Understanding the Tricks of the Trade: Beware of Time-Wasters!
Ladies and gentlemen, enter the world of custom content creation, where the shimmer of potential earnings often clashes with the peculiar quirks of human behavior. It seems every day offers a new lesson in the realm of online interactions, especially from those who might not have the purest intentions.
The Pitfalls of Custom Requests
I recently experienced a rather peculiar interaction with a subscriber, let’s call him Mr. Satin Panties. At 57, Mr. Satin Panties seemed to have a very specific taste - satin panties, to be precise. He excitedly requested custom pictures featuring this item, even going so far as to pick them out on Amazon and request that I add them to my wishlist. However, despite the excitement and detailed discussion, when the time came to make a move - poof! He ghosted me faster than you could say 'satin.'
The Older Demographic: A Pattern of Indecision
This isn’t an isolated incident. A noticeable pattern has begun to emerge with the older demographic in this business - lots of talk, very little action. Discussions turn into fantasy essays without any real follow-through. From now on, to save myself the frustration, I've decided only to add items I want to my wishlist, requiring a tip for any customs upfront. No more free shows in the fantasy factory.
Effective Strategies from Fellow Creators
Listening to stories from colleagues has been eye-opening. Many have navigated similar waters with varying strategies:
- Upfront Discussion Fees: Charging for the time spent in discussion acts as a great filter for seriousness. One fellow creator mentioned a $5 discussion fee that’s deductible from the final payment. According to her, no time-waster has ever paid it, but serious buyers don't hesitate.
- Payment First Policy: Another common theme is the insistence on receiving payment beforehand. This method is straightforward: no cash, no conversation. It cuts straight through potential pretenders and keeps things professional.
- Sifting Through Pretenders: Some creators have experimented with negotiation fees or increased initial deposits to weed out those who aren't serious.
The Unfortunate 'Unicorn Floaty' Incident
Then there are cases that border on the bizarre, such as an instance where a discussion about a unicorn floaty derailed into absurdity, climaxing with the prospective buyer blocking the creator after a request involving glasses - a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of client requests.
Conclusion: A Game of Chess, Not Checkers
This line of work isn't just about creating and selling content; it's about strategizing and protecting your time and creativity from those who would waste it. A final piece of advice? Treat each interaction like a move in chess, thinking several steps ahead to safeguard your interests and maintain professional boundaries.
