The Major Report post Posted May 10, 2007 Is it just me or are those the most annoying words to hear from a customer when making a custom leather item. What color do you want it -> I don't care, what do you think...... What kind of buckle do you want, here are some pictures->I don't care, what do you think...... How tight to you want it to fit->I don't care, what do you think...... Snaps or buttons -> I don't care, what do you think...... :wtf: Sorry just got done with a customer last night who I was fitting for some chaps and a vest. And I am a little annoyed. but the good part is I have some free creative reign. So I am going to make the vest pink and the chaps purple and put some lacy accents on it. Who's the big bad biker dude now. Ha ha. :ranting: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsenette Report post Posted May 10, 2007 i don't have anything to add to your rant...but so far this post has posted itself 4 times...(counting this one)...i've removed the other three as they're duplicates....are you having posting trouble? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Major Report post Posted May 10, 2007 i don't have anything to add to your rant...but so far this post has posted itself 4 times...(counting this one)...i've removed the other three as they're duplicates....are you having posting trouble? Thanks for deleting the dupes, it kept erroring out when I hit the submit button. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsenette Report post Posted May 10, 2007 next time you get an error as such...it's probably posting...i'm noticing some slowness on the server today....instead of refreshing or something like that...if you can open up another page to the forum and check to see if it posted...i'm gonna get with johanna and see if we can figure something out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted May 10, 2007 Major, I think it's nice that the customer is trusting your judgment when it comes to making an attractive and functional item. (I wouldn't take it as disinterest on his/her part, they're just counting on you as the expert.) Use this opportunity to grow, and play around a little with the execution of the item. Try out a few new subtle things... Things that you may not have the luxury of trying if the customer were the demanding, detail-oriented type. Have some fun with this one! And post some pictures when done! Best, -Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted May 10, 2007 Hey, Shawn, this isn't directed at you, because you've been in the business long enough to need to rant occasionally... But, sometimes "Do what you want!" is the biggest compliment a leatherworker can receive. You do nice work, he knows it, and trusts you to make the best decision because he knows he hasn't got the faintest idea what to ask for, and he's too embarrassed to ask his wife, who knows. (Sometimes it's easier just to talk to her.) But on those jobs where big or little things like buckles aren't agreed on, you draw up a plan and a itemized bill, have him sign it and collect a deposit. That way, if later he hates the buckles you chose, or has some other issue, he won't be back to complain, and if he does, you have a piece of paper showing you did what you said you would, down to the leather and hardware used and the dates you agreed on the job and delivered it. For every 100 good customers, you will get a knothead or two. It's inevitable. CYA and do the paperwork, and get it signed. (Hey, Shawn, put in there purple and pink and see if he picks up on it! LOL) Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billsotx Report post Posted May 10, 2007 Pink and purple ... hmmm ... What kind of bike does this guy ride? A Mo-Ped? ... lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Major Report post Posted May 11, 2007 (edited) But, sometimes "Do what you want!" is the biggest compliment a leatherworker can receive.......Johanna I totally agree with that 200%. It is very liberating (for me at least) to have creative reign. I know I feel like a bird just let out of a cage when it happens. Unfortunately, he is one of those picky customers, but even worse he doesnt know what he wants, but he knows he doesn't want it like that. LOL. I guess the actual problem that I am having is not so much the issue of him making up his mind, I am used to dealing with that. But, he brings his friend along and his friend keeps changing his mind for him. His friend is a "leather expert" so he know what you (meaning me) should be doing. I have found out through an un-named source, that his friend imports the crap mass produced leather gear from China including chaps and vests. But his friend could not find a set in this guys size. Which is also why he said his friend shouldn't pay more than $300 for the set, because he "knows leather" and it isnt worth that much. ( I have had to use 2 full HIDES ((not sides)) for this project so far). Please don't get me wrong I do not claim to be the utmost expert on leather, but please at least respect my experience and don't compare my work to mass produced stuff. anyway. Pink and purple ... hmmm ... What kind of bike does this guy ride? A Mo-Ped? ... lol I like to use the pink and purple addage as tool to get people thinking. Actually I have also found out since I posted yesterday, that he doesnt even ride, he is scared to death of bikes. Makes me wonder what the chaps and vest is for. Then on second thought, after it leaves my hands, I dont' want to know about it. Edited May 11, 2007 by The Major Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted May 11, 2007 Well, you know this guy, and obviously you are confident the check will clear. But some customers (and you leatherworkers know who I mean!) just aren't worth it. It is better to smile sweetly and hand them a list of other leatherworkers who might be willing (or stupid enough) to do business with them. There are some jobs that it is actually more profitable to say, "No!" than to waste the time and energy trying to please the "no matter what you do, I'm gonna be unhappy" customer. Send them to WalMart! Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whinewine Report post Posted May 12, 2007 Actually I have also found out since I posted yesterday, that he doesnt even ride, he is scared to death of bikes. Makes me wonder what the chaps and vest is for. maybe it's something a good flogging would bring out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
