LESSON 1: The object is to be different from the standard product according to one's taste. But the more radical the work, the more chances of being ridiculed. Customization is not for the faint at heart. If you are afraid what others might say, don't do it, just blend with the crowd and be another number.
LESSON 2: Don't ask for second opinions. Design according to your taste and specifications. Never let others sway you from your personal preference. The outcome of a customised job is very much a reflection and representation of one's inner self. It becomes personal and a part of you, one normally doesn't sell. But put some effort, do it well and be happy with the final result. What people say later comes second, as always, some may like it, others may not. The whole point of customization is not to make other people happy but to make yourself happy. If you do otherwise, you lost your sense of direction.
LESSON 3: Hobbies like customization are always expensive. This will make the custom version comparatively more expensive than the standard product. However, it cannot be compared one to one. Being different is what's it all about in customization, that makes customizing satisfying but only another customizer can understand and appreciate.
LESSON 4: As the intent of customization is always to align away from the norm, firstly, hear from the legal horses how radical your work is going to be. The authorities generally look from the angle of public safety on the road. A good example is how many said I ran foul with the law with my side license plate holder. One day, I came to a police road block. However, the senior officer complimented my side license plate holder not being partly hidden but visible to the eye, numbers horizontally oriented plus font and size of my registration alphabet/numbers conformed to their specifications. He was so impressed, he took photos to show others a good example of a custom license plate holder then we waved goodbye.
