I'm thrilled for you because you know what a lot of people do not understand the time and moeny that goes into making a quilt. They think you can just whip one out. Good for you. And if she does decide to ask you for one, be sure to get a non-refundable down payment and signed contract. Congratulations.
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i was selling a washer and dryer with a 3 year warrenty left on it and a lady called to come and see it. she told me she was coming from out of town i had told her the price was 700.00 ( less than half price) i also told her that i wasn't about to lower the price just so she wouldn't make the trip for nothing. she said she was thinking of offering me 500.00 but i said no she wanted to come see it anyway so i said ok. about 10 minutes after i talked to her another lady called and said she wanted the items for amount i was asking sight unseen so I called the first lady and she was very upset and offered me more money than i was asking but i went with the lady who said i'm on my way to pick them up with cash in hand. that is the only way to things but that is only my experience
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This is your business. Make some contracts on your computer that state YOUR terms (I think there are some quilting and crafting books on this. Check you library)
Be as detailed as you can. Yes, I think you're right. She never intended to do anything but take advantage of you. You appeased your customer by dropping your price. Did you have to do that with the mailman? No, he appreciated your work and paid for it. Don't do business with her again. Even if she bad mouths you so some people, they probabaly already know her. Stick to your detailed contract, which will be signed by you buyer before any work is done. You can even say in the contract that if the item is not paid in full and picked up within 30 days, the quilt is on the market and for sale, NOT ON sale. I like your idea of paid in full at the beginning you can have acontract written up for that alos. You may find it in your best interest to keep photo records of each quilt you sell, so there can be no quibbling about the condiiton of the quilt later. You're not Sam's Club with returns. You are a craftman. When you value yourself for your skills, others will too. |
Hi Joan, I did not see your previous post but I am glad things turned all right for you. I so agree that your new idea for handling this situation is the proper way to handle business. I would also add that even for family and friends, if they are commissioning you to create a quilt for them that you handle the business part professionally.
I am sure you received lots of great advice in your earlier post. :thumbup: |
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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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
Probably will. Too bad. He he he...giggle. She got what she deserved. Nothing. |
Good for you .... besides, you have one "very happy" mailman. There are people out there, who have "no concept" how much fabric costs - how much time is involved - the dedicated work and artistry it takes to put together a "one of a kind" quilted master piece. They do better to shop at Wal Mart or K Mart .... these stores are "cheaper"!
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That's awesome!!! It turned out good plus you learned how to deal with sales before you actually got stiffed. Dontcha just love it when a plan comes together :)
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Ok Joan, if she comes back and wants the quilt, you owe us a picture of her face when you tell her you sold it!!!! Good for you, you can't let people walk on you......go girl!!!
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Lucky Mail Man Lucky you
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What goes around comes around and she just lost out.
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I get the cost of the fabrics up front. Then if the person wants to back out, I get the materials at least. So far I have been lucky....5 quilts ordered and paid for as agreed. I am not looking forward to the first one that goes awry. So glad you got it worked out with another buyer.
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Good for you. A positive ending.
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congrats on selling it and it must of been meant for the mailman to have it
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Custom orders should always require 1/2 down,change of mind does not mean a refund in my opinion.
What if you had not found a buyer so quickly ? Congrads that you did sell the quilt,I am sure it was beautiful !! |
Good for you - glad it all worked out for the better!
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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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NICE... I love a happy ending!
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Your gain, her loss.
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Originally Posted by RNUNU
Good for you .... besides, you have one "very happy" mailman. There are people out there, who have "no concept" how much fabric costs - how much time is involved - the dedicated work and artistry it takes to put together a "one of a kind" quilted master piece. They do better to shop at Wal Mart or K Mart .... these stores are "cheaper"!
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Good for you. Always get a down payment and in writing. Glad the mailman was there to receive the quilt, that was intended for him. Long before anyone knew.
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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! |
It was his lucky day he obliviously knew the work and love that goes when making a quilt, and your gain :) :thumbup:
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I bet you'll never loose any mail from now on :)
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You just did not know you were actually making it for HIM! LOL! :thumbup:
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Originally Posted by quiltsRfun
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. |
Once bitten twice shy!!
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every thing happens when it is supose to any way. it wasn't meant for her to get it.
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Originally Posted by Dee
Good for you. Always get a down payment and in writing. Glad the mailman was there to receive the quilt, that was intended for him. Long before anyone knew.
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that the way it goes sometimes
people just don't how much time & work goes in making & quilting a quilt . if they did they wouldn't want to pay less i have had people ask me to quilt for them & when i told them my price ,that WAS THE LAST I HEARD FROM THEM but thats ok. it gives me more time for something else |
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
:D |
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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