Disturbing trend

Sorry to hear that Scott......Some people never cease to amaze me. I hope that you can get a system in place that works for everyone. Especially you.

I dont see a problem with paying a deposit, especially on the custom orders....
 
I would gladly pay a half deposit up front With the understanding that if I didn't pay within a week of finished notice it was non refundable.
The problem then becomes keeping track of deposits.
Sorry this is an issue Scott. You should be making knives not returning phone calls all the time. JB
 
if someone really wants a knife they will be willing to pay up front. otherwise its kind of an invite to back out.
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The other side of this is the guy I paid up front a year ago last OCT who still has not delivered what was promised JAN 09. I've heard every excuse in the book...

I recognize that there are times when dollars are short, but I also pay for what I've ordered.
 
Quite honestly, I don't like money upfront, especially full payment. I always leave deposits up to the customer. The whole point of this thread has nothing to do with money when setting up the order, it has to do with misleading me into building a knife that will not be paid for when your order is up and time to build the knife. The knife WILL GET MADE when I contact you. I give everyone the same attention to detail and I communicate throughout the process.
Scott
 
^^Thats why I come to you time and time again Scott. Your a maker of integrity and great skill, that deserves the same integrity from customers.
 
I understand the dilema here, but sometimes things happen out of the customers control. At the very least they need to notify the maker that circumstances have changed as soon as possible.
I had several orders in with a couple makers this year, but had to call/email to cancel (within the first month of a 3-6 month estimated wait) because my job was in jeopardy. On a couple accounts I had knives made after cancellation and have done everything I could to go ahead and buy them. I have just been notified that my employment will most likely be terminated in August, but they will not assure us of this until June. This has forced all my knife buying plans to the back of the bus. All that said, I hope things get better for makers and buyers. Good communication is key. So many people are quick to criticize makers for communication, but need to remember their part in this. No one wants to make anything for no payment.
 
mymindisamob said:
I understand the dilema here, but sometimes things happen out of the customers control. At the very least they need to notify the maker that circumstances have changed as soon as possible.
I had several orders in with a couple makers this year, but had to call/email to cancel (within the first month of a 3-6 month estimated wait) because my job was in jeopardy. On a couple accounts I had knives made after cancellation and have done everything I could to go ahead and buy them. I have just been notified that my employment will most likely be terminated in August, but they will not assure us of this until June. This has forced all my knife buying plans to the back of the bus. All that said, I hope things get better for makers and buyers. Good communication is key. So many people are quick to criticize makers for communication, but need to remember their part in this. No one wants to make anything for no payment.
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This is what I heard quite a bit in 2009. I had many cancellations due to job loss and economic turmoil. Your situation is exactly why I contact folks before I start their knife order. That way they can cancel if they need to.
Sorry to hear of your situation and I hope everything works out for the best.
Scott
 
Personally I can understand getting a monetary commitment from a customer, it is painfully obvious that the creed of honor has become somewhat diluted over the last 50 years of so. It has gotten so common and easy for people to back out of contracts it makes sense to require a cash commitment, it wouldn't bother me a bit if I was asked for a start order payment, I would understand the reason and at the same time thank God I am an honorable man.
 
the original post you made happens to me sometimes. I dont make a knife I cant sell to someone any longer. No weird special orders or specifics to a regular type order as well. If I have to make something lefty specific I'll ask for a deposit. Last lefty specific job I made became a string me along 2 months to get $$$. If it were a righty job I could have moved it faster.

I dont stress about getting the $$ I just make sure if the last min backout happens its a knife others will want.


ps - I too never start an order without a final current YES to that order and price. I never make an order someone has been waiting on what seems like forever inless getting in touch with them :)
 
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It is a shame that you are dealing with this. I believe that a large part has to do with the economy. Human nature plays another part. When you call the person and give them the option off cancelling before you start work. A lot of humans will be hopeful that they can keep there word and they want your custom knife, but they know in their heart they can not afford it due to their finances. Then when you complete it they stick their head in the sand and disappear. I am not saying this is right! I am saying I think this is what happens.

You might take a $50.00 non refundable deposit on any order before you start. Keep it the same on every knife so tracking is easy. If you strated the project you know you got $50.00
This might also help you quick sale the knife in the event the buyer does not finish the transaction. if you normally sell the knife for $200.00 you could quick sell it on the forums for $150.00. You are whole and the buyer gets a deal. The person who loses is the one that should in the first place.

Sorry about the rambling.

Paul
 
Paul,
thank you for your post. I can understand the economy causing cancellations but this situation is not due to long term waiting. This is within a couple weeks. My point is that when I contact someone their order is up, the knife will be finished within a 2 to 3 week period. If they commit, then they are saying they have the funds to receive the knife. If they can't pay, just cancel.
Scott
 
I think its more a trend of how peoples word isn't what it used to be. Easy to find greener grass after the commitment I guess.
 
Very true Brian. I also have gotten what I call prank emails. Similar to a prank phonecall only done with an email. Lead me on to build a knife then vanish. I'm learning the warning signs of these games.
Scott
 
Hell - just be like me and get a fulltime job so you won't be able to make a knife in 2 weeks :)

Just kidding Scott! I think you'll learn to deal with the problem. I basically have an email list of guys who don't want to place an order but want to know if I have one that doesn't go through.
 
I deal with this too. Sign of the times I guess. A family can't eat knives, and knives won't keep the gas flowing, so I try to swallow it and just sell the knife. The disapearing part is disturbing though. I've had guys just never post on my forum again. Just gone. Let me know, and I'll sell the knife no problem. But please don't string me along.
 
I think that when you notify someone that your ready to make their knife, and the expected time to make it is 3-4 weeks, a deposit of at least 1/2 or in full is perfectly fair to ask for.
If it requires unusual or expensive materials that you don't usually stock, a significant deposit should be paid at the moment the customers design and materials are decided upon and set in stone.

Now with Scott, you know you'll have your knife pretty quick after he notifies you that your next up and you tell him to make it.
There is one particular maker that I will never give more than $20 as deposit after long waits. Too many sticks in the fire with some I guess.

Scott has a good reputation not only for his excellent knives but his ability to meet his estimates on production of your knife. That is the way to do it!
 
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