Deposit for a custom?

Sorry, perhaps I was not clear...of course it has worked out well for you...every time is less than 10 times, right?

Probably fewer than ten times actually. Though I have purchased about twenty custom knives, many makers stated that they didn't want me to send the money until the knife was ready to ship. A couple even told me that they would send me the knife and I could pay them if I was satisfied (never have taken them up on that). I have probably only sent the money early five or six times.

The question I was asking is....would you find it acceptable to have paid in full and wait an additional 3 months for your product to be delivered, when you were told it was "just about finished"?

I would find it totally unacceptable.

..........
 
I have probably only sent the money early five or six times.


Well that is a few too many for me, Keith, unless, and only unless, the maker was a personal extremely tight friend who really needed the money...they get a big pass.

The 6 weeks the first time, and 12 weeks the second time in the last five years that I have had to wait passed the "almost done date" ensures that NO other makers get payment until the knife is done....and my recommendation, since we are going off of experience here, is that other collectors practice the same policy.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
The 6 weeks the first time, and 12 weeks the second time in the last five years that I have had to wait passed the "almost done date" ensures that NO other makers get payment until the knife is done....and my recommendation, since we are going off of experience here, is that other collectors practice the same policy.

Sage advice.
 
I do not want any money up front, at time of order or when I begin.

I would like to be paid in full, when the knife is finished.

This has worked well in my 18 years of fulltime knifemaking.

However, I have had a few customers send money a few days before their knife was finished and this worked out just fine.
 
I don't like the idea of deposits, generally but here's anor spin on things. what if you order something, the maker gives you an inkling of the price...but years later, you're still waiting and the maker is continuing to deliver to others but not you (obviously because others are prepared to pay a lot more). I have a situation like that and I'm really bummed. If I'd paid a 5% deposit on that order, I feel that the maker would not be in a legal position to do that to me.

Anor spin - what if you ordered a knife, but along the way, the maker decides to outsource the production/change the specs/change the way it's made/raise the price so that it is no longer the knife you ordered. Again, I've found myself in this situation....since I didn't pay any deposit, I just couldn't assert any rights I had...notwithstanding that legally, there's already a contract. Just like I wouldn't back out of any purchase UNLESS the maker agrees, I feel that the maker should honour his part of the deal UNLESS it's mutually agreed otherwise....

Food for thought...
 
I've never had a problem asking for a deposit in 17 yrs. The first 5yrs I made custom woodworking tools where it is a given that one pays a deposit.
It is no big deal. I just find it interesting that the makers of custom knives are expected by some to cover costs and time on a commission as if somehow you can't trust a knife maker.
I've done a lot of art related commissions in the past, big ones and small and have never been asked to carry the burden, except maybe by shysters which I'm sure nobody here is, which is my point.

This is our sole income to live by. We are full time makers living in the bush and we do not compromise anything. Deposits assure delivery time for our customers and assure us they are serious.

Don your work is great.

When I read this thread I was taken aback by makers saying they never asked for deposits. That's why I posted. Again if you're a hobbyist or your spouse has an income etc.. this can be an attractive option for customers, ie: "No money down". For me it is unfair.

If you want proof of what I am writing about, read our testimonials.

Why is it that people who create are excpeted to suffer, work for nothing, take all the risk by thoughs who do not.
...I think I know the answer, that is why we live way out in the bush.:)

Scott.
http://www.caribooblades.com/testimonials.html
 
I've never had a problem asking for a deposit in 17 yrs. The first 5yrs I made custom woodworking tools where it is a given that one pays a deposit.
It is no big deal. I just find it interesting that the makers of custom knives are expected by some to cover costs and time on a commission as if somehow you can't trust a knife maker.

This is our sole income to live by. We are full time makers living in the bush and we do not compromise anything. Deposits assure delivery time for our customers and assure us they are serious.

Allen Blade, Rod Chappel, Steve Corkum, Jack Crain, Brad Duncan, Harvey Draper, Roger Linger, Newt Livesay....off the top of my head....all took deposits and left their customers dangling....and all are exceptionally talented makers.

Scott, you very well might be the most honorable maker out there, but for a collector, the threat of having a deposit vaporizing along with broken promises is very great. My 24 years of collecting, and establishing my name as an honorable collector who pays immediately a when knife is due is just as valid a pedigree as your time of making...it is an issue of trust, as has been written in this very thread.

Some reading at your leisure:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=803

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Hi Scott,

You might want to reread this thread.

If a deposit with you guarantees an exact delivery date...congratulations you are in a class by yourself.

Most makers have found that a deposit is a double edge sword. Once you have taken a deposit from someone you have given them the right to check on the progress...a lot.

Scott:

Deposits assure delivery time for our customers and assure us they are serious.

If you do not deliver on time do you give a prorated part of the deposit back to compensate the missed delivery date?

Those custom knife makers who are full time, generally have obtained that position by providing buyers with what they want. Getting to that point generally assures the maker that if someone does back out on the knife there will be a buyer who will be interested in the work..unless it is a butt ugly knife.

Which leads me to the only reasons you pay a deposit:

1) You are paying for specialized materials in advance.

