Efficient Ways To Take Orders?

[WinterBear]

A comment on your "quality" over "quantity" desire and people who seem to be impatient: For all handmade goods and services, some customers might need a reminder that

They can have a good job cheap, but it won't be quick (i.e., meaning you'll work on it as time allows).

They can have a quick job cheap, but it won't be good (you'll slap it together, but the quality will most likely suffer).

They can have a good job quick, but it won't be cheap (you'll have to work overtime, and possibly turn down other orders, and will therefore charge accordingly).

I've seen caterers, florists, tailors, jewelers, leather workers, gunsmiths, portrait painters, quilters, hairstylists, and others have the sign with the points in their workshop/store/booth, etc. as a reminder to their customers and themselves. It's also a good reminder to the artisans not to sell themselves short either, as there will be some people who will demand the moon and want it now, and will try to pressure the artisan for a good quick cheap job--but once they get it, they are likely to demand it again and again (or they tell their friends, and the friends will demand it from you). Customer service is one thing, but not every customer will appreciate someone bending over backwards for them. Best to save your efforts for those who will, like a good customer who is in a bind.

As a friend of mine keeps telling me, "'No' is a complete sentence. Just 'No'. Not 'No problem', or 'No, but...'. It is ok to tell people 'No', especially when other commitments, obligations, or your own free time, family life, or sanity is involved."

I need to listen to that friend more.

[TACKyPaints]

A comment on your "quality" over "quantity" desire and people who seem to be impatient: For all handmade goods and services, some customers might need a reminder that

They can have a good job cheap, but it won't be quick (i.e., meaning you'll work on it as time allows).

They can have a quick job cheap, but it won't be good (you'll slap it together, but the quality will most likely suffer).

They can have a good job quick, but it won't be cheap (you'll have to work overtime, and possibly turn down other orders, and will therefore charge accordingly).

I've seen caterers, florists, tailors, jewelers, leather workers, gunsmiths, portrait painters, quilters, hairstylists, and others have the sign with the points in their workshop/store/booth, etc. as a reminder to their customers and themselves. It's also a good reminder to the artisans not to sell themselves short either, as there will be some people who will demand the moon and want it now, and will try to pressure the artisan for a good quick cheap job--but once they get it, they are likely to demand it again and again (or they tell their friends, and the friends will demand it from you). Customer service is one thing, but not every customer will appreciate someone bending over backwards for them. Best to save your efforts for those who will, like a good customer who is in a bind.

As a friend of mine keeps telling me, "'No' is a complete sentence. Just 'No'. Not 'No problem', or 'No, but...'. It is ok to tell people 'No', especially when other commitments, obligations, or your own free time, family life, or sanity is involved."

I need to listen to that friend more.

haha! That is GREAT advice WinterBear!! Thank you so much! I have seen with my own eyes those signs in shops before!! It's just a "gentle reminder" but makes one think twice! Perhaps I need a little sign on my website....just a "gentle reminder" sign!

I do need to start saying NO! Right before Christmas I had taken in so many orders that I was working 7 days a week! I'd start at 7am and sometimes not turn the light off in my studio until after midnight! Needless to say I was exhausted physically & mentally! Barely got to spend any time with my husband AND was beginning to hate painting! I don't ever want to begin hating to paint ever again!! haha!

Thanks again for the great advice!! That is something I will always keep in mind!!

[WinterBear]

You could always paint yourself a sign too.

Eeep, that's no way to go into the holidays. As for the advice, take it with a grain of salt?--I can't follow it either. Maybe I should make it a resolution or something. In any case, cheers, and here's to another year successful painting! I had a peek at your facebook, and the stuff is fabulous! I think I like the koi most.