Question about custom order

V

Vpetrell

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Jul 14, 2015
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Please move if not appropriate area


Here is a question I have about proper way to handle this transaction


I commissioned a blacksmith for a custom nessmuk at the beginning of June 6/2 and Abe half money for a deposit.

The smith told me it would be about 4 weeks wait for the blade. No issue there.

Time went by and little communication form him. I would wait atleast a week between inquiries asking if he received payment, when he needs the rest of payment, how the blade is coming along etc....

Last email from him was 7/9 saying he is waiting for steel to start the knife

So now it's been almost 2 months and I have yet to hear back to rest of payment, time line on production or anything

I have half the money, with nothing noted as a non refundable deposit.

So my question is, is it negative on my part to ask for money back? Given the lack of communication and avoiding emails on him, I don't feel like spending 165 dollars on someone who treats his customers like this

Let me know your thoughts


VP


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Seems about right for custom work. I had a quote of 4 weeks and then nine months later received the knife. Prominent maker here too. I don't buy customs anymore.
 
Post your question in Good, Bad, and Ugly where questions like yours are posted.

I've seen several threads almost identical to yours there. You may get some results there and some good advice from guys that are

going thru or have been thru the same problem you have.
 
Honestly, it's never a good idea to pay any money up front. I know some reputable makers do it because they've been burned a couple of times, but far more often it's the consumer that get's burned when they pay in advance.
 
It is pretty common place for this to happen in the custom knife world. I have two being made right now, and they are both over due. The folder is a month over, but will be ready this week. The reason he took longer is because he groups his orders and does like 6-10 at the same time, so that can make it easy to get behind on the next one. Too many variables/obstacles/speed bumps per knife. The other, a slimline machete, everything was going smoothly, until a part of his HT system broke down, so he had to outsource for the HT, and that takes a bit of time.
About a year ago I ordered a custom knife from an older fella, and halfway through the knife building, he got ill and I have not heard from him after the email explaining his major health problem. That was the only time I lost money on a custom order. Which is no problem, I was not upset.

In your case, I would write him ASAP and explain your concerns just as you did with us, and based on his response, either ask for your money back, or see it through. I will say, with non-production knives, life happens, speedbumps occur. After you get an email back, let us know what he says, or just go with your gut on it! Good luck man! Hope it all gets taken care of smoothly!
 
Well. Sent another email explaining my concerns and got no reply. Unfortunately for me, I did send a non refundable deposit. I may see what happens if he lets me know what is going on. At this point I'm counting it as a loss. Not sure I even want the blade anymore.

I've paid up front in full for a few customs with a maker and have had no issue, but lesson learned on this one.

Thanks

VP


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As a maker I do not want to be under the stress of having somebody's money and owing them the blade. Then multiply that by several dozen like many makers do, no thanks!

I make knives and people can buy them if they like them and that is a lot less stressful. That is just my approach, so I don't end up finding myself with disappointed clients.
 
gscreely said:
As a maker I do not want to be under the stress of having somebody's money and owing them the blade. Then multiply that by several dozen like many makers do, no thanks!

I make knives and people can buy them if they like them and that is a lot less stressful. That is just my approach, so I don't end up finding myself with disappointed clients.
Click to expand...

That's what I'm learning now. He has a social media page he advertises custom orders on and also available blades. When I first asked he said 4 weeks. Then silence.

I'm ok with it taking longer than the quotes time. Things happen. But it gets irritating when I don't hear back at all.

Who knows. From now on I will deal with makers like you who put up what's for sale.




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