Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on January 24, 2012 at 2:49pm

How long has he been working on it? It might legitimately been taking long. I just got through building a 6 string that took me from September until now. It might take that long depending.

-WY

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Permalink Reply by Jim on January 24, 2012 at 4:06pm

well its a 3-string and at least 2 months from when he sent me the invoice wanting partial payment then I paid him in full (that was my mistake i am sure!!

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Permalink Reply by blufloyd on January 24, 2012 at 6:46pm

It is the internet so name names nothing is real anyway.  I know from poking around on here that some folk appear to have pulled the plug though.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Eight Spades CBG on January 24, 2012 at 6:58pm

Have you contacted him about it? Is he not responding? It might just be taking a while. If he's not responding then that's a problem. If he's still talking to you then give some more time. I wouldn't name names till you are absolutely sure your getting ripped off.

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on January 25, 2012 at 2:04am

Agreed. Usually when I do a build and I know it will take some time, I post pics to show progress. That way the customer knows I'm actually building and haven't absconded with their $$ (or pounds. or Yen. or Marks. or Lire)

-WY

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Permalink Reply by JUJU on January 24, 2012 at 8:15pm

yep as has been said if your still in contact with the builder work with him not against him sometimes things just take a lot longer than expected especially if your building as a hobby and you hold a day job down aswell - problems can just come out of the blue that slow work down

i'm a builder /seller myself so i know how the best thought out plan can alter - whenever i make a build for someone i always ask for a deposit up front usually a third to half the cost of the build - this covers my cost of materials just incase the buyer backs out of the deal - but i never take all the full cost of the guitar up front - i think in some cases paying all the money up front is a big NO NO because it gives some people a excuse to drag there heels - i'm not saying this is the case here just pointing it out as a fact

contact the builder and talkwith him

i'm sure it will all come good :)

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on January 24, 2012 at 9:05pm

I agree - better to stay polite and talk to the guy.

I also build, though I never take a deposit - I know sometimes things take longer than expected, so my customers pay when its finished. Its good manners and good business to keep the customer informed though.

If the guy has back orders he may get to it soon, but I have to ask - did he request full payment, or was that done off your own back?

A deposit is basically a show of commitment - if you paid the rest without being asked, then to my mind that doesnt neccesarily mean you will get it any quicker!

Be polite but firm, ask for an explanation and a delivery time estimate - there could be a good reason. If not, ask for your money back and go elsewhere.

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 24, 2012 at 11:12pm

Jim..it's a tricky situation.  As a builder I usually take 1/3 deposit on custom orders...but if the customer wants to pay everything upfront then that's OK, but with the best will in the world that can remove a bit of the urgency to get the work finished...there's nothing like being owed money to ensure the job is done in a timely manner.

Well, 8 weeks isn't excessive if he's busy, but a bit of polite communication both ways does help. Don't come on too heavy, try and ask for an anticipated delivery date, and understand that there may be other calls on his time. Once customers start getting crabby, sometimes that can get a bit unproductive, so try and keep things civilised. This whole scene is "cottage industry" and small scale...even in the world of serious professional upmarket guitar makers I've heard people complaining that they are still waiting after 3 years for their instrument...that sort of thing is plain wrong, but try and be understanding.

Are they communicating with you?..that's the most important thing. If that maker thinks you are angry and teed-off, he may not feel up to speaking to you, so try and keep the channels of communication open.  Best of luck.

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Permalink Reply by Careless John on January 24, 2012 at 11:27pm

I am not a builder or a seller, but I do think that it's always best to find out off other buyers how things went with their orders, and how their build turned out prior to putting in any order.

I think the vast majority of people you could buy from on CBG Nation would be trustworthy and reliable, but there is always a chance that the odd one or two fly by nights could sneak through the cracks.

I wish you luck, and hope that this isn't the situation in your case.

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Permalink Reply by Jim on January 25, 2012 at 1:55am

Thanks to everyone for the replys I know I shouldnt have paid him upfront that is the number 1 mistake I made here I did actually order 2- units from him recieved one the other unit was to give away at our annual blues ball and he missed that date. It appears he dosent have the money to return my payment so I would at least like the product.

The other point of just needing to talk with him he is not returning calls or e-mails I just tried another round well give him a bit of time to reply if not I will post his name on here!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on January 25, 2012 at 2:08am

One thing I know builders do and I've seen it here in this thread is to ask for a portion down as a 'deposit' to cover build expense. In my case, if they are out of the local area (within 50 mile radius) I will ask for a $30 deposit. That way I cover parts and shipping. If they skip payment, at least I'm out the work and not the materials. If they are within the area and we meet to complete the transaction, if they don't like it I can sell it on ebay and still come out ahead. No harm no foul (fowl?)

BUT I always cover that first with the customer before building and they HAVE to understand that.

-WY

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Permalink Reply by Andy Eight Spades CBG on January 25, 2012 at 5:48am

Wes, do you refund the 30 if they decide not to buy?  I've been considering a similar rule.  I would refund after someone else buys it.

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