Former_Member
Not applicable

Help me!

Ok, so, I offer a custom knit service and many of my knits are custom made. I fully expect to interact with the customers until both of us are satisfied that we are both on the same page. I usually manage this communication with the minimum of fuss. I love doing custom work, but where do you draw the line, I have had 37, yes 37 convos since yesterday morning from a potential customer who wants me to knit something for her.

We actually managed to sort out what exactly she wanted after about 9 or 10 convos, which were really long and descriptive, that's fine. But she has been convoing me with her life story, with anecdotes, enquiries that I have confirmed, discussed and agreed with her again and again. She wants me to do a custom listing for her, but not for two weeks. I am beginning to feel like I am being stalked. The woman is clearly lonely, but with four children and a business to run, I really don't have the time for this. What can I do? Is this regular behaviour? Have any of you had the same problem? What did you do? While I have been typing this, another two convos have arrived! Help!
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Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: Help me!

Anyone?
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Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: Help me!

Sorry for you.
Yes, I've had the same problems.
Then, I realized that it was really impossible for me to discuss more than one or two convos with people. Because my satellite internet is not unlimited.
And because I'm working outside.

And because time is money...
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Re: Help me!

Try slowing down your responses, take a few hours vs a few minutes to respond. Or respond only once a day but to all her messages. Just once. Maybe that will help her understand you're busy or at least then you know you only have to deal with it once a day rather than thirty times!
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

Thanks for that, I am almost in tears with it all, I have had yet another two since I posted this, I am up to 39 now, I haven't opened the last one, I just can't face it. I do need the sales, but I haven't even got time to do anything else. I will try to do what you suggest, Erica and Jeb, hopefully it will slow down. Perhaps I have encouraged her, by keep answering, I will try your suggestion though. Thank you for responding though
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

Stop responding, or tell her you can't spend that much time on her order.

She'll never be happy.

Since there is no order, she can't leave feedback.

Best regards,

Gary
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

you could just respond to things regarding that custom order and just not comment all that blah blah
maybe then she understands that you´re not interested in her life story
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Re: Help me!

Barbara's is right. I had a similar situation a long while back and did just that.
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BeachFleaMarket
Conversation Maker

Re: Help me!

I agree with responding once a day. I would not shun her at this point. A happy stalker is better than an upset stalker.
Keep it professional like Barbara recommends.
I'll pray for you.
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StuckOnSilver
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Help me!

Barbara's suggestion is great--respond to only those convos regarding the order. Good luck!
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

Thanks everyone, I will be taking all of your advice be sure of that
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

What Erica and Jeb and Barbara said makes sense... the only thing I would add is this:

We are so saturated in our world with emails, text messages, social media and forums it can feel totally overwhelming and impossible to keep up! Think about scheduling time for yourself to check emails... instead of jumping on as soon as you see a message, try setting a specific time in the day to reply to everyone or check your social media pages. It will help you manage your time and will set expectations of the people contacting you that you will only respond at a specific time.

It sounds like this person is just as you said... lonely, and I expect setting their expectations in a kind and honest way will help a lot.
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hooknsaw
Crafty Poster

Re: Help me!

I had a potential order last year that ended up with 127 conversations. I had a couple of busy days during all of this and I would read and respond to her questions in the evening explaining I was busy during the day. It didn't take me long to respond to her questions and in the end I had a sale that was over $175.00. The buyer also linked my items to her social sites.
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Former_Member
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Re: Help me!

I would follow what some folks have said and respond to her once a day. I'm sure you've tried this, but could you end your message in a way that would imply that no further messages are needed?

Best of luck with this situation!
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Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: Help me!

Thank you so much everyone for your advice, the customer actually wants two substantial items, so I understand her concern, Lisa and Don, thank you for your sound advice and Merry, I will certainly do what you said, that is really sensible advice. Thanks again everyone, I feel so much calmer now
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