Today, i got told off (and actually insulted) by a person I refused to accept a custom commission from. It was for a tobacco pouch.
Why did I refuse the commission? Simple, I truly believe that smoking is harmful to you/people around you and do not want to be associated with that in any way. So I never make any product that is related to anything tobacco.
Was I wrong? I can honestly say that I don't care and would do it again 1000 times over.
I was wondering if any of you guys have ever refused a commission based on a personal ethic/belief that might make no sense to someone else?
And do you guys think that it could hurt your business/hobby/work in the long run?
Even the style of your works separate clients into paying clients and not. Every decision differentiates and limits. The question isn't whether or not a differentiating decision will limit your market share. The question is whether or not a decision will allow you to tap into a sustainable market share. I'm a firm believer of playing the long game, as long as your resource allows.
I fully understand and respect you taking on that stance. Personally, my train of thought would have been (and yes I did overthink this for the sake of comedy): 1) Smoking kills 2) If I accept the commission I get paid 3) If this guy dies from smoking, it's tackling overpopulation 4) If he smokes more because he loves the item I made, I am passively helping tackle overpopulation. => Let's do this In all seriousness: you deserve respect for keeping true to your ethical beliefs. Thumbs up from me. :)
If you don't want to do something, don't. Personally I don't want to 'up-cycle' any old purses and make something new out of it.
Also when a customer is not polite or disrespectful I don't work for them.
Do what ever you feel like. I don’t see how turning this customer down could hurt you in any way.
I have turned down a lot of customer down because i do not have the time to take one more projects. I have also turned people down because they seemed annoying. This is my hobby and when I make a bag for people I feel like I’m doing them a favor so if I don’t like them I will turn them down.
I think you were justified in taking that stance. I just fininished a Business Architecture course yesterday and one of the frameworks architects use shows that your ethos or values influence your business goals and strategies. It is Your business and you can decide which products you make based on your personal values. Money is good, but not all money is.
Your business, your standards, your beliefs, you don't have to justify your reason. You could just form a standard statement for jobs you don't do. i.e " we don't make ..... or that is not something we are interested in making.
I get asked to make earrings all the time. my answer " I don't make earrings but there are quite a few people on etsy who do".
Cheers!
@Fadi So the exotic leather moulded cigar case course I had planned is a no? 😆
I turn people down for various reasons, usually I say that I am not taking these orders at this time due to too many existing orders/ busy period/ etc, all of which are 100% true.
My reasons vary, but I have no interest in making alligator wrapped nipple clamps...
anymore.
Personally I respect the stance you took. It could hurt your business in one way, but there are other opportunities that fill the gap. I believe you have to be be true to your core beliefs...
Best