Related to preselling at shows, et al.

[primos]

Man Steve, getting hit with four at once would surely put just about anyone in a pinch. I handle mine a little differently. I don't finish a knife then contact the customer and say, "Your knife is ready". That could just as well blow up in my face as the customer's.

I work in batches. As I'm nearing a forging day, I check my list and contact the next group on the list. I let them know that I am down to their names on the list and verify that they are ready for me to begin the project. If the timing is bad for one of them I just pull someone else up. This works out well for all of us.

 

[RogerP]

As I'm nearing a forging day, I check my list and contact the next group on the list. I let them know that I am down to their names on the list and verify that they are ready for me to begin the project. If the timing is bad for one of them I just pull someone else up. This works out well for all of us.

This is exactly what I ask of makers from whom I have ordered knives. Most collectors realize that delivery dates are somewhat optimistic guesses - far too many variables beyond the maker's control can impact the target date. A bit of a heads-up from the maker helps me manage the finances and ensure that I have the funds assembled by the time the knife is ready to ship.

As with so many realtionships, communication is the key to success.

Cheers,

Roger