Turned Down An Order

[DoubleC]

That's a good idea Allen. I can sell the ones I didn't get full payment for because they weren't personalized. With initials etc. would be hard to do that. Need to make my form so it includes that. And get better at just saying no if they don't want to pay up front.

[RoosterShooter]

Even though I'm just starting out in leatherwork I can relate to this type of client in my past fabrication experiences.

The best way, I have found, is to sit down with the client. Have them either A) have a rough sketch of what they want, or B ) Have a picture of a similar project that you can at least draw on.

Sit down with him for 15 minutes. Both of you brainstorm, and come up with ideas for the project. Finally, if you can't come up with something at the end of the 15 minutes, then kindly ask him to let you know when he has EXACTLY what he wants, and you would be glad to do it. That will save your 'word of mouth' reputation should he choose to talk about the experience with friends. When all is said and done, word of mouth is the best advertising tool. If you tick one guy off he might tell 50 others, in his encounters, that you 'Didn't want to deal with him' even if you feel that you went out of your way to help him.

Often times clients come to us, in our various fields, to help them solve the proverbial question of "What do I want?" He may need some convincing on what type of holster to build if he is that shifty.

Finally, I would do as you have done and ask for full payment, and explain to him that this is for supplies and your time. Explain that you aren't in a position to give a refund after payment due to your time and money being the chargeable goods.

Hope I helped in bringing an outside opinion in on the topic.

Edited October 12, 2012 by RoosterShooter

[Sir Titus]

Also I make people give me the rights to the pattern or art work.

[David]

I had a interesting one this week. I had my first seat returned to me.....it was too fancy! I sent pictures all during the construction, and he loved the finished product when he saw the pics. I would have been real up set but within a day I'd traded the old seat for a Ruger .357 revolver. I'm building him another "less fancy" seat.

I've attached a pic of the seat that he returned.

Customers come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. This one was in law enforcement and they are usually the best. I decided to roll with the punch on this one.

Dave

Edited October 14, 2012 by David

[David]

My take on the situation is you did the right thing.

Dave

Edited October 14, 2012 by David

[benlilly1]

I had a interesting one this week. I had my first seat returned to me.....it was too fancy! I sent pictures all during the construction, and he loved the finished product when he saw the pics. I would have been real up set but within a day I'd traded the old seat for a Ruger .357 revolver. I'm building him another "less fancy" seat.

I've attached a pic of the seat that he returned.

Customers come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. This one was in law enforcement and they are usually the best. I decided to roll with the punch on this one.

Dave

TOO FANCY!?! He apparently doesn't like lace?? (Customers come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments.) This is for sure. I think it's perfect. At least you can resell it since it's not personalized.

[Cyberthrasher]

I've found that some people think lace is fancy for some reason. Maybe the applique was just too much for him once he got it mounted up? Either way, that's an easy one to re-purpose but it still sucks that it happened. I always dread the day I get an email after the item arrives with the customer. They always love the pictures, but I'm afraid one of them might find some problem with it when they have it in their hands. You just proved that the day can come to even the best of us