I am going to ask for a deposit on ordered quilts
#82
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
I, too have been"squeezed" out of items by "friends" I have painted ceramics for years, and crocheted many years and many items. I quickly learned to get "up front" money to cover cost of whatever supplies were needed. I then made and order in triplicate, of item and due date of delivery. I gave the customer one, and kept one to use for taxes, and one to be with order. I haven't had problems since I started that practice. I think it helps people realize we are in business, and not doing this just to "pass the time".
#83
Originally Posted by LaurieE
Another option would be to have a contract between you and the client. Basically the client would have to sign a piece of paper stating the price and whatever other conditions you have (i.e. a deposit or other payment arrangements, etc) before you begin the work. They would think twice before signing the contract because that's a legal document and you could then take them to court since they commissioned work from you. That would certainly stop the 'I can't afford this right now' hoping you would lower the price.
#84
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 74
Ask for half up front and advise that it is non-refundable..that way if they back out you get paid for your time. I also would suggest that they buy the material. I have found that if they buy it they are even less likely to back out. Always have it in writing too. I have a receipt book with carbon copies, They get the original & I get the copy.
#85
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
I make a copy of the agreement for the customer and I do also have a receipt book. Most of my customers like to go into my fabric room and pick out their fabric.Some want to buy their fabric and for those and I give them a print-out of the cut sheet from the quilt pattern. At the bottom of the agreement I cut a small square of the fabrics they chose and attach it to the agreement.
#87
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
That's the same thing I do. When I finish the quilt, I call the customer. I tell them that the quilt is done and how long it will be available for pick-up. If they have not come to get it by the 4rd week, then I call to see if they still want the quilt. But if they say no,I am ready to give them their deposit back.
#88
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 116
We were in another kind of at home business, and people want and expect you to do it for nearly nothing. Eventually we closed shop as we were loosing rather than gaining income. Go for the half down at least. People wont want to give up that much money for nothing, so will pay the rest. btdt
#90
Originally Posted by lynmccoy
That's the same thing I do. When I finish the quilt, I call the customer. I tell them that the quilt is done and how long it will be available for pick-up. If they have not come to get it by the 4rd week, then I call to see if they still want the quilt. But if they say no,I am ready to give them their deposit back.
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babeegirl
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03-04-2008 07:39 AM