Sellers Aren't Mind Readers - Why Putting Effort Into Your Custom Request Makes All the Difference

---

Want to get the best out of your custom orders on All Things Worn? It starts with communication, a little preparation, and remembering that you're part of the creative process too!

As a buyer on All Things Worn, I've recently had some genuinely fantastic experiences working with sellers on custom content. What has made these experiences stand out isn't just the finished content itself, but the process of getting there.

I've been putting more thought into how I communicate my ideas, using a structured brief to explain what I'm looking for before the actual creation process begins. The results have been better than I could have hoped for, and the feedback I've received from sellers has been incredibly positive.

It's also made me realise something worth sharing with other buyers: if you want a seller to put time, effort and creativity into making something special for you, why shouldn't you put the same effort into explaining what you're looking for?

Sellers can't read your mind. We've all got our own ideas about what we'd love to see in a custom video or piece of content. Sometimes those ideas are simple; sometimes, like mine, they can grow into something rather more elaborate! But here's the thing: no matter how clearly you can picture something in your own head, your seller can't see that picture.

You might know exactly how you want a scene to unfold, what you'd like the seller to wear, how a particular moment should look, or what little details would make the finished product perfect for you. Unless you communicate those thoughts, however, the seller has to guess. And guessing can lead to misunderstandings, missed details or a finished product that doesn't quite match what you had imagined. That's not necessarily because the seller hasn't done a good job. They can only work with the information they've been given.

I started thinking about how I could make that process easier for everyone involved. Rather than trying to explain everything through a long series of messages, I wanted a way to organise my thoughts and give the seller a clear picture of my idea from the outset.

My solution: a proper custom brief I've started using a document template to put together my ideas before sending them to a seller. It allows me to get everything out of my head, organise it into manageable sections and give the seller something they can refer back to throughout the process.

My briefs currently contain five key sections:

• Summary - Think of this as an executive summary. It gives the seller an overview of the concept, the main things I'm looking for and the general direction of the custom. They can quickly understand the idea without having to work through every detail straight away.
• General Preparation - This covers any relevant preparation for the custom, including practical details that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, where props are involved, I can explain my thoughts on preparation and the look I'm hoping to achieve.
• Clothing & Appearance - Here, I can outline my preferences for clothing, styling and general appearance. These are suggestions to help communicate the look I'm imagining, rather than an expectation that every detail must be followed exactly.
• Overall Plan / Script - This is where I can really bring the idea to life. I can describe how I'd like the custom to unfold, the key moments I'd love to see and any dialogue or specific actions that might be relevant. It doesn't necessarily mean writing a word-for-word screenplay. Sometimes a sequence of events and a few important details are enough. Other times, a more detailed script helps communicate the idea properly.
• Seller Feedback - This is arguably one of the most important sections. It gives the seller an opportunity to share their thoughts, suggest alternatives, raise concerns or explain if something isn't practical for them. After all, they are the person who will be bringing the idea to life. Their experience, creativity and comfort level matter, and I want them to feel that their input is genuinely welcome.

It's a starting point, not a list of demands. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: my brief isn't intended to be an extensive, rigid list of demands that the seller must follow to the letter. Quite the opposite. It's a foundation for a conversation. It helps us start from the same understanding, gives the seller a clear idea of what I'm imagining and creates an opportunity to discuss the details together.

Perhaps, something I've suggested isn't practical. Maybe the seller has a better idea, a different approach that would work more effectively, or a suggestion that would make the finished content even better. That's absolutely fine. The document is there to help us collaborate, not to restrict the seller's creativity. Details can be adjusted, ideas can evolve, and the final plan can be agreed upon together.

I also think it's important to recognise that sellers have their own boundaries, preferences and limitations. If something doesn't work for them, I'd much rather they tell me so we can explore alternatives. A good custom experience should be enjoyable and comfortable for everyone involved.

For me, the ideal outcome is a seller who understands my vision, feels confident about what I'm asking for and has the freedom to contribute their own ideas.

The feedback has been brilliant! One of the most encouraging things about using this approach has been the response from sellers. Every seller I've placed an order with using my document brief has commented positively on it.

Two comments, in particular, really stood out to me: "Honestly, I'm genuinely impressed by how thoroughly and clearly you’ve put this brief together. It makes things so much easier on my end, and overall, I completely understand the concept..."

And another response made me smile: "Woooooww babe I am truly impressed. 😂 I was not expecting a dialog this looks like a movie script it’s very impressive and organized I love it!"

These comments mean a lot to me because they reinforce what I was hoping to achieve. I'm not just giving the seller more information for the sake of it. I'm helping them understand my idea, making the planning process easier and giving them a clearer picture of what would make the finished content special for me.

The fact that sellers have appreciated the effort tells me that this approach is worthwhile. Of course, every seller is different, and not every custom needs a document this detailed. But when an idea has several elements or requires a bit of planning, a well-organised brief can make a real difference.

A little effort from the buyer goes a long way It's easy to focus on the seller's side of a custom order. They're the person creating the content, putting in the time, doing the preparation and working to deliver something you'll enjoy. But I believe there's a buyer's side to that equation too.

If we're asking someone to create something specifically for us, it seems only fair that we take the time to explain what we're looking for as clearly as possible. That doesn't mean every buyer needs to write a five-page script! A short, clear message might be all that's needed for a straightforward request. The important thing is to give the seller enough information to understand your expectations and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Here are a few simple things I'd encourage other buyers to consider: 

• Get your thoughts in order. Take a little time to work out what you actually want before approaching a seller. 
• Be as clear as you can. Explain the important details rather than assuming the seller will automatically understand what you have in mind. 
• Separate essentials from preferences. Make it clear which elements are important to you and which are simply suggestions. 
• Welcome questions and feedback. Your seller may need clarification, and their suggestions might improve your original idea. 
• Respect boundaries. If a request isn't suitable or comfortable for a seller, be willing to discuss alternatives. 
• Keep communicating. A brief is a great starting point, but an open conversation is what turns it into a shared plan.

Above all, remember that a custom order is a collaboration between two people. The more effectively you communicate, the better the opportunity for both of you to have a positive experience.

My advice to other ATW buyers If you've had a great experience with a seller, take a moment to think about what made it work. Was it their communication? Their attention to detail? Their willingness to understand what you wanted? Those things matter enormously, but communication works both ways.

I'm still learning, and this is my first blog, so I'm certainly not claiming to have all the answers. I'm simply sharing something I've tried that has worked remarkably well for me.

My document template has helped me organise my ideas, communicate them more clearly and give sellers a solid foundation to work from. The positive feedback I've received has been a lovely bonus, and it's encouraged me to keep using and refining the approach.

If you regularly commission custom content, perhaps give it a try. It doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a summary, add the important details, explain your vision and invite the seller to contribute their thoughts. You might be surprised by how much difference it makes.

Because a great custom isn't just about what the seller creates. It's also about how you work together to make it happen.

Happy buying, everyone!

---

Join us for free and start your journey!

---

---

Interested in contributing to our awesome community blog? Why not get in touch with our friendly team?

---

More From Our Blog

---

Get Started See our video