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I love good customers. They get the royal treatment from me and get very good value for their buck, every time.
We are working at West Edmonton Mall and they are one such customer... with bells on.
Over the last seven years we have worked hard to establish a huge trust, and it's paying off - for both of us.
Last June when we were negotiating the current project, we did so in very general terms. Basically, we established the areas and projects to be themed along with a budget and terms. I did a couple of quick sketches but little more.
Now we are on site and working up a storm. Things are happening quickly. I went upstairs to the boss's office today to discuss progress and changes I had in mind... pretty drastic changes too.
His comment went something like this... "Dan, we've worked together for the last 7 years. I think we can trust you to come up with something good. You're the creative guy... do your thing and surprise me."
So today, it was design on the fly with cutting torch and welding stinger in my hands. I had a fabulous day under my welding helmet!
We are making wonderful progress and having a blast while working hard.
The Edmonton Adventure is turning out to be just that!
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8761 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dan, you are a true inspiriation to think big. Also a perfect example of a mutlti-talented individual who can swing a pencil, brush,cutting torch....concrete!
Another post here implied that we aren't successful if we do many things, but the variety in this craft is what keeps many of us going, including myself.
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I have only a few of customers that have done that over the years. A Mattress Maker, and a fruit stand. I think if all the customers were that way, we would all be doing some real nice stuff. I know I'm my worst critic.
Every time a customer lets me go wild, it usually turns out better than what the customer had in mind. The freedom to produce; without restriction, is like a cool glass of water on a hot day.
I wish I had more customers like that.
Goold Luck. -Rich
-------------------- Richard Bustamante Signs in the Pines www.signsinthepines.com Posts: 781 | From: Nevada City, California | Registered: Nov 1998
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As much as I like creative freedom, it's always bit me in the arse. Fortunately, it's only been tried on friends & family. Almost every job we do has to have a client sign off. Either electronically through our website or the traditional method by signing a proof. Also, if friends or family make the comment "just make it look good" I charge them double or do it for free. This way I have enough $$$ in the budget to do it over again if they don't like it, or I just say "you got what you paid for".
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I've always enjoyed when a customer comes in and says something like "You're the artist. You know what your doing. Just give me an idea what you think would work." Those are the days I enjoy most. The lack of pressure makes coming up with ideas so easy to handle, I can usually work things out in minutes and give the customer a description of what I can do within minutes. My benchmark for knowing it's a good deal is when someone says "Cool". Whether it's the design idea, turnaround time on the job, or the price...when they say "Cool. I like that.", I know it's gonna be a fun and fruitful project.
Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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