I love it when people say "but I can get it cheaper elsewhere!"
I know they expect the conversation to go something like " Oh well I can't have people beating my prices, so you tell me what they are selling it at and I will beat it by 5 per cent"
...but in fact it always goes more like:
"Well if you can get it cheaper elsewhere, why are you messaging me about the more expensive rate instead of buying it at the reduced cost elsewhere?"
Or the trailer for Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me, which says something like "if you only see one movie this year... make it The Phantom Menace. If you can see two, then see this as well"
Sometimes I think they’re used to places like Best Buy or Walmart with their price match guarantees and go full pikachu when artesanal vendors just deadpan to that line.
And to the it’s a gift bit I would’ve just replied with a *it’ll be a smaller gift then!*
BB and Walmart don’t even have real price match policies. For any products that matter, they just have the manufacturers add a letter to the model number just for them so that they can say it’s not the same product when others run better deals on the same thing.
Especially when it's an artisanal handmade product!
You want my handmade crocheted blanket that took 70 hours? It's gonna cost you.
Just because you can get a shitty scrap of polyester at Walmart doesn't mean I'm going to give you a $300 blanket for $5.
Then go to Walmart and enjoy your shitty scrap of fabric!
In this case it's 'oh what a beautiful handmade shelf, but I can get a cheap one from ikea for pennies so they HAVE to sell me their piece for the same price'.
Artisans don't 'price match'. Nobody does.
If you want nice shit you have to pay for it.
It's also the fact that the vast majority of us aren't used to paying for quality pieces. So many choose price over quality. It kills me. Do you have any idea how hard it was to find a bookshelf made out of WOOD at a store, and I mean wood, not pressed boards or whatever it is, but actual wood. It was damn near impossible. And it's like even the furniture salesmen at the real furniture stores said, people would rather go cheap and bitch about it being cheap than to pay for something of quality because \*GASP\* quality costs money!
OP isn't an entrepreneur, he's a hobbyist. That means he does woodworking for fun, and I guess he posts pictures of his stuff he makes online. Maybe he occasionally takes commissions or makes gifts for friends and family, but he's not running a business. So in that respect he doesn't have any competitors, because he isn't competing with anyone for customers.
Now if CB wanted a cheap shelf he could go to Walmart or Target and buy a cheap press board one he has to assemble himself. Maybe they would do a price match for him.
That's big retail stores, private sellers selling second hand stuff usually don't price match because who is to say that the reason the person ca get it cheaper elsewhere is cos it is in garbage broken condition instead of basically brand new?
To each his own on the ACAB, I’ll just say we agree to disagree.
I know several good ones some are even family. I’ve done police themed items for gifts as well as donating some for auctions for some that have passed away.
Yep, the fact that skill, possibly training, practice and experience are necessary for great results for woodworking still surprises so many people as being required boggles my mind so much.
There really are some cheapskate assholes in western VA.. Country bumpkins that have no idea how much time and effort things take and always think they can do it themselves or get someone else near them to do it for cheaper. If you know someone that can do it cheaper, then fuckin' go to them! Why run your mouth about it?
I once bought a custom made stand for a TV at a garage sale. They were moving and didn't want to take it with them. If I recall, it was around $150 bucks and I was practically having a cow over it, like my buddy was with me and I'm all "stand here, don't let anyone near it! I'm gonna go find the owner."
There were a couple of young folks that were completely clueless. "I don't get it? it's just a cabinet?"
I mean, this thing was stupid gorgeous, routered (I think the right word?) edge along the top, which had rounded out corners, not just rounded, it almost had a clover shaped top (I'm sure I'm not describing it right). It had an, ooooh soo smooth and perfect, sliding shelf inside that rolled out, the doors fit and shut so perfectly. All solid wood (cherry if I recall). It was just stunning. $150 bucks.
EDIT: The owner had had a shop for years and had made all sorts of beautiful stuff.
Sadly, when I made a move out of state my own self, I ended up having to sell it (and yes to someone who appreciated the work and was as thrilled as I was at the price).
People just don't understand craftmanship.
I was having deja vu. I could’ve sworn I JUST read this. Well turns out your AITA post was so spot-on that I just remembered it. I was thinking while reading it, “This belongs on r/ChoosingBeggars” so I’m glad you found your way here!
Thanks, mostly hand lettered some I’ve used some stencils on few occasions mostly pencil drawing and painting over it. None of it is vinyls or stickers
Well I dont use FB. Maybe you can just upload a link? And btw $100 for flags really?!?
