Orders are getting on my nerves

I'm dumbfounded whenever I read a story about customers who fail to respond to a maker's notification of a completed order. Most certainly things happen and I can understand that a select few just might not be able to pay or get in contact for one reason or another, but to just avoid the maker completely? I don't get that one at all. No honor in it.

I've always just put the money aside when I placed the order. Sometimes that meant that I had a hundred dollar bill or two just sitting in an envelope while I've gone without, but it helped ensure that I had the funds when word came down that my knife was ready. How could I have expected a maker to meet his end of the bargain if I hadn't taken the steps to ensure that I could meet mine?

Ten days for payment seems quite reasonable though I fear that some people might take that to mean it isn't a big deal if they can't pay. :(
 
Duzzy said:
I'm not disagreeing in principle, but let's say I have a car problem. Why create a hardship by sitting on the money if you don't need to? If I can spend the knife money I have now on my car, and have time to re-save; isn't that better than not buying groceries? Or fixing your car?

Did everyone in the old days pay for their farms in cash? Or their tractors? I bought my education before I had money for it, and I'll probably do the same if I ever buy a house. Not paying for something you bought is crappy, but why is ordering before you wait a year? That just makes it a year longer wait than it needs to be.
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I do understand your point, BUT I think you may be missing mine.
Maybe another analogy would be better.
It is kinda like using a credit card to buy something you really don't need, but really want, and justifying it by saying " I'll have the money later". Then later comes around and your car breaks, you get laid off, (insert other reason here) and you don't have the money to pay up. The main differencce is the Credit card company isn't depending on your money to pay their light bill.

And no, old days people didn't use cash for everything. There are good reasons to use credit, but ( and I guess this is my main point) it is generally not a good idea to purchase luxury items, or commit to the purchase of luxury items, when your necessities are hanging in such a delicate balance. The proveribal "you" should have your needs (car, house, food, familial obligations) squared away tight, BEFORE getting all the nice shiny stuff.

Andy seems to be a very understanding guy, and has said as much. If there is a problem with paying just let him know so he can move on. Not an option you are going to find with many other companies that are operating with a credit system, which is basically what ordering something to be built with no money up front is.

Pass the kool aide!
 
I realize the topic of accepting payment up from is not favorable. However this is how I do my business. Most of my work is one off's and if a customer asks me to make something special I can't always sell it if the order falls through. I have built a good reputation for up front payments and always deliver. This is a difficult commitment but well worth it. Every knife I make on order is sold, bar none. I tell you once the customer has payed there is no issue over non communication. As long as I keep them in the loop as to construction time and if there are any delays they don't mind at all.

that's my experience anyway.
 
I can see both sides of the original post... Heck I even missed an email from Stomper about an order I had with him (paid, received, and loving).

One thing to think about is that with the time of year some people might be away from email... kids out of school... sports... vacation... or even just taking a break from the internet and spending more time in the back yard.

I was looking for work last year and my now current employer was doing a background check on me and could not get a hold of my last boss via cell phone... he was in Europe for a month with family.

Simply put "things happen" and not everybody who doesn't get back to you is a deadbeat.

Love your work, Ski
 
Fiddleback said:
I sold 9 out of 20 knives at last year's Blade Show. At the Vegas Gathering for USN, I sold 5 out of 30. So my record of selling lots at shows isn't gleaming. I hope to do somewhat better this year, but I don't expect to sell out.
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From the perspective of internet sales vs show sales a lot of people market their goats when they go to goat shows. But I found all the extra travel and expense of going to shows sort of offset the convenience of selling via the internet.
 
At no point did I call anyone a deadbeat. What I said was that it was frustrating to have no communication.
 
hollowdweller said:
From the perspective of internet sales vs show sales a lot of people market their goats when they go to goat shows. But I found all the extra travel and expense of going to shows sort of offset the convenience of selling via the internet.
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Being at the shows has greatly helped my career. I learned a lot from the other makers, and met a lot of folks that have been very helpful too. Plus, lots of folks that didn't buy a knife wound up ordering one later. But you're right, there hasn't been any profit in them for me, just advancing of my skills and customer base.
 
Well I certainly hope you'll start a thread after the show with pics of available knives! :)
 
Fiddleback said:
I sold 9 out of 20 knives at last year's Blade Show. At the Vegas Gathering for USN, I sold 5 out of 30. So my record of selling lots at shows isn't gleaming. I hope to do somewhat better this year, but I don't expect to sell out.

Remember that I am still a neophite maker with only one year full time. There are makers at Blade Show that outshine me. Makers that have tought me, and helped me learn answering endless questions without holding anything back. This is why I try to give back, and teach others, and have my shop open to visitors, and helpers, and any learner that wants to play with steel.
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All true.

And I'm an old engineer/scientist who's been around the track a few times.

Your knives are excellent. People just need time to realize this.:thumbup:
 
Last edited:
Knives all finished. Machete's too. Pics tomorrow.
 
Now THAT's exciting. Please break out the macro lens for the 12 inch machete. That sucker is going to be a centerfold!
 
16" and 18" please! :D

Seriously, though, take your time. You must be SWAMPED! :eek:
 
Yea, one of the 12's is mine. All mine! (I used that sweet Red Oak on mine too!!)
 
They're done and looking very nice. Tomorrow pics.
 
That does indeed suck, Andy.
I do the one week thing. I figure with no deposit then it's mine to do with as I please if I don't hear back from them.
I feel your pain, brother.
Iz
 
NO!!

But you CAN sign up to WIN a machete. ;)

Dang, I wish I could go - would you put "Chainring" on a piece of paper and toss it into Andy's hat for me? I used the heck out of my Fiddleback/Collins machete today trimming the new low growth branches off all the Mesquites on both sides of Dad's 1/2 mile dirt road! Worked great, but I was thinking about the new designs the whole time!
 
This is a good discussion!

Andy, as you know I'm one of your clients. I can definitely feel for you trying to balance all kinds of changes without making mistakes. A couple of different thoughts from this discussion have "leapt out at me" that cause a little confusion (no quotes):

1. It's been said that customers should communicate clearly and concisely, with minimal interruption of the knifemaker. That makes perfect sense.

2. It's been said that knifemakers should periodically update their clients, so clients can budget accordingly.

If I leave the knifemaker alone I am taking a risk that my order will be misplaced or forgotten. If I email the knifemaker, I am risking offending or frustrating the knifemaker.

For the sake of clarity, it is a business relationship, but also the beginning of a friendship. Faith doesn't require evidence, but trust does. How is the situation best resolved?

What's your best advice for me then? I have no idea when the project will be completed and I'm one of those guys who likes to "keep in the loop" (especially when my beautiful bride asks me for periodic updates so she can balance the budget accordingly...yours isn't the only project we've got on the go). However, I wish only to have a mutually pleasant relationship.

Your considered advice or opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks for your time, Andy.

Kurt.
 
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