How Do I tell a Customer that I Don't Want to Draw her Custom Order?

[Former_Member]

I got a customer requesting I take on a project that I do not wish to do. It is simply too much information and too much for me to dissect and examine to pull out the final product of her desired outcome. I previously asked her for two days to consider the project, ad after deliberation I simply do not wish to draw this request; any advice on how to politely and tastefully decline?

[TheSalvagedEdge]

Just tell her you are unable to do it. Be honest. Don't try to make up an excuse. Just tell her the second sentence of your post. " It is simply...." She' ll understand or she won't. Thank her for inquiring and tell her best of luck, even refer her to someone else who might want to do it if you can. But don't beat yourself up! :-)

[maydaylabels]

I always try to refer the person to someone else, or at least give them an idea of where to look for someone more suitable.

[JoArtyJo]

I have turned down lots of custom orders due to not having time as I have family commitments- ie looking after my children. I really don't like custom orders as I feel stressed until it's complete, and as we were saying yesterday- I can't force my creativity. Custom orders make me feel like I've got to get something done in a certain time frame and that just isn't how I operate with my art, especially not at the moment.

I agree with above- if you can recommend someone else that would be a nice touch, but don't worry if you can't. She will appreciate your honesty :-)

[Former_Member]

A very simple, "Thank you for the days to think about your project. As much as I would truly love to be able to do this for you, unfortunately, I am unable to do this order for you. It is beyond what I am able to do at the moment. However, I believe XYZ will be able to do this for you and do a great job!"

For a long time I didn't offer custom orders at all other than for friends or family. I got royally burned by a custom order but have since learned. It is okay to be choosey with custom work.

[Former_Member]

Good advice above, may I also recommend you don't sic the person on a shop without checking with them first. If they also feel they cannot complete her request it might reflect poorly on you. Contact the shop owner first and allow them to decide if they want to contact the person.

[Former_Member]

I literally have no recommendations.
=/

[Untwistedsister]

I would just thank them for thinking enough of your work but that after careful consideration you feel that its not something you can take on at this time. You don't have to recommend anyone else. Sometimes that will backfire anyway.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, everyone! This is the first time I have not felt up for a project...

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I've had to turn down custom orders for different reasons - usually due to lack of time or supplies. I recently turned down what would have been a pretty decent order for a wedding. I had already committed to another large custom order, the bride needed it in a week for her wedding and there was a holiday weekend (which means an extra day of no mail) thrown in the mix. I politely told her I had another large order ahead of hers and would not be able to meet her deadline. Then I wished her a happy wedding day. A few days later I got a very sweet convo back thanking me for my well wishes. :)

[inkanddot]

Turning down a customer/client is better than trying to take on something you aren't confident in. You and the customer could both end up disappointed.

Do your best to find someone else to refer them to, but it's okay not to. Maybe just let them know that if you come across another person who would be a good fit to work with them, you'll let them know. It's not good to burn bridges anyway, you never know what the future brings. They may come back to you with something that fits with what you do.

[rhodyart]

I just turned down an order of 75 cards for a local shop off Etsy. The woman has not yet opened her shop; was becoming overly fussy (including explaining that adult cards for her do not mean 'porn' or 'bad language.'); and asking for things that I don't do. The reason I was offended by the explanation of 'adult' cards is that she had seen my work in my shop. I had told her that this was the style I worked in. She had no reason to assume that an adult card to me meant 'porn' and to feel she had to explain that to meant that she really didn't know what I did. Whether I'm wrong or not, it struck a bad chord.
Anyway, as time went on in our discussion I just got a gut feeling that this was not a good project and I withdrew.
It is OK to say no to something. Just simply say based on your needs, I don't feel that I'm the best artist to fulfill them or something like that. I also don't see why you should refer this person elsewhere. The shop you refer this person to may not thank you for the business.

[dalystudios]

You have to set realistic limits for yourself so you dont end up ripping your hair out. It's hard to say NO but it can be done in a tactful, businesslike manner. You have to stay true to your own aesthetics and judgement. People ask me to paint some pretty tacky things and I simply won't go there. I explain that I am not the right person to fulfill their request and wish them the best.When appropriate, I may refer them to someone else. I always thank them for coming to me.

[SnarkFactory]

I've turned down tons of people. I'm pretty picky about what things I like to paint, and if the subject matter doesn't intrigue or interest me it will look like crap. Lol I guess i'm pretty selfish with my abilities.

I take two different approaches with this situation depending on how the customer presents themselves. If the customer seems to be clueless about what they want, I steer them away from whatever idea they originally and suggest ideas that are more manageable while also fitting into what they want. If the customer is dead set on specific subject matter, I let them know that I appreciate their interest but that I don't think i'm the best fit for their request.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all of your reassurance. Here is what I ended up sending:
Hello again. After much careful thought, I have decided that this project is not something I am able to take on at this time. I am simply unsure on my ability to deliver this project as I would want to, the best that I can. Thank you so much for your consideration, and I wish I had someone to refer you to to complete this commission; None of my art acquaintances are taking commissions at this time, unfortunately. Again, thank you and I wish you the best of luck in completing your project.
Namaste

[CelesteCraft]

That'll work. Nicely done.

[Former_Member]

Thanks! I don't know why this bothers me so much. I am one of those people who hates people to be disappointed or irritated or saying no to others!

[dalystudios]

I know what you mean Tarren, but you will eventually get more comfortable with it.