No Longer Accepting Custom Designs

JK Knives

JK Knives

Moderator
Joined
Mar 6, 2001
Messages
28,092
I will honor the ones I have already taken orders for, but after that, unless you are an established JK customer, I will be refusing them. It`s a bitch getting stuck with either a custom, or special request.
 
that would be a pain! Still, wow, quite a change, it's terrible so many people take advantage like that.
 
Bummer John, i couldn't handle being a craft tool provider like you, I would have flipped out long ago. I understand not having the money to buy thngs, SOOOooooo don't order them! Emergencies etc happen, but not consistently! has to be one of the worst parts of your business
 
Getting stuck meaning making the knife and then people bail? If that the case, it's pretty low. I have to imagine your new deposit policy will weed some of them out hopefully. Sorry to hear this John.
 
pmbspyder said:
Getting stuck meaning making the knife and then people bail? If that the case, it's pretty low. I have to imagine your new deposit policy will weed some of them out hopefully. Sorry to hear this John.
Click to expand...

That`s correct. Even after I email them, and they confirm, I still get stuck. I`m going to give him a few more days, then they are both going up for sale.
 
JK Knives said:
That`s correct. Even after I email them, and they confirm, I still get stuck. I`m going to give him a few more days, then they are both going up for sale.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you will have no trouble selling them on here or the exchange.

Sorry to hear about this change in policy John. I really love the "your design or mine" spirit of your knives. It is unfortunate that a few have to ruin it for the many around here who love your knives and respect your time and craftsmanship.
 
Making a custom piece should not be your gamble. I think the business model I would use would be the following: after a custom order is placed, alert the customer that half the total cost is due in order for work to start (unless the customer is someone you know really well and don't feel the need to request payment). If they pay, work can begin. Once the knife is finished, request the remaining balance. Give them a few days, and if they don't show up, put the blade up for sale. This way, you get half the price of the knife and you get to sell it to see additional profit. This logic is based on the fact that if you (John) take the risk of doing custom work, you will also reap the reward should the person bail after downpayment. You should not have to worry about payment when working on a custom piece. Like jbrew said, your motto is what brought me to you with my design, it would be a shame to have to stop doing that Just my 2 cents. Hope your customer gets back to you.
 
Is there any way you would consider a down payment before you make the knife? Like others have said, it's a shame to loose a knife maker who makes customers designs. In this economy, you can't afford to loose money, so do what keeps you in business so we can keep buying your knives.
 
I would consider a down payment to cover materials, and at least part of the time it takes to make it. What pisses me off is that they confirm the order when I email at the beginning of the month. Next when I am actually going to start it I email to be sure they are ready to pay for it. Next I request payment before shipping. That`s when they disappear.
 
JK Knives said:
I would consider a down payment to cover materials, and at least part of the time it takes to make it. What pisses me off is that they confirm the order when I email at the beginning of the month. Next when I am actually going to start it I email to be sure they are ready to pay for it. Next I request payment before shipping. That`s when they disappear.
Click to expand...

Looks like downpayment is the way to go for sure then. You shouldnt have to deal with that nonsense, you're running a business, not a charity. This kind of stuff really pisses me off. Sorry again to hear about this JK
 
I've always thought that the person that wants something custom made must pay it in full before the making of the knife even begins. At least, that's what I'm willing to do to ensure the custom knife maker is reassured that I'm there for the ride all the way.
 
I say call them out! There is nothing wrong with a little public humiliation. :devilish:
 
RUNIT said:
I say call them out! There is nothing wrong with a little public humiliation. :devilish:
Click to expand...

He is a member here, but I remember him saying he has never posted, and he never gave me his forum name.
 
That is a tough situation he put you in. I understand you decision and i am a bit interested to see the designs.
 
To bad it had to come to this, however you aren't the first craftsman that had to make this decision.
While I do not have any of your blades, I have admired them. Hopefully you will be able too make a few
customs for those who want them enough to pay in full up front. After all, they are requesting an item
made to thier particular taste, not a standard item made everyday.
 
I think paying in full up front is fair, and gives you the security you need and deserve. It's a shame but like's been said, whatever gives you the best feeling of security and comfort is the way to go, no one can say you haven't tried and it's ain't your fault.
 
Such a shame that a few bad apples go and spoil the apple cart !

Customs are what I think you really excel at John but I do understand your frustration.
 
Morning John, just out of curiosity, what might be up for sale if someone doesn't come through. Their lack of responsibility could turn into someone's instant happiness!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top