Refunding System?

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Hello, everyone.

I decided that commissioning is just not for me and admittedly say that I cannot plan my time well enough to take commissions. Unfortunately, when first opened fursuit commissions, I was sent MANY orders and I felt guilty for turning them all done. Because of this, I have a huge load on my plate that I still need to finish.

I am in the process of refunding several (most) of these clients and I wanted to ask you all a question. Since I do not get paid a lot (I have a dead end job) and don 't get many hours each week (barely part time), I can only send out about $40-50 each pay check. Fortunately, I am getting hours so this will surely increase.

In my system, I go down a list of people to refund in increments. For example, person A gets refunded this week, person B gets refunded the next, Person C the next, then back to person A to start the cycle again. Keep in mind I do get paid biweekly.

Is this a good system? I want to be fair and refund everyone a little at a time rather than make them all wait for one person to get completely paid off until I even start on them.

I have one or two commissioners that don't seem to like this idea. What should I do? If you were in my position, what would you do?

Also, I really, really hate to say this, but to avoid any drama, I'd love to avoid any lectures on how "oh Koisnake, look have you done" or "Koisnake, you are a terrible humanbeing for taking on this much you should be ashamed of yourself". I already know I am a horrible human being for getting over my head with this and not keeping on top of things so I would be grateful if I wasn't reminded, haha. :)

Thank you!

Comments

[fenmere.livejournal.com]

That's a tough spot. But I think your system is professional and matches what is often done in the world of larger business (when they don't declare bankruptcy, and then no one sees their money).

I would suggest telling the customers that have complained what your situation is and why you are doing it the way you are doing it. They're getting their money back. They don't really have room to do more than complain a little.

[fenmere.livejournal.com]

And if they complain further, remind them of what your system is, what they have on their account and let them know when they can expect their next check.

Stay super professional about it and they'll be satisfied in the end. Also, it'll be harder for them if they choose to try to litigate (which I doubt will happen). By having such a good system, you're doing a lot to protect yourself already.

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you think my system seems professional and good. That's a relief, haha. And cool to know I'm not the only one who does it.

I tried my best to be as professional and sweet as possible on explaining the situation, so I just hope the people who are a little iffy on the subject may understand.

[ocelotish]

I find this system a little confusing personally. Unless you took on huge orders in the hundreds of dollar range, why not just send person A their $30 or whatever and get them out of your hair? If you have a handful of people you couldn't repay in one paycheck, then you might do that in they cycles that you talked about, but there's no reason to do that for the smaller commissions.

My potential issue with this system is that you'll end up owing everyone something like $10 which is a lot easier to blow off, and there are less options available for dealing with it. What I would do is refund full commissions when possible so if something happens you still have the option to refund or complete Person K's commission. (You know what I mean, something comes up and you need $50 that week, you might be able to just finish up a commission rather than refund it.)

Generally the simplest solution is the best one. It's a lot easier to handle a mistake if you only have to deal with a few people, rather than your whole list of commissioners.

[antoj.livejournal.com]

the OP says "fursuit commissions" so I am guessing its a lot more than $30 payments.

[ocelotish]

Ah, my apologies, I missed that line.

I'd still say that keeping it simpler is better for the reasons above.

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, who is being refunded is indeed in the hundreds. I was taking mascot commissions but thankfully, my prices are ridiculously low compared to most fursuit builders meaning, things will be easier to refund.

But I definitely see what you mean. I am refunding people at least $40 a week but any less does seem like 'quick blow off' money. So, my guess is that I need to try my best to raise that price. That should happen since my job is giving me hours.

Definitely. Not my entire list of commissioners aren't being refunded.

Thank you for your input!

[ocelotish]

My point was more that you'll end up with 5 people with $30 left or something like that where it's more difficult to make everyone happy if something goes wrong whereas right now, you could (potentially) do the commission for any of them. Basically if you're $400 away from being square with everyone, it's probably easier to owe that to one person than to owe $50 to eight people.

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see what you mean. I wish I could do that, but a few of my customers really, really would rather want some sort of refund now, not later, and don't really want to wait any longer (of course, totally don't blame them). Even if I were to give them $100 in one month, they'd want to look forward to something the next. As soon as I get those certain customers refunded and after speaking to the remaining ones, I think I may try your idea since it definitely sounds good.

[sigilgoat.livejournal.com]

I think refunding them one at a time is a good idea. It makes it a little less confusing for everyone, and for some reason, people prefer to have ALL of their money later, than a little of it now.

But no matter what, you're refunding them and they really have nothing to complain about.

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

I definitely agree. I wish I could refund a customer(s) all at once or at least half, but my job sadly isn't paying me enough.

Yes yes. Things may be moving slow, but I am definitely happy to say I am refunding my customers every month for sure.

[holydust.livejournal.com]

It looks good on you. :) Just stick to it, keep people posted (most important) and try to work out a system. Communication is key, followed by steady progress, if slow.

[snowyedges.livejournal.com]

<sub>Your system seems like a good option, but I would honestly ask your commissioners up-front what they would prefer (some now some later, in full a few months down the road, etc), maybe?
For full payments make it clear that you can't pay them all of their money RIGHT NOW, but if they wait however long you can put aside a certain amount each month and then pay them back in full whenever you have the full amount set aside. People will probably be a lot more understanding than you think, so maybe make your situation clear to them and go with the option that's easiest for both you and your commissioner(s)?

I'd also suggest keeping a log and screencaps of how much you paid back, when, and to who to avoid confusion and (not saying it's gonna' happen, but to cover your behind and make sure) to avoid people trying to say you didn't ... pay them back what you did.

