Customers asking for credit on parts

[Shorts]

I have a customer interested in a holster that uses several belt clips. He stated he already has the same clips and is asking if he could get a credit since I wouldn't have to utilize a set on the holster.

I'm torn between being flexible and 'pleasant to work with' and not giving my stuff away. I already have material in my inventory, my money's already spent.

What would you do?

[Hilly]

I have a customer interested in a holster that uses several belt clips. He stated he already has the same clips and is asking if he could get a credit since I wouldn't have to utilize a set on the holster.

I'm torn between being flexible and 'pleasant to work with' and not giving my stuff away. I already have material in my inventory, my money's already spent.

What would you do?

I'd tell him nicely, but firmly that the price is the same, whether or not it comes with a clip. Tell him you'd be happy to keep the clip if he doesn't want/need it.

[Kustom]

I have a customer interested in a holster that uses several belt clips. He stated he already has the same clips and is asking if he could get a credit since I wouldn't have to utilize a set on the holster.

I'm torn between being flexible and 'pleasant to work with' and not giving my stuff away. I already have material in my inventory, my money's already spent.

What would you do?

Ask him if he takes his own food to a restaurant to have the chef cook it.

I wouldn't do it. Let him return the clips to where he bought them.

[Art]

Hi Monica,

It is simple. For product liability reasons, you must use the clips that you provide. You have no idea where the clips came from, if she is a LEO, she will understand chain of custody, it is kind of like that.

If you do it for one, everyone will start bringing you stuff. "Can you make a holster for my Sig, here's some leather, can I get a credit for the leather?"; that just isn't going to work.

Art

I have a customer interested in a holster that uses several belt clips. He stated he already has the same clips and is asking if he could get a credit since I wouldn't have to utilize a set on the holster.

I'm torn between being flexible and 'pleasant to work with' and not giving my stuff away. I already have material in my inventory, my money's already spent.

What would you do?

[Shorts]

Excellent Art. It did run through my head, "What clips and will they work anyway?". But that's probably the best approach to take there, liability. Especially in regard to holsters.

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Hill, straight forward. Kustom, hilarious but I don't have the brass to say that

[2MadJacks]

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't give the credit for the clips. How does about 5 cents per clip sound? thats fair right?

Now the customer can decide how bad they want a credit. What are people thinking? this isn't wal-mart Good luck, James

Edited June 25, 2009 by 2MadJacks

[HorsehairBraider]

You know what I say? "I do not charge extra for using your materials." That way they know what a DEAL they are getting.

[Regis]

In addition to what Art said, I had similar experience. I used to do some engraving and people tried to give me "their" item (spoon, vase, buckle, etc) to engrave. Problem was that If I accidently slipped or it broke, what am I replacing it with. Customers seem to understand that if yours breaks, you can go to the supplier and get replacement for defective one. If you use theirs, and it breaks, what then?

Regis

[Jordan]

Same price with clips or without, you might mention, since they already have the clips they might as well go ahead and make their own holster to go with them!

[kevinhopkins]

Hi Monica,

Balance is the key.... Just give em' your biggest smile when you tell them that you're soooo sorry, but you just can't do that.

Kevin