Professional Armorer ?

[Gottfried von Zollern]

A question for the professional armorers (people who make armor for sale as a business):
If you missed a delivery date is there anything the customer can do that will expedite the process without causing a decline in the quality of the finished product?

[losthelm]

It realy depends on the shop, many will give you and update if you send an polite email.
4-6 week longer then expected can be the norm expecialy for custume work.
Some shops are very good about deadlines others not so much.
It never hurts to ask the archive for a referance.

[Duke Icefalcon]

Most proffessional armorers will not give a "hard" have by date. There are so many unforseen forces that might back up the que that it would be foolish to do so. That being said, I would be patient and keep the lines of communication open with your armorer so he has a chance to explain to you why this is happening. Generally speaking 6 months late is a problem.....

[hjalmr]

As Icefalcon mentioned -you never know what kind of problems the armourer is dealing with. That being said, I don't take well to being pestered or threatened. However, I do feel guilty and ashamed when a customer is nice, but explains his situation in a way that makes me feel like I let him down -without actually coming out and blaming me. Feeling guilty for ruining someones fun always makes me put in that extra 10%.

Is the armourer an AA member?

O.o

[Gottfried von Zollern]

Gentlemen thank you very much for your responses.

Duke Icefalcon: The craftsmen in question did exactly as you say, provided “estimated completion” dates. I have attempted to be patient and keep the lines of communication open however after numerous missed dates without explanation I am losing confidence.

Hjalmr: Your comments are exactly what I am concerned about. I am frustrated with the delays but feel that pestering or threating will only lead to further problems. In the end I simply want to impart to the craftsmen that I am excited about the finished product and the continued delays without explanation are the problem. I understand delays happen however when I have to contact someone weeks after a deadline to find out what happened I start to get frustrated.

[Aaron]

Most proffessional armorers will not give a "hard" have by date. There are so many unforseen forces that might back up the que that it would be foolish to do so. That being said, I would be patient and keep the lines of communication open with your armorer so he has a chance to explain to you why this is happening. Generally speaking 6 months late is a problem.....

I remember you gave a "hard" have by date once. It was the day I was watching you in the armoury as you were on the phone with the customer, and putting their order in the box as you talked to them. As you taped the Priority Mail box closed (2 to 3 days), affixed postage and wrote their address on the box, you said, "I think I can get your armour out to you in two to three weeks."

A good armourer pads the estimates by seven I guess.

-Aaron

[Ironbadger]

Always remember Mister Scott.
When you promise by a longer date and beat it, you are a God....

When you underestimate and miss the deadline, you are a Dog.

-Badger-

A good armourer pads the estimates by seven I guess.

-Aaron

[Mykaru]

Godfrey wrote:

Your comments are exactly what I am concerned about. I am frustrated with the delays but feel that pestering or threating will only lead to further problems. In the end I simply want to impart to the craftsmen that I am excited about the finished product and the continued delays without explanation are the problem. I understand delays happen however when I have to contact someone weeks after a deadline to find out what happened I start to get frustrated.

I would tell your armourer exactly this. It is polite, non-threatening and requests what you *really* need (communication).

[hjalmr]

I agree that there should be some communication -I am known for my outstanding communication for that very reason. Shit happens and I understand that, but I get annoyed when a seller completely disappears without a trace and leaves me hanging...

(^_^)