Custom commissioner didn't pay - suggestions? - solved

[BerryMouse]

Hiya =)

Not sure how to act so I thought asking for other ppls suggestions won't hurt =)

Someone commissioned me for two customs around 21st january.
I organized the baits & hair and started around 10th feb., sadly it took that long till I received anything I needed.
I was able to finish both customs nine days later feb 19th.
Always wanted my commissioners satisfied so I hurried up and sent pic's and she was fine with the customs =)
We agreed a price before I started working.

At feb 21st she asked me if she could pay next wednesday what would be the 25th.
I agreed cuz I'm nice :-P

Time passed by - at March 4th I sent her my paypal address and asked again for the payment.
She said she's pretty sorry but get not paid before march 15th but will transfer the money straight to my paypal account then.

Well it's thurday now and almost friday where she's located.... and I still didn't received the money.

I was thinking about writing her a third time but on the other hand I'm getting tired of it =(
Dunno what to do.
Selling the customs to someone else? Then she might get mad .... but waiting almost 4 weeks for the $$ is also not fair.
I don't want to be a pain in the ass and asking again for the $$

I never take pre payments on my commissions cuz I think it's only fair to wait till the commissioner see the result and is able pay to after he/she/it likes the custom then.
Dunno if I'll handle it like this in the future....

So what to do?



And btw. if my commissioner is a member here, I'm happy if you will PM me =)
I'm sure we can handle it out if you like.... I won't bite you!

[Malancaiwen]

Sorry to hear you have to deal with a non paying buyer! I know you're a pleasure to talk with so I don't understand why the buyer didn't even warn you if they had some payment problems :/

Maybe you could send one last message regarding this, reminding them that the due date they fixed arrived and you're still expecting payment for your work?
I understand you not liking to send such a message, I hate to talk about money so I hardly sell my customs :p

Good luck! And please post pics of the customs once the issue is over

[ponylady]

I am sorry your going through this BerryMouse   It's never easy when money is involved.
 
I agree with Malancaiwen though, I would send one last message.  I would simply state that you have been more than accommodating to her money situation.  But the fact of the matter is that you can no longer wait on payment as it has been four weeks.
 
 I don't think your being a pain by asking.  The two of you had an agreement and you have spent money out of your own pocket to complete these.  If she can't come to the terms of the agreement then I believe you have every right to resell them.
 
Good luck and I would love to see pictures too!

[BerryMouse]

Thank's a lot you two 

Dunno why it is so hard for me to ask for my money....

I think I'll wait till Monday and will mail her again - she probably just forgot ... dunno   
And if she's not able to pay or anything I'll try reselling the ponies to someone else and hopefully someone will be interested in them =)

It's about these two customs (posted a pic on feb 19th already):
G3 Mimic & Fizzy

http://mlparena.com/mlp/index.php/topic,287936.0.html

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Good luck with your sales!

[ristvak]

Well at least they're Hasbro ponies so they might be easier to resell =)

I don't have any advice for your current situation other than what every one else has said. One last message giving a firm deadline for payment or else you will offer them up for sale here/on ebay/whatever.

In the future I would suggest getting maybe half of the cost up front. Call it a "supplies fee" That way people are invested in the work from the get go and less likely to not follow through with the final payment. And even if they did at least you will have gotten SOMETHING for them =)

[Ringlets]

*hugs*  sorry to hear this Berrymouse! I really like both of those customs!    I'm gonna agree with what the others have already said about contacting her one last time and giving her a final deadline to pay... then  if she still doesnt pay up , you have every right to sell them (I dont think you'll have any problems selling those BTW)  and to leave honest feedback for her. Its such a shame if it comes to that, but you've been patient already and you cant just keep on waiting 

[Maniah]

I have been asking payment up front just because that's the only way I can buy the supplies I need to make their order. People have been fine with it. I always send pics to make sure they are happy before I ship.

I'm trying something new now that I have a decent stock of supplies built up. I'm selling commission retainers. They are $25 each and nonrefundable. So if someone wants a pony, we discuss it. I give them a total price and then they buy the retainer. When I'm finished they get the pony when they send the remainder of the money. If they don't pay and I made a pony no one else will want then at least I am covered for the materials.

Best of luk to you. You got some sound advice from the others. You are within your right to resell the ponies no would just let her know that you will resell them by x date if she doesn't pay.

[BerryMouse]

Thank's a lot for you help ponies!

Maniah, that sounds also like a good idea.

I send my commissioner a last message today hope I didn't sound to rude:

"I'm sorry if this sounds a bit harsh now but cause another wednesday has passed and it's almost 4 weeks ago now since I've finished the customs and asked you for the payment I'll send you this last request.
I'll hold the customs for you till2 3rd march (next friday) - if I did'nt get the money I'll offer them for sale to someone else.
I hate to do it but I spent already money to get all the supplies and spent also lotsa time doing the ponies."

[Ringlets]

Your message looks good to me - it doesnt sound rude or harsh at all    I really hope that she responds and sends you the payment

[BerryMouse]

Update:

She wrote me on friday that she'll send the payment when she's home.
She wrote me on saturday that she has probs with her paypal account and will try sending the money over her friends account in monday.
Well yah it's wednesday now and guess what.....


well at least she has two days left to pay but I don't have any hope.


 

[Ringlets]

 

[Oneleo1]

If she does not pay, I am interested in one of them! Shoot me a PM, if she is not too expensive I might buy her!

[BerryMouse]

I just mailed my commissioner that she please don't pay anymore. I guess waiting 5 weeks was more than nice & patient.

So Mimic is already on hold and Fizzy is prolly also sold or will be for sale soon.

Thank's ponies for helping me making a decision! =)

I was so nice and offered her doing customs for her in the future but only with prepayments. She might me mad with me now but really ... not my fault.

[Izrabeth]

You did well Berry, I wouldn't have been so kind as you, you waited a lot of time and she had her many chances to pay, in your shoes I would have sold customs earlier and also I would have closed all doors with this person. I think that maybe it's a bit unfair with good commissioners but upfront payment is really a good choice!