I do not like customs, refuse to take them unless it’s from a prior customer who is easy to work with.
So anyway, I got roped into one a while back before I realized how annoying they are. This woman was wishy washy on what she wanted to a point where I told her to think about it for a day or so and get back to me. 20 emails later, we get the details hammered out and I collect a deposit.
The price that I agreed to was old pricing. I get anywhere from $25-$75 more per doll now. I ended up having to order the kit and body at full price, so basically I’m making nothing here. Only doing this because I agreed to.
She knew she was getting a fantastic deal, but wouldn’t leave me alone. All these emails and she kept asking for stuff. Last time she requested a lovey instead of a toy. I agreed, hoping that would be the end of it. Tonight it was another email requesting the baby be sent in a warm, fuzzy blanket instead of my standard receiving blanket.
I went to PayPal and send that non refundable deposit back so quick and sent her a quick email wishing her the best in finding an artist to provide her with a perfect baby along with the sun, moon, and stars for next to nothing because that artist would not be me.
I have a full price kit that I don’t need on the way, but oh well. Lesson learned. Never again.
Sorry you went through all of this. I probably would have did the same. This is why I rarely do customs anymore, don’t sell dolls in WIP/before they complete, & am VERY reluctant to sell to new people.
Why don’t you sell while still WIP? Do people use that to bother you? And if i could, I would only sell to previous clients too, but I don’t have any that are hoarders yet. Lol
Some of them are so nice. Some people I really have enjoyed dealing with, but every once in a while, I just have to get one that just makes me not want to list anything for a minute.
Well I had impatient customers, some wanting changes made (to my own work mind you), exchanges for different dolls and such & it got overwhelming & I decided stop.
That’s what I was afraid of… that it would just be endless. Some people you can not make happy, and over time I have learned that it’s better to not try. The headache is not worth it on a higher end doll, so definitely not worth it for this.
I hate that happened to you, and I am sure you will be able to make a beautiful kit out of the one you have coming that someone else will love. I understand and I get people who want reborns contacting me, but they want them for under $200, free shipping and a head full of hair, with extras. That’s just not doable and it sucks that they don’t think of the time put into them. Best of Luck!
I agree that my experience with customs has been somewhat negative. I quoted a price, and then she wanted specific hair and the most expensive eyes I’ve ever seen. The kit itself was not on sale, so I didn’t profit much at all with far more aggravation than if I were making it to please myself. Part of the creativity involved is compromised when you are taking orders from someone.
When I do customs they choose kit, skin tone, eye color, and hair color. The rest is up to me. They get a picture when it’s done unless they want it to be a surprise.
Dolly, that is why, I guess, that I have not had any aspirations to sell any of my dolls. So far, they are not good enough for me to put out to sell. And, I didn’t know about the other garbage that people try to subject you to. So, I guess I am happy that I do it just for my self.
Sorry you had to deal with that! Custom order people can be so ridiculous. It’s really tough. Good for you for doing what you did. I bet she is wishing she wasn’t so pushy now and I’m sure she is regretting it!
I don’t know if I could do customs…I think it would stress me out way too much. I like what @jeanhai does, that would be far less stressful, I should think.
Oh man, you guys would have torn me apart when I ordered my first custom lol thankfully the artist put up with me and it lead to working together again down the line, but I was definitely indecisive at first.
It was a smart decision to get out of it. That is why I dont do costums. I just agree to one with a returning client, but before I agree to make her baby doll I let her know what were my terms. I do my dolls when I can, I like to have the freedom to create, and once we have agree in something there would no be changes. She only chose the kit, the hair color and requested a magnet in the head. My husband ask me how do I still have clients after I’m so mean? Now I have a dream client.
We can’t be afraid to put our foot down. If they come to us, is because they like our work. Work that we have done without pressure!!!
Hugs!!!
thankfully the artist put up with me and it lead to working together again down the line, but I was definitely indecisive at first.