LVCIAN
Member
Background:
I have a hobby business doing custom fine metal work for a very small market. Primarily fabrication/recreation of historical metal art.
A potential customer approached me in January of 2017 and asked me to quote a project. At that time, I drew up a unique design and provided a reasonable quote.
They did enjoy the design but wanted to discuss it with the other financially responsible parties. I let them know that any design changes that would add to the time required to complete the project or change the material cost would change the quote.
In early March 2017, they got back to me with not insignificant changes. Their changes would add a couple hundred dollars to the piece. They decided to not go forward at that time.
In June 2017, they contacted me again for the same project asking if I was still willing to produce the final design at the same price. By then I had been booked for other work and was clear that I would not be available for several months. They left it there, disappointed but not unhappy.
Today:
This morning the customer contacted me again regarding the exact same design.
They wish to know if Im available now. Technically I am, but any enthusiasm I had for this project is long gone. The cost of materials for the design have gone up, and I now charge more for my time that I did at the time of the original quote.
The question:
Given that I am still building my reputation in this market, have hopes of expanding my market, and that it is potential income...
Do I run the risk of upsetting this customer by rejecting the work? Do I create a new quote based on the new materials and labor costs? Do I honor a 10-month-old quote, eating the cost of the materials and labor?
I would really appreciate any feed back
I have a hobby business doing custom fine metal work for a very small market. Primarily fabrication/recreation of historical metal art.
A potential customer approached me in January of 2017 and asked me to quote a project. At that time, I drew up a unique design and provided a reasonable quote.
They did enjoy the design but wanted to discuss it with the other financially responsible parties. I let them know that any design changes that would add to the time required to complete the project or change the material cost would change the quote.
In early March 2017, they got back to me with not insignificant changes. Their changes would add a couple hundred dollars to the piece. They decided to not go forward at that time.
In June 2017, they contacted me again for the same project asking if I was still willing to produce the final design at the same price. By then I had been booked for other work and was clear that I would not be available for several months. They left it there, disappointed but not unhappy.
Today:
This morning the customer contacted me again regarding the exact same design.
They wish to know if Im available now. Technically I am, but any enthusiasm I had for this project is long gone. The cost of materials for the design have gone up, and I now charge more for my time that I did at the time of the original quote.
The question:
Given that I am still building my reputation in this market, have hopes of expanding my market, and that it is potential income...
Do I run the risk of upsetting this customer by rejecting the work? Do I create a new quote based on the new materials and labor costs? Do I honor a 10-month-old quote, eating the cost of the materials and labor?
I would really appreciate any feed back