Members George B Posted July 30, 2012 Members Report Posted July 30, 2012 Long story short... Customer wants a western rig and 2 CCW holsters, one for a Colt SAA clone. I've talked to him face to face once and on the phone twice and still do not have any idea exactly what he wants. Started John Wayne and now it's Clint Eastwood, I think. He informed me last night that he wants pics sent to him so he can "proof it" as I go. Say What? I don't have the time to hold his hand through the entire process as I have other gun leather items to make, a saddle to build and another to restore. Am I just being stupid and turning down money for the wrong reasons? Has any one else dealt with a customer like this? And better yet, how did it turn out at the end? I did leave it open kind of, I told him if he could get me some pics of what he was after I could build it. Thanks for any advice on this one. George Quote
stelmackr Posted July 30, 2012 Report Posted July 30, 2012 <<<snip>>> Am I just being stupid and turning down money for the wrong reasons? Has any one else dealt with a customer like this? And better yet, how did it turn out at the end? I did leave it open kind of, I told him if he could get me some pics of what he was after I could build it. Thanks for any advice on this one. George The only project that was ever returned to me was from a customer that acted like yours. I now have turned down a few customers that started the same line of communication. They seem more interested and confused with the process and product. I had to overcome the overwhelming need to satisfy everyone. It is getting easier to turn away a potential customer, but it is done with tact and respect. That lets me sleep at night. Bob Stelmack Quote Bob Stelmack Desert Leathercraft LLC Former Editor of the, RawHide Gazette, for the Puget Sound Leather Artisans Co-Op, 25 years of doing it was enough...
bison Posted July 30, 2012 Report Posted July 30, 2012 I have had good and bad experiences with this type of client. What I do now is to hold their hand through the design process, provide pics, etc, then, once the design is complete, they sign an approval form and I make the item...no more changes. Since I have been doing that I haven't had any problems with clients not being happy with it,since they are somewhat invested in it and see just how much effort goes into creating a custom piece. but there are still times you just have to say no. I usually put it on me...I'm probably not the best person for this, but I will give them some names if they would like...that sort of thing. Doesn't cost me anything to do that and they don't feel like I've been rude. Good luck.Dave Quote
Members katsass Posted July 30, 2012 Members Report Posted July 30, 2012 I think you did the right thing. A customer that wants something that he is not totally sure about, but insists on being able to micro manage the process of design and construction, is one that will never be satisfied. That picture that sits in his mind's eye will constantly shift, and you will never be able to anchor it down. Good call, in my opinion. Mike Quote NOTE TO SELF: Never try to hold a cat and an operating Dust buster at the same time!! At my age I find that I can live without sex..........but not without my glasses. Being old has an advantage.......nobody expects me to do anything in a hurry.
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted July 30, 2012 Ambassador Report Posted July 30, 2012 Just say NO........this will save you from a lot of problems... Quote Luke
Members Sylvia Posted July 30, 2012 Members Report Posted July 30, 2012 I would be wary of a customer like that... especially a stranger. I think you made a good call. Quote A teacher pointed at me with a ruler and said "At the end of this ruler is an idiot." I got detention when I asked "Which end?"
rickybobby Posted July 30, 2012 Report Posted July 30, 2012 My reaction to that kind of micro management is "they need to build it themselves or let someone with a crystal ball help them" Send them down the road! Quote Rick
Members bluesman1951 Posted July 30, 2012 Members Report Posted July 30, 2012 Walk away no way you are going to ever be on the same page with this guy . I just would not touch this project sounds like a soul sucking time waster with out end . My advice is RUN !!!! Long story short... Customer wants a western rig and 2 CCW holsters, one for a Colt SAA clone. I've talked to him face to face once and on the phone twice and still do not have any idea exactly what he wants. Started John Wayne and now it's Clint Eastwood, I think. He informed me last night that he wants pics sent to him so he can "proof it" as I go. Say What? I don't have the time to hold his hand through the entire process as I have other gun leather items to make, a saddle to build and another to restore. Am I just being stupid and turning down money for the wrong reasons? Has any one else dealt with a customer like this? And better yet, how did it turn out at the end? I did leave it open kind of, I told him if he could get me some pics of what he was after I could build it. Thanks for any advice on this one. George Quote
hidepounder Posted July 30, 2012 Report Posted July 30, 2012 I agree with everyone else......let this one go. A customer comes to you for your expertise. If they feel it's necessary to coach you through the process you will never satisfy them because they have no respect for what you have to offer. Sometimes "passing" will save you time and money!! Bobby Quote
mlapaglia Posted July 30, 2012 Report Posted July 30, 2012 The only way I would do a job like this is by the hour with a weekly advance payment for the next weeks work. People like this will never be happy. The best thing is what you did. say no. A place I worked had a policy, "Fire your worst customer". It made sense. People like that cost you more than you make. Ya did good. Quote The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering. Bruce Lee
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