- Joined
- Nov 14, 2021
- Messages
- 758
This may not be the appropriate thread for this, but I wanted to speak directly to the smiths - at least those who would listen.
Without mentioning names, I have had varying experiences with commissioning custom blades they are noted for - perhaps a creation based upon the smith’s earlier work.
Regardless of your work, you need to never forget the customer: insuring you’re both on the same page; periodic updates as to the progression of the work; documented change orders (whether resulting in higher or lower costs); a reasonable expected timeline, and notification when the piece actually ships.
Finally, I would consider a COA a requirement for custom work, AND at least a note of thanks for the customers’ patronage. Oddly, after several custom orders from one highly-regarded smith, the simple Thank You never came ( neither by text, email or a msg scrawled on the packing paper. One I’ve dealt with esteems his work so highly, there’s not so much as a “here it is - enjoy”.
I’m 67 and was raised on common courtesy. The smith I dealt with will never see another order or one red cent more from me. There are far too many talented smiths here that are equally capable, and who express common courtesy to their clientele. On the other hand, I've had very good experiences with well-known smiths who took their commission seriously and produced the work requested. They appreciated the opportunity and I valued their product, and took the time to thank them, provide positive feedback, and recommended them to others. A simple and productive feedback loop. In my experience Dalibar was one who stood out among the rest. And I'm certain there are smiths who rival his talent, personality, communication, etc.
End of rant - I received the beautiful piece from Smith X that I originally asked for, but other elements suffered (such as appropriate sheath design - although there was mutual agreement about it's details). Not a deal breaker in and of itself, but poor communication, errors that should've been addressed, and lack of simple courtesy have caused me to look elsewhere in the future. The great thing is that through forums like this one can find an almost perfect match for the work desired.
And of course, there are those customers who are completely unreasonable and will likely never be satisfied. And so we must navigate both ends!
All the best to the smiths who produce phenomenal work under very trying circumstances. Thank you!
Allan
Without mentioning names, I have had varying experiences with commissioning custom blades they are noted for - perhaps a creation based upon the smith’s earlier work.
Regardless of your work, you need to never forget the customer: insuring you’re both on the same page; periodic updates as to the progression of the work; documented change orders (whether resulting in higher or lower costs); a reasonable expected timeline, and notification when the piece actually ships.
Finally, I would consider a COA a requirement for custom work, AND at least a note of thanks for the customers’ patronage. Oddly, after several custom orders from one highly-regarded smith, the simple Thank You never came ( neither by text, email or a msg scrawled on the packing paper. One I’ve dealt with esteems his work so highly, there’s not so much as a “here it is - enjoy”.
I’m 67 and was raised on common courtesy. The smith I dealt with will never see another order or one red cent more from me. There are far too many talented smiths here that are equally capable, and who express common courtesy to their clientele. On the other hand, I've had very good experiences with well-known smiths who took their commission seriously and produced the work requested. They appreciated the opportunity and I valued their product, and took the time to thank them, provide positive feedback, and recommended them to others. A simple and productive feedback loop. In my experience Dalibar was one who stood out among the rest. And I'm certain there are smiths who rival his talent, personality, communication, etc.
End of rant - I received the beautiful piece from Smith X that I originally asked for, but other elements suffered (such as appropriate sheath design - although there was mutual agreement about it's details). Not a deal breaker in and of itself, but poor communication, errors that should've been addressed, and lack of simple courtesy have caused me to look elsewhere in the future. The great thing is that through forums like this one can find an almost perfect match for the work desired.
And of course, there are those customers who are completely unreasonable and will likely never be satisfied. And so we must navigate both ends!
All the best to the smiths who produce phenomenal work under very trying circumstances. Thank you!
Allan
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