Twice now I have took an order from friends, ect, built the project after buying the wood and other attaching part, then let them know their item is ready. Can you wait two weeks? Me-uh sure, see you in two weeks. Two weeks later, can you wait til Friday?, Uh-see you Friday. Friday come, no word, calls or messages, and no money where I am out building it. Does this happen to you? What do you do, keep calling? I think in the future, I'll let them know I am ready to start, bring me half the fee and I'll begin.
I'm not a pro, just a hobbyist and make very little off my projects. I do this to keep busy and do wood work. If I make some extra, fine, I can buy some sandpaper or some more wood for the next project. I think it's time to change. Maybe just build for me or for gifts.
Get money for materials plus a cushion up front. Make item. If said 'friend' doesn't pick up item sell it for whatever you can. Subtract what they gave you and stick it in a coffee can. If they eventually show up give them their money back. Find new friends.
There are sale agreement forms you can find online, or you can write up very simple sales agreement with straightforward language, that spells out what happens if they never retrieve their item. I agree with dhazelton; Always get at least the materials cost up-front. What if they want you to use some species or material that you'd never normally use for other projects? etc.
If you special order a door from home depot, for example, and don't pick it up, they will make all reasonable attempts to contact you to have you pick it up but I think after like 60 days you are legally forfeiting all claim to the item and they don't owe you anything back.
I think no more orders or requests, concentrate on an up coming craft fair (local) and if nothing else, my Wife has a long "wish list" of things she wants me to build. Do wood working for me.
You don't want woodworking to come between you and your friends but it already has and it's frustrating. They should have more respect for your time if they are good friends.
I have been very seldom burned. But, I do not do large projects either.
On any special that I will have just more than a fewbucks into; I will ask for a deposit at least or 1/2 of the material before I will strt the project.
Jeff, being recently retired you should definitely do whatever YOU want to do in the shop. If someone comes up with something for you and you can make a few bucks for shop supplies then great. Otherwise just pass on taking on jobs.
With friends I usually just do material costs up front so I'm guaranteed not out anything. Sure there's the time thing but I also only take on stuff I actually would enjoy building since it's not a business unless it's the wife making requests. If you aren't making money then you better enjoy the build.
When you go into business you'll realize that friends and family will screw you quicker than a stranger, or at least more willing to waste your time. When family ask me to build them something I tell them to buy the wood and we'll pick it up together, that usually puts the kibosh on things if they aren't sincere.
Half up front sounds good so at least ur covered on ur costs. If they r big items u might specify in the beginning that due to space they can't stay long after completion or factor in gas on the price An deliver it with the understanding they pay the last portion at delivery.
I hav a mower for sale once. My buddy wanted it an I agreed to allow him to make payments over the next month or two. Took my 18months to get my money on a $1000 mower. We r still friends but I'll never do that again Business and friends can last but there's a lot of opportunities to make an enemy with it
Good advice regarding selling, and getting money up front for materials.
That makes sure that you aren't out cash (JUST Time) which has value also
I would always get materials paid for…
More up front payment to me would depend on whether the project is something I really could sell if it is REALLY specific to them. + how much time commitment is it.
I always get a signed proposal which includes a drawing and it is stated in the proposal that a 50% nonrefundable deposit is due before their work can be scheduled. I require this even with friends. I have not lost any money or friends with this approach. Remember there are no friends in business, just customers.
I would get half up front or at least enough to cover the materials. Most people have no idea the cost of wood and hardware and even the cost of finishing.
Red oak has a good point. Most ppl really don't know how much it costs for just the lumber let alone any finishing or special effects that go into it.
Personally I'd hate to get a signed contract from a person that is a friend.
JCamp, that's me. That's why I use a handshake. You are correct that most people don't know what wood cost. Let alone screws, stain and other items. I'm going to follow ki7hy's advice. I like it.
A real friend won't balk at being asked to pay for materials up front. If your "friends" can't handle that requirement, they're not very good friends in the first place.
I agree, only I have never had to do that. I buy materials, build and then say it's done. Just lately it became a problem. I guess that's why I say a change is needed.
If they're friends and the jobs are small and you like doing it,
just do it….. and when they come around and pay you all is good.
Don't do the job if you can't afford to sit on it until they come around.
Friends are friends…
On the flip side of it, if it's going to be 100 bucks tell them to give you a 100 bucks and you will get it for them when you can. It can work both ways with friends.
I think personally it depends on how big ($$$) the job is and I decide at that point what is the best way to go.
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