I probably worded this funny, I'm not used to giving advice on here. Sorry~.</sub>

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Ah. Good idea! I think I'll definitely ask them for their opinion and see what I can go from there. I know a good amount of them are in favor for the system, but it's best to double check.

And not a bad idea. I like the idea of setting aside some money every month so when they finally do get their refund, it's nice and big, haha.

No, I understood this. Thank you so much for your advice!

[fenrirs-child.livejournal.com]

I'll trade you! My people due refunds won't even respond :P

But on topic, I'm thinking you're doing what's in your means, and that's about the best you can do. Though if you do get more hours, you should try to pay more to the people who have been waiting longest first, make sense?

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Yes, let's trade, lmao!

Definitely =D The more hours I get, the bigger the refund installments will be and the more often I can send them out.

[fenrirs-child.livejournal.com]

Yanno what I think? In the scheme of furry commission deals, they should be very pleased they have someone willing to do their best to refund them in whatever means necessary instead of just dropping off the face of the earth. I know, it's sort of cynical to praise people for doing the obviously right thing, but the opposite happens so much that it needs to be acknowledged ^^

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Oh dude. That means a lot. I may be taking awhile to refund customers fully and I know I screwed up bad, but I am still making an effort to make things right and not drop off the earth like many artists/mascoters I've seen. So thanks, dude :) Makes me very happy to hear this.

[fenrirs-child.livejournal.com]

Everyone makes mistakes, and owning up to them instead of pretending it never happened and running away from problems really means more than most people think. It's a sad rarity these days it seems, and is commendable for sure. Even good people mess up sometimes ;3

[creative-excess.livejournal.com]

I can't decide if it would be a good move or not, but--maybe you could pay the complainers up front and then continue paying off the other folks who were okay with getting their incremental payments, since they've already shown their willingness to wait? (This is assuming that the non-complainers are actually fine with the current system, and aren't just inwardly grumping.)

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

I know I had to do this for a few customers (pay upfront since they were 'complaining'). But spiffystuff mentioned, it's unfair to the people who are actually patient. Some may be totally cool with it, but I don't want to 'punish' them for being patient and sweet with me.

As for the actual system, I think most people are ok, but some are iffy as in how soon they get their payments.

[creative-excess.livejournal.com]

It's true, that's why I was hesitant to comment with this, because it does kind of suck to be the person who says "no, it's okay, I can wait" and then get nothing much extra from your waiting besides the dubious virtue of patience.

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

If I may ask, exactly how many people are you paying back? I'm curious because, with your system, it effects the length of time any single person goes between payments a lot.
Also, you say you're paid biweekly, I'm a little confused if you mean twice a week or every two weeks?

Depending how many people are waiting, you might be better off pooling the money and then giving them all 1/x'th at the same time. Maybe once a week, maybe once a month, whatever makes most people happy.
I'm not really keen on the idea of making the patient people wait longer to pay the complainers first, IDK. Might be easier on you but it's kinda "punishing" the patient ones.

I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[crisis-the-hat.livejournal.com]

Bi-weekly is every two weeks. (Though if there was a job that paid twice a week a fair amount, I'd like to hop on that bandwagon!)

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

Ah okay - IDK I was figuring maybe there were, like, service jobs out there that paid frequently, or something.
I know my fiancee was a waiter for a long time and while the checks were every other week, he came home with cash every time he worked.

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[crisis-the-hat.livejournal.com]

Those were probably the tips he made~ (Sounds like some nice ones too! lol)

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

Yep, tips! The size varied depending on where he worked - but I think the medieval times he only had to work a couple times a week

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

I was a waitress before :o I indeed take home tips everyday but the job was way too stressful for me and I barely worked each week, hence I got a new job.

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

Yeah honestly waiting sounds like hell. Sometimes D was able to find a good place where the staff was at least supportive and decent, but still, people can be jerks and you just have to take it. Uhg!

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

Dude, definitely. I mean, I made good money in tips but a lot of the customers and waitress are assholes and a lot of the time, they would tip you $2 (and thinking they did a good deed or something) on a $60 bill when you busted your ass running around the restaurants to meet their needs. I applaud anyone who becomes a waiter. It's hard work, lol!

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[ithinkdirt.livejournal.com]

Actually, it means both!

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biweekly

Re: I'm just gonna jump in here and say-

[crisis-the-hat.livejournal.com]

I stand corrected~ Though "usually" (as in as often as I hear of it) when used in the work force for payment tends to be per two weeks. =0 Though I am curious as to what jobs pay twice a week~

Re: I&#39;m just gonna jump in here and say-

[ithinkdirt.livejournal.com]

I imagine the meaning in this context was that it was occurring every two weeks, I was just sharing so you knew that both were correct, and that English is indeed crazy. =)

Re: I&#39;m just gonna jump in here and say-

[crisis-the-hat.livejournal.com]

=D Huzzah for grammar lessons!

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

I'd rather not say the exact amount, but I can say that there is quite an amount, haha. But yes. Now that I think of it, you're right. Everyone IS being paid fairly, but they will have to wait a bit for their 'turn' to come up. But I will definitely ask my customers if they favor this system or not.

And yes, I agree,. I know I had to pull out money a few time for complainers and yes, they were out of my hair, but the patient people had to wait that much longer.

[hollenheist.livejournal.com]

What about people who where waiting on non commissioned items like fur? I got fur from you a few years ago but never received it then never got the replacement fur either or heard back from you over da. Not mad just curious how that would be dealt with.

[koisnake.livejournal.com]

For that, I can either send over some replacement fur (list some furs you are interested in and I can check my stocks) and I can ship it, shipping on me, or I can refund. As I recall, you didn't pay an arm and a leg for your fur, so refunding all at once shouldn't be a biggie. Though, of course, replacement fur would be a lot easier on me, haha.

Let me know your thoughts :)