[Woodcarver] Insecurity about commissions

[Donna Menke]

This was an interesting topic for me- since I was just talking about a commission with a customer. I have done a few and most were very satisfactory to both sides of the arrangement. The only one that was not satisfactory was when the price was not agreed upon up front. He said to just charge what I thought appropriate- so I did- and he was unhappy.
Lesson learned- price agreement (or, at least a range) before starting.
I strongly agree with whoever said that they found commissions stimulating. I don't ever seem to get around to carving something unless it is requested- and will be paid for. Sometimes I was worried that the project was beyond my capabilities, but with proper preparation I managed quite well.

I also like to think that someone likes my stuff enough to pay for it- 
Donna Menke
http://www.woodworks-by-donna.com 
Author: The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book



----- Original Message ----

> From: Marcia Berkall <whitwood at fairpoint.net>

> To: [Woodcarver] <woodcarver at carverscompanion.com>

> Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 9:29:43 PM

> Subject: [Woodcarver] Insecurity about commissions

> 

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> 

> Thanks, Joe!!  I really do like commissions for several reasons.  I have never 

> had a bad experience with a commission, but there is always that uncertainty.  

> As you say, I think that tends to keep us on our toes and striving for our best 

> work. The future owner of the cat did email me today and she is happy with it.  

> Whew!  I appreciate your response.  It's always nice to know that someone else 

> has the same fears from time to time.

> 

> Mush!!

> 

> At 03:42 PM 4/23/2009, Joe Dillett wrote:

> 

> > Hi Mush,

> > I think we all experience some of that feeling with every commission to a some 

> degree. I think that's why some carvers don't take on commissions. Then again 

> some of us carvers thrive on that feeling, that they might not like it, because 

> it motivates us to do a better job. Looking back I bet that fear is unfounded, 

> because how many customer were actually unhappy with anyone's work? My guess 

> would be less than 1/2% and then the work would have to be really crappy. Many 

> carvers feel if they lower the price somehow the customer will like it better. 

> When we think about it, price has very little to do with them liking it. When I 

> began taking on commissions I was very apprehensive about every commission, but 

> it got easier year after year.

> > Joe Dillett

> > The Carving Shop

> > 645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3

> > Somonauk, IL. 60552

> > (815) 498-9290 phone

> > (815) 498-9249 fax

> > http://www.thecarvingshop.net [business web site]

> > http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column]

> > http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett

> 

> See Marcia's wood carvings at: 

> http://whittlinsnwood.com

> Blog: http://cahvah.wordpress.com/

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