What To Line With ... Difficult Customer

[RoosterShooter]

We've all had them, and I guess it's my turn this time.

I had a walk-in customer want a Velvet lined holster for her Customized Lady Smith. I insisted that the velvet wouldn't hold up, and talked her into a leather alternative. I normally only use 4 oz. inside of my 7 oz. leather for lining holsters, but she is insisting that it be 'soft' to the touch.

What should I use? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Eaglestroker]

My recommendation would be to run away, quickly.

Split pigskin is a suede like leather in 1-2oz that is a popular lining leather with holsters.

[DuaneS]

I'd suggest she use Someone Else????

[Red Cent]

I would have told her that the stuff wouldn't hold up, have her sign a hold harmless, and make it for her

[blue duck]

These guys are right, Run! There is nothing worse than a woman (or any client) that won't take professional advice. No matter what you do, it will not be right, nor good enough, nor what she wanted to begin with. You can not win. Have one on the books right now and I am pulling out every gray hair she has given me. Thought we could show her what was right and why, but even with tens (hundreds?) of hours on the phone and emails and redesigns, we are so far in the hole on this one, it hurts. Even with an agreement, it is your name she will drag through the mud. Folks will never hear the other side of the story, only see where your work did not hold up.

Edited May 19, 2014 by blue duck

[dirtclod]

People like that i give them their stuff back and tell em i'll never able to make you happy so i'm not doing it. I'm guessing you will be wishing you had told her that before it's over.

[DavidL]

abbey england has some soft french sueded leather that would feel like velvet but hold up like suede. Worth a look.

[Chief31794]

The Pigskin Split is an option, but if she's that picky, I'd suggest she design and make it herself. I line holsters with Pigskin Splits and it has a nice soft feel and holds up well.

Chief

[TexasJack]

What happened to, "The Customer Is Always Right"?

Once you've explained why there's no warranty on her choice of materials (and perhaps that it's a premium cost), you make what she wants.

When it works out like you said it would, she'll come to understand that you know best.

[rickybobby]

I quit trying to please people read (busting my butt to try and make them happy) against what you know is best. Are you going to buy a "special" hide for this person.

How much are you willing to spend $$ to try and make her happy?

I send these people down the road (i'm not rude to them) I just tell them someone else is better at ________ then I am and give a huge price and they go to the "expert" that may or may not do it.

Send them away, if they don't like what you make, they won't like what they make for them.