Tangible Tidbits 2010 #10: New Custom Order/Deposit Policy

Due to financial and time management concerns, I have decided to adopt a new policy that will appear on Something Tangible's website next month and in all of the company's written materials going forward. Any previously discussed projects will be "grandfathered in" and, therefore, not affected by the new policy. However, effective immediately, any new custom orders will be subject to the following requirements:

A deposit will be required for all custom orders, the amount to be determined based on the scope of the project. The purpose of this is two-fold. First, it will help defray the upfront cost of materials to be purchased for use in the piece(s). Second, it will enable me to maximize my time and energy in terms of determining which projects will generate income and which ones may not. Serious buyers will be more likely to put down a deposit than "window shoppers." As my schedule is busy and my time limited, I have to concentrate on allocating my resources to projects that will generate income for the company.

Naturally, once the project is completed to the client's satisfaction, the amount of the deposit will be deducted from the final cost of the item. If, however, the purchaser decides not to buy the item after it is completed for any reason -- change of mind, change of circumstance, etc. -- Something Tangible LLC will keep the deposit as partial compensation for materials purchased and time spent on the project.

In addition, merchandise will not, under any circumstances, change hands or be delivered until payment is made in full. There will be no exceptions.

I appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Thank you.