Why I Like Custom

My family and I lived in Asia for two years.  There, if you can't find something you want off the rack, you sketch it out for, or describe it to, a craftsman and have it made.  This is usually done for no extra charge if you request standard materials and put some money down.  You get to be the designer.  You get to avail yourself of their skill, their tools, their suppliers.  You get an item that is just what you've always wanted and fits like a glove. 

In the United States, we consider custom work to be something for which you must pay dearly.  Most businesses simply don't want to bother.  This is a shame and it's something l'd like to see change.

 Photo 1:  My son, Caleb, in Songtan, South Korea, in the shopping district near our former home, where you could get so many things custom made.  Photo 2:  Me in a silk store in Siem Reap, Cambodia where they are ready to make anything you like overnight.  Photo 3:  Caleb waiting while a man hand-carves a name stamp for him in Cambodia.

How it Works

I will be happy to work with you on any designs that are somewhat similar to those I normally design.

I work from home and sell mostly over the internet.  Communication with my customers is usually done over e-mail and with digital photos at various steps during the process.  Of course, you may also call me. 

Communication is key.   I'd much rather have twenty e-mails going back and forth to understand exactly what you want than to order supplies and spend time making something that isn't quite what you had in mind.  Please don't feel you are bothering me with too many details or questions.  I want you to be happy with the end product.  I will generally have a long list of questions for you to answer too. 

The amount of options for combinations of design elements can be staggering.  Once you communicate your vision and price range to me, I will guide you by presenting just those options I feel will work best for you within those guidelines.  If you want to see more, just ask, but I don't want you to be overwhelmed. 

  Pictures that are typical of what you might receive from me via e-mail when we are working on a custom collaboration.

Pricing

You will not be charged for consultation.  You won't know if what you want is possible or affordable until you ask, right?

Once I know what you want, I can give you a price which will include materials, labor, shipping and handling charges (if I will need to special order supplies just for you) and any other costs involved.

I may require a non-refundable deposit before I begin.  This protects me in the event a customer changes their mind after I've already spent money to order their supplies.  Payment in full must be received before I will ship your completed item.  If these policies make you nervous, you may pay with a credit card for extra "third party" protection.

Each situation is different, but I'm listing a few basic points to give you an idea of how I figure prices.  I do try to use a common sense approach to pricing.

Sometimes custom is no extra charge.  If you want a clasp changed for another I have in stock, in the same price range, there is no extra charge.  If you want a necklace made like one I have on my website, but in a different color of pearls, that I have in stock, in the same price range, your order will be no extra charge.  If it doesn't cost me anything extra, it doesn't cost you anything extra.

Also, you may give me your wish list without ordering anything.  I like to hear what my customers want in order to keep track of the market.  If I get several requests for something, I know that I should be designing along those lines.  If you are a preferred customer in good standing and would like me to keep an eye out for a certain type of pearl or gemstone bead at a good price, I will be happy to get it for you if I find it.

It pays to plan ahead.  I keep my prices low by ordering from carefully selected wholesale suppliers.  I have to place a minimum order to get the best prices.  I only do this once every few months.  If you are not in a hurry or if you happen to place your order near the time I'm getting ready to place a wholesale order, I will pass those savings on to you.  If I must place a retail order for your supplies, you must pay the retail price and shipping.  Regardless, I still get reasonable prices from my suppliers and I will let you know up front what those charges will be.

Most of the pearls and beads I order come on a 15-16 inch "temporary strand."  Therefore, if you want a 20 inch necklace of all one type of bead, I will have to order two strands.  Whether I charge you for two strands or just one and a half depends on if I had the beads already in stock and if they are something I might have ordered anyway.  If they are something I simply wouldn't use, you will pay for two full strands and I'll send you your leftover beads for future projects.

It often costs almost as much to make an 8 inch bracelet as it does to make a 16 inch necklace.  Yes, I use a few more beads, but much of the time it takes to make either comes from finishing the ends of the strands, properly securing the clasp and for the cost of the clasp.

The pearl and natural gemstone bead market is fickle.  It is follows world fashion trends and depends a lot on the economic and political situation of countries around the world where the stones are mined, the beads are made or the pearls are cultured.  There are day to day changes in what type of beads and pearls are available and for what price.  Prices for findings can also change weekly depending on the price of silver and gold.

Remakes/Refunds/Returns/Repairs

If you want multiple revisions after I have assembled your item, I reserve the right to charge extra for each revision.  For instance, I can't just "take a few beads off" a bracelet to make it shorter.  It has to be completely re-strung:  a task that involves about an hour of work, probably another trip to the post office and extra postage.   You will need to measure your wrist carefully before I start work or your $30 bracelet may end up costing you $50.  Good communication up front will save everyone time and money. 

Refunds/Returns for custom orders are determined on a case by case basis depending on how "personal" your design was or if supplies were ordered specifically for your project.  I want my customers to have a chance to try their jewelry or to give it as a gift before they have to decide whether to return it.  Therefore, my return policy is a generous 60 days instead of the normal industry standard of 3-15 days.

If you've had an item break, I will do repairs if possible.  If the 60 day return period is up, I will determine if there is a charge depending on circumstances and you must pay postage both ways.

Guarantee/Return Policy  

If you are not satisfied with your order for any reason, return within 60 days from date of purchase for a full refund of the price of the item, repair or an exchange if you prefer.  Refunds for custom orders will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  Items must be returned in original condition.  Shipping and handling charges are not refundable except in the event that I sent you a defective or incorrect item.   It is best to insure your return as I cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected items.  Obtain return authorization by phone or e-mail before sending so I know to expect your return.  Use conscientious packing procedure.  Enclose the packing slip or your contact information so the refund is properly credited to you.  Please, do not hesitate to contact me if there is a problem. Your satisfaction is very important to me.

Conclusion

Most custom collaborations come off without a hitch and I enjoy the process and seeing the beautiful results.  You get a chance to be your own designer while at the same time getting the benefit of my art background, jewelry making skill and suppliers.

To begin you don't need to know exactly what you want.  Telling me that you would really like a gemstone necklace to match your eyes or that you've always wanted a black pearl bracelet is enough to get the ball rolling.  Looking at similar items on my website will give you a general idea of starting price.

I post images of pieces I've made on the "gallery" page of my website.  If you do not want the custom pieces we've designed together to appear there, please let me know.   If someone else sees the piece you've designed they may want it too!  I don't claim that anything I make is one of a kind although many pieces are.  If something turns out to be popular I will usually make more.  If this bothers you, let me know up front and I will do what I can to protect your piece.  If your piece is to be a gift for someone who likes my site, let me know so that I don't post the photo too soon and spoil the surprise.  

"just wanted to say that the charms are beautiful on my anklets! It was SO easy to attach them and they go perfectly. I couldn't be happier. Thank you for all your time and help :)"    Meghan (New Jersey)

 To get started, browse my site or click the Contact Me link below. 

© 2008 Susan E Runyon

Sue Runyon