and instrument makers
A custom build ties up tonewood, hardware and months of bench time before the customer pays in full. The deposit covers the commitment; the balance lands when the instrument is finished and set up.
In short: Luthiers commonly take 30% to 50% at checkout and the balance when the instrument is finished. Use a 'when the order is ready' plan so nothing is charged until the build is done, and the fulfilment hold keeps it in the workshop until the balance clears.
The usual plan
Set the deposit to cover materials, usually 30% to 50%, and the balance rule to 'when the order is ready'. Long builds work the same way: the plan simply waits until you mark the order ready after final setup, then charges the balance from the saved card.
Example: £3,200 custom electric guitar, 30% deposit. £960 at checkout, £2,240 when you mark it ready after setup.
Long build times
Builds of six months or more are normal. Cards expire in that time, so if the balance charge fails Balance Due retries after 1, 3 and 7 days and sends the customer a pay link that accepts any card. The customer can check the schedule on their payment page at any point in the build.
Specs and options
Sell each model as a product with woods, finishes and hardware as variants or line item properties. Upgrades agreed during the build can be added by editing the Shopify order; Balance Due adds the difference to the balance.
Staged payments
On Shopify Plus you can split the balance into scheduled instalments through the build. On other plans the balance is collected as one payment, which is what most builders use anyway. See payment plans and instalments.
Instrument makers questions
What if the customer's card expires during a long build?
The balance charge will fail, Balance Due retries it and sends the customer a pay link that accepts any card. Paying through the link closes the plan and releases the hold.
Can I take a stage payment halfway through the build?
On Shopify Plus, yes, as an instalment plan. On other Shopify plans the balance is one payment when the instrument is ready.
Can the customer pay the balance early?
Yes, from the pay now button on their payment page.
Not on the list?
If your customers commit before the work is done, Balance Due fits. Tell us what you sell and we will suggest a plan.