Customers asking for credit on parts

[Shorts]

Great support - I love this forum

[swivelsphinx]

You know, I've been selling my work for at least ten years. I do wood, leather,bone...lots of different things.

One of the *worst* mistakes I have made repeatedly is being too flexible. Once your customers start to chisel you, they don' t stop in my experience.

It's one thing if someone asks if I can swap out a cord in on a pendant for a different color of similar make and price. That's easy- I'm happy, they are happy. If someone asked me for a discount for *removing* the cord, well, then that's a no-go. It's a set. The cord can be left with me, they can throw it away. If they "upgrade" to a chain, it's the same deal. The cord is "free" with the necklace- the pendant is "free" with the price of the cord on the card it came on. I'd tell them the clip comes with the work. If they don't want the complimentary clip, they can give it back to you at the same price as you were "giving it to them" along with paying what your materials and work is worth.

It's really hard to not want to be nice to your customers in this economy. I dare say it's even harder when you are a female crafter, to be honest. "Girl training" both tends to instruct women to be flexible, *and* for people (both women and men) to expect a little extra "nice" from us-even if it means undervaluing your work, or doing something the "guy" in the next booth wouldn't do. It's none of the customer's business what you pay for your hardware anyway! If he wants a holster "special" for the clip he's got at home, I'd tell him I'd be happy to make him a custom piece at my usual rate.

[rcsaddles]

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?

This is like taking your car to a mechanic and saying, I already have the parts, will you fix it at a discounted rate? Most mechanics will charge extra for supplying your own parts.

Maybe say something like, I pay "whatever amount" for these clips and I can take that off the price but if I use your parts, there is no guarantee on the product.

[jbird]

Ok so I had this same issue this week I had a guy that wanted a holster he said he had the clips and the leather thread and snap, asked if it would be like 70% off my regular price?

I said well I can't waranty any of the stuff and I don't ever do a deal like that but if you would like I wil do it but the cost would be the same as always in fact it's more of a chore for me this way .

He said that he was not in the mood to deal with a jerk.

I thanked him for his time said have a nice day and that was that.

Josh

Edited July 11, 2009 by jbird

[Shorts]

Ok so I had this same issue this week I had a guy that wanted a holster he said he had the clips and the leather thread and snap, asked if it would be like 70% off my regular price?

I said well I can't waranty any of the stuff and I don't ever do a deal like that but if you would like I wil do it but the cost would be the same as always in fact it's more of a chore for me this way .

He said that he was not in the mood to deal with a jerk.

I thanked him for his time said have a nice day and that was that.

Josh

The character of the customer was revealed pretty quick. Which is a good thing. Saved you some heartache and time.