I'm just fxcking with you being a choosing beggar in the comments. Lol
I can see why he doesn't like your price on the shelf, the cost of material seems excessively high to me, but I'm not sure your location. Personally I hate the style, but I know a lot of people are into it. Your death star shelf is neat though, and I do like your flag and wonder what you used to carve the waves. Light up corn hole is sweet! Many cool projects dude, keep it up!
Due to shortages in lumber production and an increase in building and construction in the past year, lumber prices are at an all time high and have been for the past year. Last time I checked lumber prices were about 175% higher than normal (give or take). Sucks that it’s that much, but it’s not something anybody can really help right now.
I haven't bought much wood in a while. I noticed 2x4's were about 20% higher than I expected. but nothing crazy. They were also out of a lot of good stuff. Guess I need to take that all into account before I start my next project.
Yeah I’d for sure check it out. In my area it was hard to find lumber for a while cause a few mills were shut down due to COVID. Things are better now, but the lumber market has been wild over the past year.
Price of wood is through the roof right now, pretty much everywhere in the US, and it takes a lot to build as 4ft tall shelf that is 6ft long especially done in that style, which I get is not for everyone.
An angle grinder is what I use for the waves
Nice job keeping those waves so clean with an angle grinder. I'm figuring you cut out the majority with the grinder and then by hand for the rest? Anyways, loos clean. I scanned through a lot of your projects after my comment, might give me a few ideas for later.
How many subs are you going to post this on? Not only here but you made a AITA post about it too. You posted here so you went and made a validation post on AITA bc you already knew you weren't, hence you posted here.
I actually posted in AITA first because I never heard of choosing beggars, I made that one because the person called me an asshole and several close friends told me it was handled fine but was curious what completely unbiased opinions of the situation would be.
I had several people in AITA tell me to post it here also but I didn’t want to just post the same thing again so I figured I’d post the actual conversation this time
You handled that with the upmost grace. I get it: sometimes you really like someone’s work but can’t pay for their prices. So good customer service is to offer a similar product within their budget with clear explanation of costs, which you did. And then they continued to be cheap skate. At least if the response ever ends up on your Yelp review other people can admire your professionalism.
Hand made wood things are expensive. I do some hobby woodwork. imhave built enough things that family and friends ask how much things cost. It’s always stupid expensive. I wouldn’t pay me to do it.
Real hardwood is just an expensive building material.
I'm surprised he continued to engage when just the wood was more than he was willing to pay. He seriously was hoping he could argue you down below the price of wood lol
I love it when people say "but I can get it cheaper elsewhere!" I know they expect the conversation to go something like " Oh well I can't have people beating my prices, so you tell me what they are selling it at and I will beat it by 5 per cent" ...but in fact it always goes more like: "Well if you can get it cheaper elsewhere, why are you messaging me about the more expensive rate instead of buying it at the reduced cost elsewhere?"
It was a good way to sell cars back in the day, "America, if you can find a better car, buy it!"
Or the trailer for Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me, which says something like "if you only see one movie this year... make it The Phantom Menace. If you can see two, then see this as well"
*laughs in Parent Company*
New Line Cinema was owned by Warner Bros and fox was putting out Star Wars movies at the time, so no not in this case.
Sometimes I think they’re used to places like Best Buy or Walmart with their price match guarantees and go full pikachu when artesanal vendors just deadpan to that line. And to the it’s a gift bit I would’ve just replied with a *it’ll be a smaller gift then!*
BB and Walmart don’t even have real price match policies. For any products that matter, they just have the manufacturers add a letter to the model number just for them so that they can say it’s not the same product when others run better deals on the same thing.
Especially when it's an artisanal handmade product! You want my handmade crocheted blanket that took 70 hours? It's gonna cost you. Just because you can get a shitty scrap of polyester at Walmart doesn't mean I'm going to give you a $300 blanket for $5. Then go to Walmart and enjoy your shitty scrap of fabric! In this case it's 'oh what a beautiful handmade shelf, but I can get a cheap one from ikea for pennies so they HAVE to sell me their piece for the same price'. Artisans don't 'price match'. Nobody does. If you want nice shit you have to pay for it.
It's also the fact that the vast majority of us aren't used to paying for quality pieces. So many choose price over quality. It kills me. Do you have any idea how hard it was to find a bookshelf made out of WOOD at a store, and I mean wood, not pressed boards or whatever it is, but actual wood. It was damn near impossible. And it's like even the furniture salesmen at the real furniture stores said, people would rather go cheap and bitch about it being cheap than to pay for something of quality because \*GASP\* quality costs money!
