Is there a polite way to back out?

[Chambers]

I think I bit off more than I can chew in a manner of speaking. In October of last year I got a wild hair and put a $100 deposit on a custom blade from a maker who was generous to accept payments. Well I promptly forgot about it for the better part of 6 months untill I recieved a very polite letter from said maker reminding me of the deposit and asking about further payment. He was still more than willing to accept random payments but I'm at the point where I don't believe I really want the knife any more. Or to be more precise the financial commitment is really more than I can afford for a knife that I'm sort of "iffy" over at this point. So the question I have is: Is there a polite way to tell the maker I have just waisted 6 months of their time and would like my $100 back? I really respect the hell out of this person and I have also debated just dropping the $100 entirely and saying something like "keep it, I owe you for waisting your time"
On the other hand I really could stand to get that money back. I am just to the point where I think I'm gonna feel like a real **** head either way. The way I see it is my choices are:

1.) call up/face the music/request money back.
2.) Call up/say keep the money/ I'm terribly sorry for waisting your time
3.) Ignore the problem and hope it goes away
4.) Start shelling out money for a knife I don't really want that much anymore and suffer a broken wallet


As I said, I really would like my money back, but at the same time I'd feel like such an ass. So I guess I'm asking for feedback on how to handle the mess I've gotten myself into. And no I will not post the maker or knife here. If you're curiosity is killing you email me and I'll think about it. Thanks guys

 

[Joss]

In my book only #2 and 4 are acceptable solutions. That doesn't mean that you can't explain the situation, and he probably will say something like "that's fine, I've got 20 other customers who'll be happy to get the knife", but he's not obliged to.

 

[Sundsvall]

Originally posted by Joss
In my book only #2 and 4 are acceptable solutions. That doesn't mean that you can't explain the situation, and he probably will say something like "that's fine, I've got 20 other customers who'll be happy to get the knife", but he's not obliged to.

Joss hit it on the head. They are the only honorable options available as you did spend the maker's time.

A third option would be to ask for an extension of time to pay for the knife. This way the maker didn't waste his effort on your knife and you don't lose out in the transaction. If at that time you really don't want the knife, you can always sell it to recoup your cost.

 

[the possum]

Originally posted by Chambers

4.) Start shelling out money for a knife I don't really want that much anymore and suffer a broken wallet

There may be a fifth option. Start out by taking choice number 4. If this maker has a 6 month back log, you may be able to find a willing buyer, perhaps even on these forums, to buy the knife from you immediately upon its arrival. That way, they don't have to wait for a knife they want, and you save face as well as money.

If you don't think this is an option, then first talk to the maker and offer him option 2 or 4, and then kinda explain your situation. Most makers (not to speak for this guy- there are some makers who don't like hassles) are so friendly he may offer to null the deal and refund your money without you even suggesting it.

As a knifemaker who's also familiar with finiancially difficult situations, I would be understanding if one of my customers were in your shoes. No problem. Good service only increases the chance you will be willing to buy something from me in the future when you do have money.

 

[RonNewton]

If I were the maker, contacting me to explain your situation would be the first thing I would want you to do. Explain your financial situation to him and see what he's willing to do for you.

Ignoring the situation shouldn't be on your option list. If you didn't order a really strange and off the wall knife the maker may be able to find another buyer.

Communicate with the maker.

 

[Bastid]

I second what Ron said. Be honest and communicate. That always works for collectors and makers.

BTW (#2 or #4 is the only way to go.) Unless there was something unusual about the knife you should come out OK (so should the maker).

 

[Chambers]

I kinda figured I was going to just go ahead and pay up anyway. The guy was more than fair to me, I feel I owe him that much. He was kind enough to hold on to that knife for this long I think I need to repay the favor.
Plus we all know what's going to happen. I'm going to pay this thing off get it home open the box and spend the next few days falling in love again. I appreciate the support guys. I pretty much knew how I should handle this but figured I might as well ask.

 

[george tichbourne]

It may be a question of timing....if the maker is planning on going to Atlanta he may jump at the chance to take that knife to the show with him.

 

[blackeye4you]

I dont know what your understanding of a deposit is but where I come from it is for exactly this situation.You put it down as part of an agreement with the maker that you will purchase the knife when it is done. The way I see it you lost the deposit.

you would probably be better off buying it and getting your money back by selling it.If it doesnt sell right away be patient it will.

Some makers I know dont take a deposit just payment when it is done but they could sharpen a stick and sell it because of who they are and the quality and popularity of there work.So losing out for them is not a problem.

The best advice has been given be honest and talk to the maker and see what his feeling are on it.