Balance Deposits for made-to-measure clothing and tailoring
A garment cut for one person cannot be resold if the customer walks away. A deposit at checkout covers the cloth and the cutting, and the balance lands at the final fitting.
In short: Most tailors take 50% at checkout and the balance when the garment is ready for its final fitting. Set the plan's balance to 'when the order is ready' and press mark ready after the fitting; the balance is charged from the saved card and the order is released.
The usual plan
Set the deposit at 50% and the balance rule to 'when the order is ready'. The deposit covers cloth, trims and the cutting time, which you commit to the moment the order comes in. When the garment passes its final fitting, press mark ready and the balance is charged within minutes; the fulfilment hold keeps it from being dispatched until it clears.
Example: £1,400 made-to-measure suit, 50% deposit. £700 at checkout, £700 when you mark it ready after the final fitting.
Measurements and fittings
Sell each garment type as a product (two-piece suit, shirt, dress) with fabrics or options as variants. Measurements can come through line item properties on the product page or a follow-up form; fitting appointments are arranged separately. The customer's payment page shows the deposit paid and the balance still to come, so nobody needs to ask.
Changes to the order
Customers often add a waistcoat, a second pair of trousers or a monogram after the first fitting. Edit the Shopify order and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance, so the final charge matches what they actually ordered.
Cancellations
In the UK, goods made to the customer's own measurements are generally outside the 14-day right to cancel that applies to online purchases, so a clearly stated deposit policy usually holds for bespoke work. Say it on the product page before checkout. This is general information, not legal advice.
Made-to-measure clothing questions
Can I charge the balance at the final fitting?
Yes. Press mark ready on the order when the fitting is done and the balance is charged from the saved card within minutes. The customer can also pay it themselves from the pay now button on their payment page.
What if the customer adds items after the first fitting?
Edit the Shopify order and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance, so the final charge covers everything.
Does it work on the Basic plan?
Yes. Deposits work on Basic, Grow, Advanced and Plus. Automatic balance charges need Shopify Payments or PayPal Express; on other providers the customer gets a pay link instead.
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.