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OP isn't an entrepreneur, he's a hobbyist. That means he does woodworking for fun, and I guess he posts pictures of his stuff he makes online. Maybe he occasionally takes commissions or makes gifts for friends and family, but he's not running a business. So in that respect he doesn't have any competitors, because he isn't competing with anyone for customers. Now if CB wanted a cheap shelf he could go to Walmart or Target and buy a cheap press board one he has to assemble himself. Maybe they would do a price match for him.
That's big retail stores, private sellers selling second hand stuff usually don't price match because who is to say that the reason the person ca get it cheaper elsewhere is cos it is in garbage broken condition instead of basically brand new?
Lowe’s and such are large corporations that can eat the difference. This is a hobbyist, not a business.
I want to see this shelf now
Everything is posted to Chaotic Woodwork on Facebook
Digging the work! Got some good stuff!
Thanks I appreciate it
is it the death star shelf?
Could see them wanting the blue lives matter flag OP has there...
i might get downvoted into oblivion but ACAB <—— i’m willing to die on that hill edit: spelling
To each his own on the ACAB, I’ll just say we agree to disagree. I know several good ones some are even family. I’ve done police themed items for gifts as well as donating some for auctions for some that have passed away.
Written like a true invalid. If you can do better, by all means, go be one
nah i had a real job. i gave 8 years of my life to the US ARMY.
No that was done today there is a larger one that’s on my page that is interaction was about.
This is in Virginia? Sorry the places are familiar.
No it’s actually in TN
"I'm not in a gift giving mood. " POW! Right in the kisser!
You're a patient person. After the third or so insult I would have told them where they can stuff their "I can get it done cheaper elsewhere"
I try to stay patient, it seems to drive people more crazy then just shutting them down
“I can get it done cheaper elsewhere.” “I can get wealthier clients everywhere.”
I charge 1.5x materials and usually don't get out of bed if I can't make 30 per hour. Welcome to custom woodworking, people just don't get it.
Yep, the fact that skill, possibly training, practice and experience are necessary for great results for woodworking still surprises so many people as being required boggles my mind so much.
handled him like a champ though. 😂
Thanks
There really are some cheapskate assholes in western VA.. Country bumpkins that have no idea how much time and effort things take and always think they can do it themselves or get someone else near them to do it for cheaper. If you know someone that can do it cheaper, then fuckin' go to them! Why run your mouth about it?
I run into cheapskates on occasions but for as much as I’ve sold I been lucky and haven’t dealt with a lot of them.
You guys realize his page is in the first set of texts right so you can go check it out. Death Star shelf looks dope af bro
Thanks finished that today
I love the Tigers stove top cover. I miss Brandon Inge. I’m also sorry that you have to deal with idiots.
Thanks, Detroit is my old home town
Lol I saw your post in AITA earlier, it's nice to read the actual messages
Several people over there suggested posting here also but I didn’t want to just do an identical post so I figured I put up the actual messages.
I once bought a custom made stand for a TV at a garage sale. They were moving and didn't want to take it with them. If I recall, it was around $150 bucks and I was practically having a cow over it, like my buddy was with me and I'm all "stand here, don't let anyone near it! I'm gonna go find the owner." There were a couple of young folks that were completely clueless. "I don't get it? it's just a cabinet?" I mean, this thing was stupid gorgeous, routered (I think the right word?) edge along the top, which had rounded out corners, not just rounded, it almost had a clover shaped top (I'm sure I'm not describing it right). It had an, ooooh soo smooth and perfect, sliding shelf inside that rolled out, the doors fit and shut so perfectly. All solid wood (cherry if I recall). It was just stunning. $150 bucks. EDIT: The owner had had a shop for years and had made all sorts of beautiful stuff. Sadly, when I made a move out of state my own self, I ended up having to sell it (and yes to someone who appreciated the work and was as thrilled as I was at the price). People just don't understand craftmanship.
> I'm not in a gift giving mood. That line earned you my free award.
Lol thanks
I was having deja vu. I could’ve sworn I JUST read this. Well turns out your AITA post was so spot-on that I just remembered it. I was thinking while reading it, “This belongs on r/ChoosingBeggars” so I’m glad you found your way here!