2) You are the type of person who prefers to pay as you go.

3) You have ordered a knife that is so butt ugly that you are the only person who will want this knife. If this is the case...you pay in full...upfront.

Makers should always contact the buyer...BEFORE YOU START THE KNIFE.

If a collector/buyer has to cancel...DO THIS BEFORE THE MAKER STARTS THE KNIFE.

Most makers do not deliver on time....Most buyers pay on time.

I have had clients who pre-ordered a knife "disappear".

Do I take deposits...no. I learned my lesson the hard way doing so.
 
I've never had a problem asking for a deposit in 17 yrs. The first 5yrs I made custom woodworking tools where it is a given that one pays a deposit.
It is no big deal. I just find it interesting that the makers of custom knives are expected by some to cover costs and time on a commission as if somehow you can't trust a knife maker.
I've done a lot of art related commissions in the past, big ones and small and have never been asked to carry the burden, except maybe by shysters which I'm sure nobody here is, which is my point.

This is our sole income to live by. We are full time makers living in the bush and we do not compromise anything. Deposits assure delivery time for our customers and assure us they are serious.

Don your work is great.

When I read this thread I was taken aback by makers saying they never asked for deposits. That's why I posted. Again if you're a hobbyist or your spouse has an income etc.. this can be an attractive option for customers, ie: "No money down". For me it is unfair.

If you want proof of what I am writing about, read our testimonials.

Why is it that people who create are excpeted to suffer, work for nothing, take all the risk by thoughs who do not.
...I think I know the answer, that is why we live way out in the bush.:)

Scott.
http://www.caribooblades.com/testimonials.html

Scott, thanks!

Custom knife making is also my only source of income and my wife works for me. I started small and broke in 1991 and have grown from there. I stock pile fossil ivory, wood, steel and everything I need. We have no debt and money in the bank. We are frugal people but buy want we need/want.

If I make a knife for someone and they don't come through, I have no problem selling the piece to someone else.

There is no suffering in not accepting deposits :D
 
I'm new to customs and just bought a Yuna Hard 1. He required a 30% deposit. Irecently recieved mine and I couldn't have been happier with how everything went. With the feedback on this thread, I'm glad Yun's a stand up guy.
 
Hi.
We always keep our end of the bargain and deliver on time. If there was some sort of problem that would delay the delivery time we would work it out with the customer to their satisfaction.
We're booked 5 -7 months ahead and keep the deposits separate.

I don't mind talking with customers about their knives and tools. I really enjoy making tools for people who are right into it.

I can't afford people backing out of a deal after we've put time in. Sure I can sell the knife to someone else but we live in the bush in the middle of British Columbia.
We make everything clear, make a deal, correspond a lot and deliver. It works well for us.


I see that your ways work as well for you. It's a good thing we're comfortable with our ways

Don't make butt ugly knives.

Scott.
http://www.caribooblades.com
 
Scott, there is absolutely nothing wrong with deposits if it works for you and your customers, and it sounds like it does:thumbup:

Per my last post; It was brought to my attention that I do have additional income.
I've been selling excess inventory for the last few years, mostly W2 tool steel, and a little Walnut too:o
 
I agree with Les, I do not usually pay a deposit as a matter of principle, However I stay in contact with the maker through the wait period so he knows that his labor and material investment will be paid promptly when knife is finished.

I also DO NOT ORDER A KNIFE THAT I CANNOT AFFORD WHEN IT IS FINISHED. Period.

I have paid a deposit for extensive materials. Once I requested a Ruby be placed in the thumb stud of a folder. I paid in advance for the Ruby.

Ren
 
We haven't dealt with many collectors. Most of our customers are ordering knives and tools to use them. Collectors seem to have a lot of control over all aspects of this market.
Sure is interesting.

I guess I've come here by a different route. Handmade, custom woodworking hand tools. A different perspective.

Don we started, I think, very much like you guys. 12 years ago, dirt poor but we owned our own land. I worked outside up to -20 c. I don't want to do that again. :eek:
We stockpiled good steel, antler and wood.

Scott
 
I'm a big fan of the way Scott makes knives and how he conducts his business. If I wanted to have Scott make me something special I would not hesitate at making a deposit.
:thumbup:
I'd highly recommend checking out their website. Some neat stuff in there.
 
We haven't dealt with many collectors. Most of our customers are ordering knives and tools to use them. Collectors seem to have a lot of control over all aspects of this market.

I don't know about control, but collectors certainly have influence on the custom knife market. A guy who is buying a custom knife for use as a tool will no doubt appreciate and value his purchase. If it is well made and he gives it the proper care, it will last beyond his lifetime. He sure doesn't need 20, 30 or 40 more of 'em.

Les, STeven, Don - you speak for me on the deposit issue.

Roger
 
I was once asked by an ex-popular Australian maker during one of our phone conversations for me to send him a 25% deposit on a $2000 Bowie I was wanting. I said no way.

Needless to say, If I had sent any money to this particular maker who later on went sideways, I wouldn't have gotten a thing from him and I'd be out about $500.
 
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