Commissions

[jazzactivist]

Hi all. I wonder if I can pick your brains again? A couple of people that came to my stall have asked to commission pieces of jewellery. I am happy to make something to their specifications, but while one is a dream to work with the other is a man who wants to commission a ring for his girlfriend and is really taking his time and messing around. He started the process a month ago, and there have been lots of emails between us and just when I had given up on him, he got back to me today to say that he wants to go ahead and will come round to my 'studio' on Friday to discuss it. He has dawdled over every stage of the process and is still no clearer about the design, but he wants the ring for her birthday on 1st July! I have decided that I will ask for a 50% deposit to cover the cost of the materials, just in case I lose contact with him again. The other woman and another prospective commission happily suggested that they pay a deposit. I wouldn't ask it of someone whom I know well, but I think it will be a good idea for people that I don't know.

What do you think about this? Would you pay a deposit in advance, knowing that you would lose it if you choose not to go ahead? It is more of a problem with a sized ring, or an item with initials on etc., as it can't easily be resold on my stall.

[franbee]

For a bespoke item you would expect to pay up front, at least a deposit. I think you are right to ask for the price of the materials, then at least you don't lose out if he decides to cancel. Just make sure your clients understand why.
OH did this with his furniture. Most clients were fine. One guy ordered a shelf unit, OH knew from the start that it was wrong for his room and space, and sure enough the client didn't like it. He hadn't paid a deposit, so OH just brought it straight back, and mounted it in his workshop!

[dragonfly]

I think it is fine to ask for a deposit on a commissioned piece. It shows you are serious.

[cindy]

I would expect to pay a deposit on a commissioned piece. If the potential customer is not happy to do that he/she is obviously not serious

[eleanor2]

i think a deposit is a good idea too:not everyone knows how much trouble you go through for personalized items

[souter girl]

I agree with the others, Jazz - especially as this customer has messed you about a bit, let him put up a sizeable deposit so that you are not out of pocket - people can be very cavalier about craftsmen's (and women's) time and costs.

[jazzactivist]

He came here this evening to design the ring together, and is basically just a clueless guy who isn't sure what his girlfriend really wants. However, after some reassurance from me that having a male partner who takes the initiative to personally design and commission you a special ring for your birthday is most woman's dream man, he settled down and after trying out different options came up with his own ideas for a ring which should look very nice when its finished. He was happy to leave a 50% deposit, and offered to pay in full in advance, so I will definately be going down the deposit route from now on. Thank-you all very much for your support.

[Crocus]

I only noticed this thread now Jazz, but I will be happy to pay a deposit, especially on a commissioned piece. x

[Hedgehog]

It is a difficult one. I am a full time crafter and sometimes people will pay up front and othertimes you contact the customer on completion of the work to take payment. In Jazz's case on this occasuion I might be inclined to tak full payment up from the beginning. Good liuck with all you arts and crafts. Hedgehog

[sheddie]

Jazz I think it is quite in order to ask for a deposit, half with order and the other half on completion,that's what I used to do and everyone was fine with that. X