How much time for customers?

J

Junglejim308

Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
166
I need some advice.At the Blade show last year,a customer put down $150 on a $275 knife (his design). I called him when the knife was ready. He got back to me, and said he was going to send the money. He never did. I called him 6 months ago. A week or so later he got back to me, and said that he was going to send the money. He never did. What do you think I ought to do? It's been a year. Do I call him again, or just put the knife up for sale? This is the first time this has happened to me. I would appreciate some advice in this matter.

Dennis
 
Dennis,

One course of action would be to put the knife up for sale. Once you have sold it, send him his deposit back.

If after you have sold the knife he complains he wanted the knife. Offer to make him another one.

I suspect he wants the knife, but cannot come up with the money. To his credit it appears he is trying to figure out a way to make his order good.

However, while he is doing this there is no reason for you not to be paid (either by your customer or someone else) for the work that you have done.


------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Personally I think he owes you for the time you've waited, regardless of whether you're able to sell the knife. Also, since it is his design you've no assurance the knife will sell at the full $275 value.

I think you should notify him that lacking a resolution within a reasonable period (say 1 month), it is your intention to sell the knife for some sum of money needed to compensate you for your time and troubles. Then sell it for what you can get. Take the knife to the Blade Show and if he show up with the money, complete the transaction. If not, your conscience should be clear after the 30 day deadline.

A deposit is a surety against precisely what has happened in this instance. He has forfeited it in my judgement. You've been very patient and reasonable it seems to me, so take what you can get.

I might add that I don't take deposits so I carefully avoid being in this situation. I might also add that more than once I've gotten ready to deliver knives only to have a customer tell me he doesn't have the money. That really is annoying. This happened recently on a one-of-a-kind Smatchet I made to order, and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to sell that knife. Still, I'd rather not mess with deposits.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
The Tom & Jerry Show

[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 05-26-2001).]
 
I've been in this situation once a few years ago. In my case the individual was earnestly trying to come up with the money but was having a run of bad luck and could not.

I gave him 2 months to make payment, in full or part. He could not so I sold the knife and refunded his money. We parted friends. I actually got $150 more for the knife than the original agreed upon price.
Quite the exception!

You've been more than patient, time for the buyer to settle up or move on.

------------------
Mondt Custom Knives
For the Word of God is...sharper than any two edged sword.
 
I agree with Jerry and Doug,you've been more than patient and fair.BTW,the same has happened to me also.Good luck.

------------------
MIKE
 
Jerry,
I hope you'll bring the Smatchet mentioned to Blade with you!
David

------------------
AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
David,

Jerry will be bringing the smatchet to the blade show, but it is no longer for sale
biggrin.gif



 
Well Dennis, I hope your problem resolves itself as easily as mine did. Our own JKS now owns a Smatchet.

img48.jpg


I will be showing it at the Blade Show, but it will be marked "SOLD".

Thanks JKS.
smile.gif


------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
The Tom & Jerry Show

[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 05-28-2001).]
 
....or you could auction the knife (on E-Bay or BladeAuction or something) keep $125 of the selling price ($125 + customer deposit of $150 = your original price) and send him the rest of the cash. Since the knife was his design, this method would force him to bear the market risk he rightfully assumed when he ordered the knife. If it's a lousy design, at least you won't get burned because of it. If it's a good design, he'll actually make a few bucks.

Just a thought...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top