It is so very difficult when people put us in this position. It will also corrode our relationship with them, even if it is just a work relationship. They feel guilty because they know they owe you and you are hurt because they are stealing from you. Both of those emotions turn to anger. Please do remind them that they owe you $XX for the purses. Play it like they just forgot and you know how hard it is for everyone these days.

It takes courage to ask people for the money they owe us...I don't know why since it didn't take any courage on their part to ask you to make them the purses!!! Be as bold as they were :thumbup: Of course, you could always say that if they can't afford to pay you for the purse, they could give the purse back to you...right now! :lol:

This is another lesson to all of us to not hand over anything until we have the $$$ in hand.

Me too. I once told someone ten thousand, because I really, really didn't want to do it! :shock:

Pat

Remind them of what they owe. A thank you card for using your services with a hand written dollar amount owed in it should be sufficient to get paid.

I either say, "yeah sure, call me" OR "I would never dream of taking a friends money for doing something I love, you just go buy the supplies and bring them to me, I can make you a list" and then I add, "Don't go to Joanne's or Michaels, go to a quilt store, I wouldn't dream of sewing something cheap for you!" To that they always ask how much fabric is and I tell them 10-13 a yard. Works every time!

Do you walk out of your LQS or grocery or?? with the goods and not having paid?
Same thing for when we do sewing for others ... another time, hold onto the merchandise UNTIL you have the full and final payment.

It's business ... and in the end they will respect you more, than your laying down and being a doormat for them and their desires!

I like to make purses and know that the Pellion is not cheap & never goes on sale....I consider myself lucky to find it a coupon to use for it. I've given some away as gifts and have sold a few. By the time I buy the materials (I don't even really count my time) I don't make a lot of money. I do have some that I will be trying to sell at a church festival in a few weeks along with some small quilts & quilted table/bed runners. I went to a large craft festival the other day & purses were everywhere for $12 to $20, but when I looked inside they were ALL made in China. I saw some really pretty quilts there, too. And guess what...made in China. My Mom told me that I'd probably never sell the purses that I've made, because people will think they're over priced. Makes me sick! It will be my first festival and at least at this festival they want homemade things and say that 95% of your things should be homemade. But, I'm worried that I've put in money & my time & I'll be a flop! As you say "lesson learned".

Shameful! Do ask for payment (again), then whatever they do is a display of their character. I'd be too ashamed to go to work every day if I'd done such a thing.

If I owed somebody money, I would NOT forget especially if you carry the purse everyday. Some people just think they are entitled. Sorry that happened. :hunf:

I've been doing craft shows/fairs since 2001 and I will tell you that you will probably find a lot of vendors that are resellers. I have done shows where they tell you that everything must be handcrafted. Well...you get there and see Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Avon plus people selling so much junk made in China...have even been to some shows where vendor's tables look like flea market stuff. If you question the promoter they say...well we didn't have enough crafters so in order to fill the spots we had to accept these people.

I remember back in the 80s and 90s going to really nice craft shows where everything was handmade. And I would buy a lot of unique things. Anymore I only do 1 show in the fall and then hold a 2 day Christmas Open House where I invite the guests and they know when they come WHAT they are going to find...all handpoured candles poured by me plus I also make some bath and body products and soaps.

Good luck with your festival and I hope you sell lots.

SVS you have been shafted by your co-worker and boss for sewing the purses for them without compensation that was agreed upon. {{HUGS}}