Members mulefool Posted January 5, 2009 Members Report Posted January 5, 2009 We've probably all experienced something like that at one time or another. The good news is you won't make that mistake again. Especially in this economy we all need to be scrupulous about getting our deposits. People order when they feel flush, but then when the item is ready "Sorry, don't have the money!". Sorry about your deal, but thanks for posting it, it reminds us all to careful. BTW, if it was a good repeat customer, I probably would have made the same mistake. Plus those are really a nice pair of pants. Quote www.horseandmulegear.com
Members tonyc1 Posted January 5, 2009 Members Report Posted January 5, 2009 Tony, that was sewn on my awesome old Consew 206RB. The point where the seams intersect on the back yoke is 9 layers of 3oz leather - definitely past the limit, but it did make it through. Good job, Ian. Thanks. Tony. Quote
Members randyandclaudia Posted January 14, 2009 Members Report Posted January 14, 2009 Hey Ian, A great friend of mine once told me his formula for charging for his work. I've stuck to it from that moment forward and it works. Figure out what you would do the project for if you really needed the money (pretend that you don't). . . double it and add $25.00. Especially when you are doing custom or one offs. Works everytime. Your work is awesome . . . make them pay for it. I know an incredible bootmaker who doubled her prices and all of a sudden her orders shot through the roof! Keep on keepin' on . . . nice pants! Quote peace and love randy and claudia www.randyandclaudia.com http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Cosmic-Leather-Emporium/123781450970345 www.myspace.com/hellbentforleather "Quality is never an accident; it's always the result of high intention, sincere effort; intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives." John Ruskin
Members mulefool Posted January 14, 2009 Members Report Posted January 14, 2009 You know what irks me? When I give a price quote through gritted teeth thinking "Man, this is EXPENSIVE" and the customer says, "Oh, I thought it would be alot more". That's when you know you've probably underbid. Chris Quote www.horseandmulegear.com
JohnBarton Posted January 14, 2009 Report Posted January 14, 2009 This is one of the worst experiences a craftsman can have happen to them and I believe it's happened to most of us. I had several cue cases for years that had customer's names embroidered on them where I didn't take a deposit and they never picked up the cases. I kept them around to remind me.Now I don't take deposits on items that I know I can move as soon as I let people know I have one for sale. Luckily I have a bit of a waiting list of clients who want to be informed whenever I happen to have an extra cue case for sale.Anything personalized or special-made though requires a full, non-refundable payment in advance. If a customer is not happy with the work I will do it again and again until I get it right but they don't get any money back once I start working on their special thing.I learned long ago that those who won't pay in advance are not serious about acquiring the piece. Serious buyers want to pay you extra so you'll start right now.So that's how I handle it. Hope that this helps you.One thing that can soften the blow for what the customer did you to is to think of the amount you lost as marketing money. I just look at it as an investment and the jerk of a customer as a charity case because he obviously needs the money more than me if he is willing to pretty much steal my time. You know what irks me? When I give a price quote through gritted teeth thinking "Man, this is EXPENSIVE" and the customer says, "Oh, I thought it would be alot more". That's when you know you've probably underbid. ChrisI know that feeling. :-)What I do is just put my price on it and resolve to be happy with it. The best thing in the world is when they feel like the piece is worth more than what they were quoted.That just equals repeat business and referrals. Quote Support Quality. We are all humans. Buy the best no matter where it's made. That way everyone lives in harmony. Nature knows no flags.
Hennessy Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 We've probably all experienced something like that at one time or another. The good news is you won't make that mistake again. Especially in this economy we all need to be scrupulous about getting our deposits. People order when they feel flush, but then when the item is ready "Sorry, don't have the money!". Sorry about your deal, but thanks for posting it, it reminds us all to careful. BTW, if it was a good repeat customer, I probably would have made the same mistake. Plus those are really a nice pair of pants.this is a learning curve,keep curving but try your best to straighten er up eh.taking checks is another tester,i found my business actually increased when i started taking credit cards no problems either,allways get a deposit 30percent or more,half is better, no refund,figure a pick up time frame also.be firm but courteous. pete Quote
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