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I think you handled the situation wonderfully.
I had a customer special order a quilt, filled out and signed my forms....ordered special materials for her...copied over 25 photos onto fabric for her. Allowed her to take the top to her sisters to "show & tell," so she could collect "their parts" of the monies due. Found out later, she used the quilt top at the 50th wedding anniversry, (without being quilted), but none the less returned it to me to quilt. A day or two later, I asked for second installment of payment due, and she said, she was unable to get money from her sisters. Long story, many phone calls...but needless to say I was stuck with a customer 50th wedding quilt top. Well, I kept her CD of photos, ripped the fabric photos out of the quilt, reused the sashing and backing purchased. However, I had also been given the original birth certificates and marriage licsene from this wonderful family to scan onto fabric....I informed her, the photo CD, photos, and certificates will stay in my possession until she pays as promised. (Have not ever been contacted again by her, and that was 4 years ago. But I lost nothing but time and gained a lot of experience from this. Hope you have many more pleasant experiences in the future. Most of my custom work has been with outstanding people since. When they interview my skills...I am now interviewing the clients! lol |
So glad it worked out in your favor. :-)
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
I live in a very rural area. I made this quilt, custom for a lady that told me last week "she just couldn't afford it right now". Again, her attempt to get me to lower my price AFTER she knew the price when she ordered it back in August.
No, she did not lose her job, she is very well secure with money, but she "tried" to get my price way down. I already took $25 off for her. Anyways, my mailman loves John Deere. I stopped him today, and he bought my quilt for more than the other lady would have! YAY! He paid CASH too! So, I got lucky this time! From now on, I get a non-refundable deposit and a signed contract. Whew! Thank-you all for your understanding and words of advice in my previous post. You all are just awesome! |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
I live in a very rural area. I made this quilt, custom for a lady that told me last week "she just couldn't afford it right now". Again, her attempt to get me to lower my price AFTER she knew the price when she ordered it back in August.
No, she did not lose her job, she is very well secure with money, but she "tried" to get my price way down. I already took $25 off for her. Anyways, my mailman loves John Deere. I stopped him today, and he bought my quilt for more than the other lady would have! YAY! He paid CASH too! So, I got lucky this time! From now on, I get a non-refundable deposit and a signed contract. Whew! Thank-you all for your understanding and words of advice in my previous post. You all are just awesome! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am doing the happy dance for you. All things happen for a reason. Sometimes we can't see that reason but sometimes we do!!! |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
I wonder if this lady will call in a few weeks and want the quilt? ROFL Won't she be mad that I already sold it! LOL
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I am so glad that you had a great outcome! Her loss!
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I'm with those who name a price to see how fast potential customers will walk away. And if they're serious, I'd take them to select and buy the fabrics and batting, and obtain half the labor and quilting cost up front. And then I'd work non-stop to give them a great quality product in record time.
If you wanted custom window coverings or furniture coverings, you wouldn't expect to have it all done on spec, a significant deposit would be required. The response to the Walmart comment would be "Oh so you don't really want custom work or a one-of-a-kind quilt, no problem - I'm sure Walmart has exactly what you need". Okay, I'd only think about saying that last thing, I'd just nod and smile and walk away. |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
I wonder if this lady will call in a few weeks and want the quilt? ROFL Won't she be mad that I already sold it! LOL
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