fourwaystretch : v2.0
COMMISSIONS
PORTFOLIO (Link opens in a new window)
I am always open to receive requests for commissions, though I cannot guarantee that I will always have time for every one. Each request will be considered on an individual basis and discussed through email.
USING FOURWAYSTRETCH
fourwaystretch, in most cases, is not an absolute reference. It is here to tell you how I do what I do and what I base my commission fares on. The prices listed are there as a tool for you to help guess how much a commission may be.
For an exact price quote, please email me with as much information as you can about what you're looking for (style, colors, measurements, character, etc). Pictures are a great help when illustrating the look you want, and help to ensure customer satisfaction, so please send them!
TIME
I will respect your time if you respect mine. While I thoroughly enjoy creating costume pieces and need the funds for school, there are a number of things that also take up my time (including holding a job and completing coursework). If I am unable to commit to a requested deadline because of prior commitments, I will let you know.
With or without a deadline, I work on commissioned items at my own pace and always do my best work. During the process I will email updates on the project, and for larger projects (for example, painting a unitard), I will including pictures of the latest work, to show you how it is coming along and to allow for any dissatisfaction that can be cleared up along the way.
As far as deadlines are concerned, you are always welcome to inquire, but as a general rule, for larger items (such as painting a unitard, making a wig, or knitting a set of warmers), the first payment (50%) must be made no later than one month before the shipping deadline (a week before your deadline) in order to allow for skillful completion of the project.
Please bear in mind that if I do not hear from you or receive payment in a timely manner, I cannot be responsible for missed deadlines. If you will be unable to get in touch for an extended period of time, please let me know.
PAYMENT
Though you can get a general idea of item pricing here, a more concrete estimate will be given through email. The estimate will include a breakdown of costs by item, an estimate for shipping and handling, and a total. If you use a different currency (ie EUR or GBP), let me know and I will convert the prices to include both US dollars and your currency, for your convenience and my records.
Once the commission terms are finalized, I will email you an invoice with a summary of your commission for records and ease of payment.
I prefer to receive payment through PayPal,. If this is impossible for you, let me know and we'll try to work something out.
I request that you pay at least 50% of the commission total before I begin your project. Once the commission is completed and you are satisfied, I will request the remainder of the payment and will promptly ship your item (within a week of receiving the final payment). 30% of your payment is non-refundable, so please make sure you are serious with your commission.
SHIPPING
All items within the 48 contiguous United States are shipped via 2-day Priority Mail. The shipping cost will be inflated slightly, reflecting the cost of shipping itself as well as care in packaging the item. Single items shipped within the USA will generally cost between $5 and $10. Full costumes naturally weigh more and will cost more to ship.
Overseas commissions will be shipped via Global Priority Mail, and will generally cost between $20 and $30 to ship. Estimated delivery time is 4-7 days (to the destination; after arrival, it is up to your country’s postal service to deliver the package).
Insurance for your item is available upon request. The cost of insurance depends upon the price of your commission (see USPS.com for more information).
For international customers, insurance is available, but only with Air Parcel Post shipping (rather than Global Priority Mail, which does not offer insurance). Please be aware that Air Parcel Post is more expensive than Global Priority Mail.
ETIQUETTE
In any transaction, communication is key. There is a bit of etiquette required when buying or selling a commissioned item.
Responsibilities of the Artist
The artist should not feel obligated to do business with a buyer should the buyer be rude or unreliable in regards to contact and payment.
Be aware that an artist is not required to do business with you, and is less likely to do so if you do not use proper grammar, are rude, or do not respond in a timely manner.
RETURNS
Returns will be accepted in exchange for 70% of the total payment. The 30% of the total price quote is non-refundable in order to cover material expenses and time.
If you are not satisfied with a piece, don't hesitate to let me know! If I can fix it, I will. Any mistakes caught before shipping the final piece will be mended free of charge. Any mistakes caught within a week of the piece's arrival to the buyer will be fixed with the understanding that the buyer will pay to ship the item back and forth. fourwaystretch : v2.0
- Be helpful and polite, answering all questions in a tactful and informative manner
- Do not accept a commission if there is not adequate time to complete it (especially with a deadline)
- Request item-specific information (such as measurements and colour) before giving a final quote and accepting the commission
- Once the final quote is given, if should not be changed or inflated (barring special circumstances discussed thoroughly with the buyer or a buyer-requested change in the commission)
- Do your best work
- Do not skimp on materials without letting the buyer know
- Refrain from being rude - understand that the artist is spending his time, materials, and talent for the buyer
- Expect the artist's best work
- Do not expect a commission to be accepted if time constraints or expectations are unreasonable
- Expect clarity in regards to the time it will take to complete a project, the final cost, and any other factors that will affect the final product
- Do not expect the artist to do business with other parties on your behalf (i.e. purchasing accompanying items)
- Provide detailed information about the desired product so that the item may be completed to the best of the artist's ability
- Be clear if you wish to commission, or be courteous and notify the artist that you are no longer interested
- Be willing to make all payments in a timely manner