Ease of communicating with custom makers?

Yeah,,, the gentleman that I had this with told me that he had a budget of $200.... So I offered him knives that I make in the area of $250 or a little more for the price of $200. Last he sent me a pic of my birdseye damascus fighter with an exhibition grade ironwood burl handle and wanted that for $200, or it seemed that way. I know you cannot please everyone... and yes.... a few times I was insulted, especially when I felt I already was willing to do much more for less.

Even though the hardest thing for me is pricing than making the knives. I always have been, except for recently, a blue collar worker and understand that $200 is alot of money, but I do know the difference between working a $500 dollar job and getting paid $200 for it...

I am a new maker to alot of people after making knives for 4 years. There is a chance of risk when ordering from one that is not as known.

One person at a gun show barked at a $120 skinner (usually prices @170). So I offered it to him for free IF he worked 10 hours in my shop. He said he made more money than that per hour..... I said.....EXACTLY!!!!!!!

Daniel Prentice
 
BTW...

he wanted this for $200

knife310may2006033.jpg
 
Daniel Prentice said:
BTW...

he wanted this for $200
Click to expand...

Oh, alright, you twisted my arm. I'll give you $250.00:D

JK, that is a very fine looking knife.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP, after being pursued constantly by knikemaker to order a knife, I've had enough. He can make them for other clients and I will be buying knives elsewhere.
 
SpearZ said:
WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP, after being pursued constantly by knikemaker to order a knife, I've had enough. He can make them for other clients and I will be buying knives elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Wanna sort of elaborate on that one a little there, fella?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
SpearZ said:
WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP, after being pursued constantly by knikemaker to order a knife, I've had enough. He can make them for other clients and I will be buying knives elsewhere.
Click to expand...

So are you are the person Daniel posted about, or did this just come out of left field?

I've never had a knifemaker pursue me to order a knife.
 
Enough is already to much. I didn't bring it too the forum and wasn't. Lots of miss leading information.
 
SpearZ said:
Enough is already to much. I didn't bring it too the forum and wasn't. Lots of miss leading information.
Click to expand...


IF you don't elaborate, and you come out of left field like that, you are not making a very positive introduction of yourself to the Customs forum.

Food for thought. Perhaps Daniel would care to elaborate, if you are indeed the person mentioned?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Daniel is a good guy. This thread reminds me of when i was running my Burbank audio post production company and film producers would always have the same exact story: "We have wrapped picture editing of my new film and now we are out of money but I still need to do the audio post production. Can you do it for $25,000?"
I had heard almost that same exact line so many times it was ridiculous.
Of course the going rate WAS $250,000 at least or closer to $1,000,000.

If you want something done right by a pro you have to pay a fair price.

It is like trying to buy a new Harley for $1,000. You might need to come up with a bit more coin of the realm.

By the way Dan I want fries with that custom job I ordered! LOL
 
I have not mentioned anyone and will not... Sometimes things happen and other time.... they happen for a reason. Thank you Spearz... I wish you the best of luck as well...

Maybe communication in the emails was poor.... that is why.... I HATE EMAILS when placing an order for a knife.... not only is it impersonable, but many things can get lost in translation.

Also, not only that it takes time to make a blade.... But I am Active Duty Army and have your Uncle telling me what to do before I can put out steel.... and sometimes I really hate that.... I do have a two month wait for knives and only jump a person in front of a customer if an AD Soldier is close to deployment....and only then.

Ghostwheel put in an order for a cool blade of his design. I told him that it may be up to two months... but usually, mostly I am faster....

Perception is always a double sided coin... I been married enough and deal with that day in and day out in the US Army.... and when you don't know what to say or don't want to say what you want....

Just say...

HOOAH!!!!!!

Daniel Prentice
 
Dude.... you want Onion Rings instead....????? Besides it is hard to eat while surfing unless you are trying to feed the sharks behind you....

Maloha....

Daniel Prentice
 
Just remember: kosher chicken blood yes, tref pig blood no. And Matzah balls would absorb the acid so I guess they are for soups only, not knife work.

Did you like my surfboard?
 
Daniel Prentice said:
... that is why.... I HATE EMAILS when placing an order for a knife.... not only is it impersonable, but many things can get lost in translation.
Click to expand...

Gotta disagree with you there. When you state clearly in writing what it is that has been agreed upon, there is little chance of things getting "lost in translation", or lost in the shifting fog of ever-distant memories.

Even with makers I know VERY well, I make a point of confirming the details of all orders in writing via e-mail so that there is no confusion down the road. And 80% or more of my pruchases are custom orders directly from the maker. Relying on who said what in a phone call a year and a half ago is a recipe for mucho problemos.

Oh, and that damascus piece is gorgeous! :D

Roger
 
Most of my communication for orders is through email and it works good for me. I do however enjoy a phone conversation with a fellow knife nut, I do try to follow up a phone order with a detailed email about the piece we discussed. I have had very little communication trouble but it has happened a couple times. I also try my best to answer all email ASAP, I feel if someone takes the time to write me about my work, the lest I can do is give them a prompt reply.

If anyone out there didn't get a reply from me, it's because I didn't receive your email.
 
Emails are fast becoming the way I like to communicate. Any pertinent details are in writing for me to go back and refer to. Also I can hit the Print button and I have a back up in case the email gets erased. As for "lost in the translation", if there any possibility of that I go to the phone. I have had some folks that I do have trouble communicating with, but I think thats more of a personality thing. The phone works best in that case. Lin
 
Hiya guys....

Roger, thanks for the compliment.... Maybe I should have elaborated a bit about the Lost in Translation part.... Too many pics and maybe me bouncing back and forth between long shifts at the Army Hospital and knifemaking and family and......... Guess I need a break.....??????

I do after I talk with the "knife nut" as been put earlier....LOL>>>LOL>>>.... I do send an email by email confirming the order and so on.... Then I usually ask that they reply in an email that it sounds right... then I print the emails after the details are worked out and it goes on my to do board.... But, I think that a phone conversation is worth it's weight in gold. I don't just want to make a sale, but also to develope a friendship whether they buy anything or not. I welcome many people in my shop whether it be beginning knifemakers, clients, potential customers, or just the curious. Knifemaking is about fun and enjoyment First and about the sale second.

This is the first time I had an issue and confusion with a potential customer and it has taught me alot.... It is unfortunate that I have not gained a customer, but it is just as important I did learn from him..... and I thank him for that.... THANKS>>>>>>>>

Daniel Prentice
 
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