TOS help for an artisan.

[55seddel.livejournal.com]

Mods, remove this with my blessing or contact me if there are any issues with the subject matter or format 

I am new to being on this side of the transaction(used to being a commissioner not an artist). I have setup a skeleton FA page. I want to write a TOS and Commission price sheet up so that all the commissioners and consumers of my product (now primarily rings), have a familiar format to be used to. 

So I am at a loggerheads, I intend to post pics of the rings as I make them and ship them out. Should this be specified in the TOS? What about copyrights on a name? 

These are hand forged and I don't use a pattern or anything premade, despite how it looks, it's a surprisingly involved process. Should I indicate that once the top ring blank plate is cut(they are not struck, I hand saw these) that no refund will be offered?

I am dealing with Argentinium and Sterling Silver, thus need to ensure payment in full to befit the upper end metal that I am using. I also know that I am gonna make accurate fit initial measurements a commissioner issue. They are also responsible to get any resizing.

I will be offering a warrantee on workmanship, but not finish as these do tend to get scratched. 

I don't want to make these to advertise any fetishes, illegal, or immoral activities. Should I spell out in specific exhaustive detail what I won't do? 

What other issues are leaping out at you on this? I know jewelry is not really common an issue to deal with in this format so I am grateful to all input. I am just starting, and look forward to using your help to step forward with the right foot, even if it is the left one. 

Cross posted to both A_B and My own journal.

Comments

[volmise.livejournal.com]

In my experience, having a TOS that covers pretty much everything, while still remaining clear is the best thing to do. This way you can avoid loopholes (yes, people WILL find them and try to get around them) as well as confusion.

Pretty much everything you've mentioned here I would put into a TOS. If you state you'll show pictures/progress as you're going along, I for one would be more inclined to do business with you. And if you state that after reaching a certain point refunds won't be given, then it makes people put more thought into what they want you to do, so they're happy with it.

But yes, detail is important. Everything you won't do, have it listed. Everything that you need in order to get an accurate sizing on the ring? Have it listed.

Go into extreme detail on a warrantee also. List what does and does not fall under it, because once again, loopholes.

[volmise.livejournal.com]

Also, as-per a past experience of mine, spell out exactly what you will and will not accept when it comes to payments (paypal, e-check, credit card, etc), and how you want them handled. (Payment before work, half first half after completetion, etc.)

The more people know BEFORE a commission is ordered, the better, really.

[55seddel.livejournal.com]

Woot, WILL DO!

[zaulankris.livejournal.com]

I think you're on the right track and my only words of advice are about that fetish thing-- I think it would look more professional to state that you, as the artist, have the right to refuse any project for any reason and that you don't take commissions for adult artwork (or whatever) and leave it at that. Be neutral, words like "immoral" are offensive and once someone buys something from you they get to do whatever they want with it anyway.

[holydust.livejournal.com]

This. There's no need to use words like "adult" or "immoral" (a bad word choice at best) -- just say "I reserve the right to refuse any commission, for any reason, without explanation."

[55seddel.livejournal.com]

that definitely changed an idea I had. You rock!

[holydust.livejournal.com]

:D It's okay to feel however you feel about what you will and won't do. It's less hassle (and less wordy, which is also good) to simply say "I'll say no if I feel I must, and I don't have to explain why." :)

[thaily.livejournal.com]

"Should I spell out in specific exhaustive detail what I won't do?"

I think a quick summary, as given, would do in combination with a standard disclaimer; Artist reserves the right to decline any commission without stating the reason.
A long list of things you won't do might scare people off, and anyway, your time is far too valuable to argue with people about what is and isn't immoral. Trust me.

As for sizing, maybe do what fursuit makers do? Get a tape "dummy".
First they put some tape around their finger with the non-sticky side on their skin, then another layer sticky-side to the sticky-side of the lower layer, if they can slide it on and off their finger without fucking it up too badly, send it to you in an envelope? You might wanna experiment with that yourself before you implement it, if you do.

[kawaiipiepie.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't it be easier for a client to go to a local jewellery shop and ask for them to tell them what their ring size is?

Then OP can buy something similar to this http://www.etsy.com/listing/50065520/black-plastic-ring-stick-ring-sizer-ring?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=ring+measurer&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=
to check the size of their rings :)

[thaily.livejournal.com]

Not if he wants to sell internationally.

[kawaiipiepie.livejournal.com]

I don't understand?

[thaily.livejournal.com]

Even within the same country, hell even within the same store, you can get 3 pairs of pants with the same size on the label, and they will have different sizes.
A size 7 ring in Japan will be a different size in the UK, which will be a different size in Switzerland, which will be a different size in Canada, which will be a different size in India, which will be a different size in the US.

[kawaiipiepie.livejournal.com]

What if they just measured round their finger with a measuring tape instead? (:

[thaily.livejournal.com]

Then they can still do it wrong; too tight, too loose etc.

[55seddel.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this VERY pertinant thread, I had not thought of international sizing protocols.