I placed an order with a knife maker in the beginning of may 2012, I was told at that time that there was no deposit required and that the eta would be 4 months. I contacted the maker in the beginning of September and got a response yesterday. My knife was next to be made and he estimated it would take 2 weeks with a caveat, I would have to pay the full price upfront to him. I responded back saying i was a little wary of that and his response was that hes had too many people flake out on him and he needs a payment up front. I would like to know how I should proceed from here, should I back out on the deal? or put my trust in the maker when his communication hasn't been all that stellar?. He did offer an invoice but only after payment was made. Would it be prudent to get everything in writing first? and Is an invoice even the best way to guarantee a maker will fulfill his promise?. Ive been saving up for this knife for the past few months and its a serious chunk of change, my previous experience with a custom maker was a lot different than this. I did not have to pay more than 25% up front and the maker delivered well ahead of schedule with excellent communication on his part.
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I have some questions about how I should proceed
- Thread starter thaeffman
- Start date
braillediver
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,062
What makes this specific Knife Maker Special that you need to take a risk dealing with them? They sound like a problem waiting to happen and your obviously concerned and some red flags have already been raised.
We'd need to know the Mkaers Name to be able to access their integrity.
I know you may want the knife and after waiting all this time knowing that you are next may get you pumped up. Offer him a deposit. If he cant live with that then just move on. He knows you are serious about buying so he should be able to proceed without payment.
I have been ripped off by not researching a maker. It is painfull. The lies and your hopes getting smashed like a piece of steel.
I have been ripped off by not researching a maker. It is painfull. The lies and your hopes getting smashed like a piece of steel.
wolfmann601
Gone, but not forgotton. RIP Ira.
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2001
- Messages
- 7,385
Most good Makers have a waiting list and have no problem selling their knives so I question why this Maker fears he will get stuck if you back out. If the maker's record of delivering knives is stellar and it's a knife you just have to have then the decision to take the risk is yours and yours alone.
If it were me I would pay the Maker only when the knife was done and ready to ship, period.
If it were me I would pay the Maker only when the knife was done and ready to ship, period.
I contacted the maker today and told him I was uncomfortable with making any payments up front and requested to be taken off the list.
I have but he doesn't have much exposure on the forums and has no feedback at all.
He does make an excellent knife design but there are hundreds of makers out there and a lot that do great work without charging a single cent upfront.
In my opinion, a deposit of 10-30% would be reasonable. However, coughing up the entire amount up front is a bit suspect. On the flip side though, some people can and do order pretty lavish stuff, and then they do back out. Knifemakers have to be careful of malicious buyers too, not all of them sell out at the drop of a hat or have long waiting lists.. It's a tough call, but I really understand both sides.
This may be moot now that you're off the list, but I think it's unusual. The custom knifemakers I know don't have much problem selling their knives. If you don't take it, the next guy in line will - so why ask for full payment up front?
Ultimately, though, it depends on the method of payment. With credit cards and paypal, you pretty well protected as a buyer.
Ultimately, though, it depends on the method of payment. With credit cards and paypal, you pretty well protected as a buyer.
Thanks guys, I got a good response from the maker and we ended off on a positive note, he understood my position and i understand his concerns as well. Like RevDevil said not all knifmakers have the luxury of being able to sell their stuff immediately and it can definitely hurt financially. I think it was best for both parties to end the relationship and avoid any issues. Hes a talented guy and i wish him all the best with his business and family and who knows maybe someday our paths will cross again.