SGeringer

Doesn't really make a difference, but paying up front is slightly preferred.

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wags

I don't mind paying up front IF I'm given realistic honest turn around time. Don't take my money and say, "Two weeks no problem" when they know it's not even close. Battling this now with a custom holster maker.

ccw9mm

A custom-made holster is a custom job. Under no circumstances that I can think of should the holster maker be on tap to foot the bill for a reasonable example of his/her work. It's my responsibility to explore options ahead of time, to research the quality/reliability, and to pay for it. Doesn't matter when. I'm perfectly happy to cover the materials costs in advance, and the work will be mine to cover regardless.

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Rotorflyr

Either method is fine with me as long as it's clear up front which method is required.

Now having said that, I can see where a true Custom job (such as engraving, or exotic skin or "odd" gun) SHOULD be paid for up-front as it wouldn't be fair to the artist (and the good leather workers are indeed artists!) to have to eat the cost of materials (and labor) if there is a problem on the buyers end.

Now if it is a "generic" item, or something standard for a popular gun (1911, Glock etc....) I can see not charging until the item is ready to ship as it can always be sold to another buyer (probably quickly) if the orginal "purchaser" backs out of the deal.

sevesteen

If I were to set the rules that I'd have to abide by both as a seller and as a buyer: If it is going to take more than 2 months between order and delivery, payment should be just before construction starts.

whitestone

Unless it would become an administrative nightmare, why not both? Send the buyer an e-mail invoice at the time of ordering that they can pay immediately or anytime up to 1-2 weeks before delivery. Alternatively, you can require a deposit at the time of ordering to cover your materials, and full payment right before delivery. You'll spend more time tracking down payments, but you may gain some business as a result of the flexibility.

Personally I think it's only fair to pay at least part up front. But with wait times exceeding 2 months the need for good customer service is very high.

Nate

I voted pay up front, that way I don't have to worry about it later down the road. However, a flexible payment option is nice for when you want to place an order, yet have your money tied up in other things at the moment (like rent/mortage, etc.).

richardoldfield

If I am getting the drift of this post it is does it upset you to pay in advance and then wait for the holster. If I am correct order from Ken L. Null http://www.klnullholsters.com/ Ken is a master leather craftsman and he produces quality products in record time. If you have never heard of Ken he has been in the business a long time and he is a friend of Lou Alessi. That, alone, should speak for itself. Regards, Richard :D

This is Ken L. Null's Gibson Covert with my Bersa .380:

levi333

I believe he's referring to his own business, not other holster makers.
Check his sig for info.

mavrik46

Pay up front.