Advice Needed

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

I was commissioned last year for three art pieces, worth roughly around $100 (I don't remember the exact prices as they have raised since then). I finished the pieces 7/21/06, as well as a free large badge (worth $25), and sent out the pieces about a week later.

Then, I was told yesterday that the commissioner (who lives in Saudi Arabia) never recieved the commission packet. I live in California, and have never had any problems with mailing before. The pieces consisted of two private pieces that were not posted anywhere online as well as a card for a friend. She has scans of all four items as far as I know.

What I'm asking bascially boils down to this: should I compensate the comissioner for the mailing error? If so, how much?

I don't want her to come off feeling badly about me from this experience, as she is a great customer. Right now, I am planning on compensating her with two free interlocking large badges of her fursona and her mate, worth $70.

I've learned my lesson though--next time when I mail international, I will definately get it insured. Argh.

Comments

[maui-dolphin.livejournal.com]

When mailing internationally :/ I'd definitely put it into a box not a flat mailer or a bubble one, too many times it's been received shredded or damaged.
I have never had anything lost though :/ That is very disappointing.

[likeshine.livejournal.com]

i have been having issues receiving mail from saudi arabia, actually....

i have no clue what to advise, keep us posted?

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

D: Eep! And will do.

So far the best suggestions I've had is to either:
1. Try to make high res prints and send those
2. Compensate her with extra badges

[gadzoox.livejournal.com]

Do you mean send high-res prints instead of sending the original in the first place? Or the high-res as a back up incase the original never arrives?

I'm doing commissions for the same girl and I'm worried about mailing mine off too! XD

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Do you mean send high-res prints instead of sending the original in the first place? Or the high-res as a back up incase the original never arrives?

D: Actually the originals have already been lost in the mail...so er, no choice but to make prints in my particular case you see. In your case though, I would try to send the original, but with insurance and whatnot to help ensure it gets there. And yea, definately keep a high res file as a backup in case the originals don't arrive D: so that prints can be made.

[gadzoox.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but I was thinking of those as preventative for 'next time' kinda thing, as in not even sending the originals and just sending a high-res print instead, right off the bat... but I see what you mean though, and that sounds even better! Thanks! :]

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Yes well, if I remember correctly, she had her heart set on actually having the originals :3 so I'd rather risk sending them and satisfying the customer, rather than leave her feeling like something was missing. And no problem!

[growing-rose.livejournal.com]

On one side, I don't think it should be your responsibility that the post services have screwed up somewhere. :/ On the other, I think it's great that you're offering to redo things.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Yea...that's where I get stuck really :/ and why I need the advice.

[merlin-the-wise.livejournal.com]

Off-topic, but I love your icon sooooo much.

[grimmhooke.livejournal.com]

Seconded. I kept trying to think of an intelligent and helful response for this, but I kept finding myself staring at the icon.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Ahah your icon is rather awesome too, grimmhooke XD Evil cat!

[thaily.livejournal.com]

I think sending a hi-res print remake of the badge is best, that way they'll at least have a badge and if they're trying to con you they won't have new art.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

D: That doesn't work, because my badges look like this:

http://us-p.vclart.net/vcl/Artists/S-Liao/badges/gypbadge.jpg

Not exactly 2D. :[

[ruggafluff.livejournal.com]

Aww, but they are adorable!

Really sucks about this situation though. =( Wish I knew what to suggest.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Thank you :3 and I've already come to a decision.

[theredwolf.livejournal.com]

OMG :O How can I go abouts commissioning you for one of those!? Its ADORABLE! :D

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Hee, thanks! :3 I can put you on the waitlist if you give me a way to contact you (DA is best) and what type of badge you'd like (mini or large).

[alcyione.livejournal.com]

Hee! Not to overwhelm you with orders, but I'd love to commission you for one, too!

Let me know if you're open or willing to put me on a waiting list! ^^
littlefennec@gmail.com

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

No problem! :3 Added.

[thaily.livejournal.com]

Aaw, that's really cute :D

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Thanks<3

[blitzava.livejournal.com]

Oh gag...I had this problem very recently...with sculptures XP there were two boxes...the first one arrived looking like someone had thrown it into a puit of lions...the sculptures inside with badly damaged...the second one never got there THOUGH I HAD TRACKING ON THE PACKAGE AND THE PAPER SAID IT GOT THERE! however the post office took no responsibily and I had nothing to stand on because they weren't insured the carrier (who I called up personality after tearing a whole in the post office manager's thoat) insisted there were two, and they were in perfect condition when she delivered them neatly at the front door......

overall...I'm now behind on a few payments of my own, I have a whooping $10 extra dollars (which my car's going to take for gas) because I had to refund $300 dollars when I totally didn't expect it...

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Oh man, that sucks! >_< Good luck with that.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

I make jewelry, and I generally allow the commissioners to determine what level of insurance they want, given that they're paying for it directly (it's added onto the cost of the work itself). So far things have turned out OK, but I do tend to get really nervous about it!

I'm wishing you the best in the situation.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

Eeep, hope things keep going for you as well! And thank you :3

[gothwings.livejournal.com]

I offer no insurance as standard on packages since I haven't had any issues with the postal service (UK to UK and UK to USA) to date.

However, should a customer require insurance/recorded delivery I will offer that at the relevant extra cost.

As far as I'm concerned, you did everything you should have done, you need not compensate them, but a print or small gift to show good faith is often appreciated in these situations.