- Joined
- Nov 6, 1999
- Messages
- 2,639
I think Les makes a great deal of sense. Since I have only purchased from makers at shows, or from several internet dealers (including Les), I have not had to deal with the issue of making a deposit. I collect what I like when I see it. I have not really had to consider asking a maker to produce a knife according to my design.
I have taked to several makers about this issue though. None of the established makers were interested in taking any form of deposit. Since I was placing so few restrictions on the knife they would make for me, they would simply sell it to someone else if I didn't want it, or could not pay for the knife when it was ready. I am waiting for a knife to be made by a very famous maker. He told me I would need to pay for the knife When he was ready to make it. That makes sense to me.
There is another thread in the general forum about a guy who paid cash and traded valuable mahogony eight years ago to have several knives made: Osbourn's problem. The maker 'forgot' about the order. And seems to be hiding and ducking, making contact difficult. This was a 'paid in full' deal. And it's Eight years old.
What Les said about makers taking deposits living on 150% of income is very interesting. And an easy trap to fall into. Not only that, but if the value of the makers work has appreciated significantly in during the several year wait, he is going to feel that his work is worth much more than what he was paid originally. Not a good situation for either party.
I do think almost Any deposit paid would be considered legal consideration entering the maker and the customer into a binding contract. Establishing this in writing as Les advises sounds like the right thing to do, especially when asking makers to produce something that is not typical of their usual work.
So deposits are sometimes necessary to protect the maker, but should be avoided if at all possible to avoid binding legal entanglements and the vicious circle of thinking you make more money than you really do.
Thanks for your thoughts Les.
Paracelsus
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 08-05-2000).]
I have taked to several makers about this issue though. None of the established makers were interested in taking any form of deposit. Since I was placing so few restrictions on the knife they would make for me, they would simply sell it to someone else if I didn't want it, or could not pay for the knife when it was ready. I am waiting for a knife to be made by a very famous maker. He told me I would need to pay for the knife When he was ready to make it. That makes sense to me.
There is another thread in the general forum about a guy who paid cash and traded valuable mahogony eight years ago to have several knives made: Osbourn's problem. The maker 'forgot' about the order. And seems to be hiding and ducking, making contact difficult. This was a 'paid in full' deal. And it's Eight years old.
What Les said about makers taking deposits living on 150% of income is very interesting. And an easy trap to fall into. Not only that, but if the value of the makers work has appreciated significantly in during the several year wait, he is going to feel that his work is worth much more than what he was paid originally. Not a good situation for either party.
I do think almost Any deposit paid would be considered legal consideration entering the maker and the customer into a binding contract. Establishing this in writing as Les advises sounds like the right thing to do, especially when asking makers to produce something that is not typical of their usual work.
So deposits are sometimes necessary to protect the maker, but should be avoided if at all possible to avoid binding legal entanglements and the vicious circle of thinking you make more money than you really do.
Thanks for your thoughts Les.
Paracelsus
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 08-05-2000).]