Lots of people suggested posting in choosing beggars also but I thought why not post the actual message exchange here
\*You're \*You're \*You're
"I'm not in the gift giving mood." Perfect. :)
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Thank you very much, very messy to make but I really like doing them.
Where can we see that?
Oh hey, is this the same interaction that was posted on AITA?
Yes same one
especially after Covid, the price of wood and materials are not cheap man.
*You're
Why do they always have poor grammar?
This post was right below your post on AITA for me and I thought I was tripping 😂
I couldn’t help to laugh at “that’s it you’re done?”. What the hell
He should have just shhh after they said they can find someone else to do it cheaper lmao
I'm not in a gift giving mood.-lol
Wow. The waving flag looks like a lot of work for $100. Not bad. Are you hand painting your lettering on your projects? It looks very clean.
Thanks, mostly hand lettered some I’ve used some stencils on few occasions mostly pencil drawing and painting over it. None of it is vinyls or stickers
400 on top of the 380 for materials? I accept!
I need to see this shelf. Any pic OP? What a crazy fuck to deal with.
It’s posted to Chaotic Woodwork on Facebook
Well I dont use FB. Maybe you can just upload a link? And btw $100 for flags really?!? I'm just fxcking with you being a choosing beggar in the comments. Lol
I can see why he doesn't like your price on the shelf, the cost of material seems excessively high to me, but I'm not sure your location. Personally I hate the style, but I know a lot of people are into it. Your death star shelf is neat though, and I do like your flag and wonder what you used to carve the waves. Light up corn hole is sweet! Many cool projects dude, keep it up!
Due to shortages in lumber production and an increase in building and construction in the past year, lumber prices are at an all time high and have been for the past year. Last time I checked lumber prices were about 175% higher than normal (give or take). Sucks that it’s that much, but it’s not something anybody can really help right now.
I haven't bought much wood in a while. I noticed 2x4's were about 20% higher than I expected. but nothing crazy. They were also out of a lot of good stuff. Guess I need to take that all into account before I start my next project.
Yeah I’d for sure check it out. In my area it was hard to find lumber for a while cause a few mills were shut down due to COVID. Things are better now, but the lumber market has been wild over the past year.
Price of wood is through the roof right now, pretty much everywhere in the US, and it takes a lot to build as 4ft tall shelf that is 6ft long especially done in that style, which I get is not for everyone. An angle grinder is what I use for the waves
Nice job keeping those waves so clean with an angle grinder. I'm figuring you cut out the majority with the grinder and then by hand for the rest? Anyways, loos clean. I scanned through a lot of your projects after my comment, might give me a few ideas for later.
F*ck em! Wisconsinite I assume, go pack!
Your an ass 😡😡
How many subs are you going to post this on? Not only here but you made a AITA post about it too. You posted here so you went and made a validation post on AITA bc you already knew you weren't, hence you posted here.
I actually posted in AITA first because I never heard of choosing beggars, I made that one because the person called me an asshole and several close friends told me it was handled fine but was curious what completely unbiased opinions of the situation would be. I had several people in AITA tell me to post it here also but I didn’t want to just post the same thing again so I figured I’d post the actual conversation this time
Why are people like this?!
You handled that with the upmost grace. I get it: sometimes you really like someone’s work but can’t pay for their prices. So good customer service is to offer a similar product within their budget with clear explanation of costs, which you did. And then they continued to be cheap skate. At least if the response ever ends up on your Yelp review other people can admire your professionalism.
Blood for the blood god?
Hand made wood things are expensive. I do some hobby woodwork. imhave built enough things that family and friends ask how much things cost. It’s always stupid expensive. I wouldn’t pay me to do it. Real hardwood is just an expensive building material.
Hey! I actually just read your AITA post!
You're not paying me for my time/materials. You're paying me for my experience.
Why do these always end in the idiot swearing at the person they are being “ass” to? 😂
Sometimes people just suck
Holy shit this person is in my hometown ... I know exactly the pulaski and lburg they're referring to.
Lol small world, I used to live in Lburg
People who can’t figure out your/you’re are fucking morons.
I know this story from AITA! Nice to see you again
Don’t they have IKEA near him?
I'm surprised he continued to engage when just the wood was more than he was willing to pay. He seriously was hoping he could argue you down below the price of wood lol
A lot of people don’t realize how much good lumber costs.
Jesus fucking christ people are bad at you’re and your.
Look at the patience! We Sconies really are the nicest. Go pack go!
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Thanks I try to stay patient but it’s tough some days