Members Leese Posted March 13, 2015 Members Report Posted March 13, 2015 All- Good evening! Would appreciate your feedback/experience here, please. I was asked to make a diaper bag that didn't look like a diaper bag for a man (a family member's colleague) who wanted something special for his wife since this would be their last child. The man reviewed pictures of my work and decided on a variation of one of my vinyl tote bags (easy to clean & sturdy). He was pretty adamant about wanting 4 clear functional pockets to display pictures of his kids. Although I cautioned him that it may not be a good idea to carry around in the open photos of his kids, he still wanted the clear pockets. I agreed and made the bag with four pockets. When the bag was complete, I sent him pictures of it with the pockets empty and full of pictures and stuff. He was pleased and then asked me to make him a changing pad to go with it. I did and shipped the items out together back around January 20, 2015. A few days ago, the man contacted me, said the bag is the right size, the wife loves the color and style, but would prefer four expandable pockets with snap closure tops - he wrote he really wanted to "make it right for his wife" and asked if it was possible to re-work the bag. Because he was involved throughout the process, i sent him photos of the finished bag, and it's been nearly 2 months since I sent him the bag, what would you do? Here are some of my thoughts: Re-working will take longer than creating from scratch I don't know if I have enough materials to re-make with four flapped pockets Not familiar with that style of pocket (read I have to design one) Cannot re-work what he has, the integrity of the vinyl would be compromised if I remove and re-sew If I agree to try, do I charge him or take a loss and just make him a new one I mean, it's not like I sent him a bad bag or there was a structural issue How do I talk to this man, handle tactfully and properly? What can I do to avoid this type of problem in the future and potential bad Internet press? Thank you for your time and assistance. Leese Quote
Members Andrew Chee Posted March 13, 2015 Members Report Posted March 13, 2015 Offer to do it for him and charge him for it. He received what was agreed on and what he asked for. If now he either wants a change or even a new bag you should say fine as long as he pays for the changes or new bag. There's nothing implied in your work for him that you owe him changes to the design after the fact. You should always fix any problems or defects with your work but if he changes his mind afterwards you are under no obligation to change it for him for free. You should tell him what his options are for getting the bag the way he wants, what your recommendations are for him to do so (modify existing bag or make a new bag) and the costs involved with the work. Andrew Quote
Members thefanninator Posted March 13, 2015 Members Report Posted March 13, 2015 (edited) If you can't modify it due to the intergrity of the vinyl, offer to make a new for full price and if you think it's possible to re-sell the first one - charge him a 25% re-stocking fee. Other than that I agree with the above. Edited March 13, 2015 by thefanninator Quote http://www.instagram.com/fannintexas/
Thor Posted March 13, 2015 Report Posted March 13, 2015 There should be a voting feature here. I'm with Andrew. Quote
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted March 13, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted March 13, 2015 Explain that trying to re-work the bag would damage it. Then offer to make a matching bag with the expandable pockets. Quote Mike DeLoach Esse Quam Videri (Be rather than Seem) "Don't learn the tricks of the trade.....Learn the trade." "Teach what you know......Learn what you don't." LEATHER ARTISAN'S DIGITAL GUILD on Facebook.
Members Handstitched Posted March 13, 2015 Members Report Posted March 13, 2015 G"day, Yes, I agree too, charge him for any alterations. If he wants a new one made, fine, but so long as he's prepared to pay. He'll end up with two bags instead of one. You've done nothing wrong . HS Quote ' I have a very gweat friend in Wome called Biggus Dickus, He has a wife you know, do you know whats she's called? Incontinentia.......Incontinentia Buttocks '
Members papaw Posted March 13, 2015 Members Report Posted March 13, 2015 Do not rework make new bag and charge. Quote Papaw Indiana Calumet Area Leather Guild Happy to be old enough to know better, but young enough to still do it !!
Contributing Member Bob Blea Posted March 13, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted March 13, 2015 I agree with everyone here. Explain to him his options and make it clear what the charges are (and absolutely you should be charging for all of this extra work) and let him decide if he is willing to pay for the additional work. Even if you provide a guarantee or warranty with your products, there is nothing wrong with the bag as delivered that would warrant replacement or repair. Quote There are always possibilities.... Bob Blea C and B Leathercrafts Fort Collins, CO Visit my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandBLeather?ref=si_shop Instagram @bobbleacandbleather
Northmount Posted March 13, 2015 Report Posted March 13, 2015 I hope you have been paid for the bag. If so, I would offer to make a new bag, preferably full cost, maybe add a discount coupon he could use for a future purchase. Don't take a loss. He can resell or dispose of the first bag himself. I like the idea above about making a matching bag as Twin Oaks suggests. If you haven't been paid for the bag, drop it and cut your losses now. Turn the bill over to a collection agency so you get at least 25 to 50% back. Tom Quote
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