This isn't a beware, and I'm hoping it's okay here, but I have a question that I was hoping to get some opinions on.
I get measurements from people to do certain fursuit commissions. One that I'm working on now, I'm pretty sure the measurements I'm getting from them are incorrect. I've asked them for measurements twice, just to make sure they're correct, but even with the 'corrected' measurement, it's so far from being possible that I'm not sure what to do.
Do I bug them again and tell them there's no way their measurements are right? Do I make them to the given specifications? Do I assume they're incorrect and adjust them accordingly?
Things I make come with a warranty, so if there's a problem it's up to me to fix it for free. If I assume the measurements are wrong and make them too large, I have to fix them. But here's the real issue: if I make them to the person's measurements and they're incorrect, is it all on me to fix them? Or do I tell them that they've been done to their specifications, and if adjustments must be made, I have to be paid more for the labor/materials? Given what it is, I may have to completely remake them if they don't fit properly.
Just wondering how other people deal with issues of warranty, and where the line of responsibility lies.
I get measurements from people to do certain fursuit commissions. One that I'm working on now, I'm pretty sure the measurements I'm getting from them are incorrect. I've asked them for measurements twice, just to make sure they're correct, but even with the 'corrected' measurement, it's so far from being possible that I'm not sure what to do.
Do I bug them again and tell them there's no way their measurements are right? Do I make them to the given specifications? Do I assume they're incorrect and adjust them accordingly?
Things I make come with a warranty, so if there's a problem it's up to me to fix it for free. If I assume the measurements are wrong and make them too large, I have to fix them. But here's the real issue: if I make them to the person's measurements and they're incorrect, is it all on me to fix them? Or do I tell them that they've been done to their specifications, and if adjustments must be made, I have to be paid more for the labor/materials? Given what it is, I may have to completely remake them if they don't fit properly.
Just wondering how other people deal with issues of warranty, and where the line of responsibility lies.
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In general, it's on the commissioner to be able to measure themselves correctly. Of course I would provide them with guides on how to take proper measurements, along with instructions to do a ductape dummy. Be clear that if they want to measure themselves it must be correct or else they need to pay for adjustments. If they want to make sure it's perfect they need to make a ductape dummy since that's the closest you can get aside from measuring them in person.
I think that you have them sign off on the measurements with the understanding that you will do the following (spell it out) but not a full redo if you go by these measurement.
I may ask them to remeasure again and let them know that I'm going to make them to those specs, and... I guess it's on them if they're incorrect after all?
I think it would be better to deal with asking again, or maybe explaining in detail to them how to correctly take measurements now. It would be better to solve the problem now then to have to redo the pieces, or worse yet, deal with the drama of a fursuit made "wrong".
I would definitely not assume anything. <=)
It is their responsibility (once they understand the directions) to give you correct measurements.
So if you have been very clear and they are sure the measurements are correct, make the item. It's not your fault if it does not fit due to their actual measurements differing. You are not psychic.
Now I'm wondering where the line is, and when I just say "I've done the best I can." I think I'll try one more time, and if they insist they're right, I'll have done my best.
I'd ask for the measurements again and be very specific. Doubt they'll get annoyed or angry. You're trying to make sure their suit comes out perfect. If they keep giving you really weird numbers, let them know the information they're giving you is going to DIRECTLY affect the fit of their suit and if they're ok with the measurements they gave you :)
This is another reason I'd never take on full body commissions. Some people are just not forthcoming about their actual body size and have a skewed idea of their body image.
Good luck to you on this.
If I am provided with arm tracings, for example, and the tracings just look wrong, then that's on the customer and I am released of responsibility. Especially if I asked them to redo the tracings!
It is in my opinion that if the costume doesn't fit correctly due to their erroneous measurements, then it's really not my fault. If they want to pay a tailoring fee for me to fix them and provide me with some REAL measurements, then I'd be mooooore than happy to fix it.
I always provide my customers with a visual diagram of where and how to measure themselves properly so I haven't had this problem yet, but I have all my bases covered in case one of them still manages to get it wrong.
Since you are building fur-suits, you should probably try and provide a diagram for your customers showing where the measurements should be coming from.
Also funny story; I bought a leather jacket for my mate and the company had very specific measurements so I called him and asked him to do some measurements for me. He did great with his arms and chest but told me his neck was only 6". I kept asking for it again because I know he didn't have a 6" neck and it came out that he was measuring from his ear to his shoulder, not his neck's circumference.
Edited at 2010-03-05 02:49 am (UTC)
Bottom line is, if you build it wrong, they'll blame you and you'll have an unhappy customer who will tell their friends what a sucky job you did, and maybe even post here.
Hopefully they wouldn't post here, since I don't typically do a "sucky job" and I like to do my best to make sure the customer is happy. Even if I did make it wrong, I'm sure there'd be some way to come up with a compromise to make sure both parties are satisfied. :)
Thanks for the input.
If they're a repeat customer, then they'll know the quality of your work already, and that you'll make good on any problems. But still, if it's wrong, it's like opening a present on Christmas and finding a broken toy -- it will always spoil the memory of what otherwise should be a pleasant and exciting experience. If it's a first-time customer, that will forever be their impression of your work. And they'll likely tell their friends about the experience, even if you do find a way to resolve the situation.
It's an avoidable situation, so why not make the effort to avoid it?
Another thing you might want to check is whether they're taking a diameter rather than a circumference. I could see that being confusing for someone who has never really done sewing before.
I think if you're doing it to THEIR measurements after asking for them a second time, it's not up to you to fix something for their mistake. That would be like me telling you that my character is orange when it's more of a tan. My own fault.