Pammi 0 #1 January 4, 2002 I just wanted to let everyone know as easily as possible (I'll also post something on my site when I get home this evening) that I will no longer be taking necklace orders indefinately. Whatever I have right now, including emails I haven't had a chance to respond to yet, will be all that I take.I really enjoyed doing them and got a lot of pleasure out of making people happy with them. However, it's become such that it's not as enjoyable since there seem to be people out there that think I'm Square One or some such, and don't understand that I work on this as quickly as possible in the evenings after work. This is not my work, and what started as a hobby, turned into something I wanted to offer others as cheaply as possible to cover my time and supplies, and now is something that I'm starting to hate because the pressure put on by a few to move more quickly then is possible. It takes about an hour to two depending on the details to make a necklace, so if I work fast, I can get a couple done each night. Just answering emails about them takes at least an hour or two itself. However, I won't drive myself to work constantly day and night, plus weekends, neglecting my family or never taking time to just relax or make a few jumps. SSSoooo...short story long. That's the jist of it and thank you to those who've had patience, especially over the insane holidays, and appreciated what I made them. It really made me smile to make you guys happy.Closing pin jewelry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #2 January 4, 2002 Ack! I email Pammi asking to make me a necklace and she closes shop! This is not good. How are we supposed to spot other DZ.commers without the necklaces? Maybe you could raise your prices to make it more worth your time to make them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #3 January 4, 2002 It's not about the prices, it's about people. People that have little or no patience, then get nasty with me. This is gotten a lot larger then I expected and I do what I can, but occassionally I have to wait for supplies, like closing pins right now, or I just get a bunch at once like over Christmas. Unfortunately I can't do this full-time like some think I do. If you've already emailed me then I'll take care of ya. I don't get to answer emails until at night and every so often during a slow moment at work. No more free access to computers at this job :) Lunch hours are it here.Closing pin jewelry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottbre 0 #4 January 4, 2002 So will you continue to make them and just let it be known that they will get done when they get done, or are you stopping completely?"Can't keep my mind from the circling sky. Tongue-tied & twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #5 January 4, 2002 Well, the increased price would reduce the number of necklaces requested and allow you to surplus supplies. You could also do things like advertise that each necklace takes a month to create and to allow 2-4 weeks shipping, etc.If you enjoy doing it, there really are ways to control how much of your time it'll take up.Just a thought. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #6 January 4, 2002 Why not just adopt a bunch of little Mexican children & chain them in the basement? Make 'em work for their gruel!! "Please sir, I want some more!"Speed RacerWhat contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork from my lunch?!-WC Fields Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #7 January 4, 2002 The answer is quite simple: Latin American child labor. I was just convincing myself that I would wear one if I bought one and you close down. Darn. Life lesson #1 Learn to make yourself happy. peacemikeBlack then white are all I see, in my infancy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottbre 0 #8 January 4, 2002 Ah, screw making it a business. I think if you make it clear that it is a hobby and you will be glad to do them for people, but that there would be no guaranteed length of time for delivery, then you could make them at your own pace. If someone got fed up with waiting or was rude, you could just cancel their order for them so that they won't have anything to complain about.Isn't that the way it always is. There is always those few people who end up ruining it for everyone else. "Can't keep my mind from the circling sky. Tongue-tied & twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strynx 0 #9 January 4, 2002 Too bad to hear this. Good advice given by every body, another solution could be to ditch the "customizing" option and sell wathever colors/pattern you create based on the most popular order.... Just a tought. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freaksister 0 #10 January 4, 2002 That's what I did, kept it as a hobby. I was going to make them for the gear shop at the DZ and decided against it. I have way too many other things going on. So I make them for friends once in awhile and that's it. Its a lot easier this way, Pam. Too bad though, it sucks that people were rude to you. Sorry to hear that, girlie. BTW, miss you guys. Hope everything is coming along. How's Merrick doin'?Hugs,SisI feel so alive,for the very first time-and I think I can fly! - P.O.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #11 January 4, 2002 That sucks Pammi! I say go with the Cathy Lee example of Latin American child labor........Sorry people are such assholes......"I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LawnDart21 0 #12 January 4, 2002 Hi Pammi, I just wanted to say thanks. My girlfriend gave me one of your necklaces for Christmas and it kicks ass. (It's royal blue and white with a couple of blue tye dye-ish beeds, way way cool). It was the best present I got this year, 1) cause it came from her and 2) because everywhere I go, people comment on how cool it is (outside the DZ too!!). Anyways, sorry to hear your closing, but I understand where your coming from. Stay high, pull low and sleep with your rigger's girlfriend! Thanks Pammi! Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #13 January 4, 2002 Does it surprise anyone that three people on this thread were twisted enough to come up with the same Latin American child labor idea?Speed RacerWhat contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork from my lunch?!-WC Fields Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #14 January 4, 2002 "twisted"Twisted??? Merely stating facts sir....."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #15 January 4, 2002 Ok pot, I am kettle.Interestingly, this is based in fact. I read something in the last few months in USA Today on my old home of Pittsburgh. It seems they are lacking in menial job workers (lawn care, mcdonalds etc.) because Pittsburgh has the lowest hispanic immigrant rate of any large city. So, if you want to blame anyone, blame the media.mikeBlack then white are all I see, in my infancy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #16 January 4, 2002 "blame the media'Yeah....remember...hat's the American way! It's always someone elses fault...never your own...."Who would think coffee was served hot?"-Dumb bitch..."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyhi 24 #17 January 4, 2002 QuoteDoes it surprise anyone that three people on this thread were twisted enough to come up with the same Latin American child labor idea?Why always Latin American? Why not Canadian? Most of them speak English, enjoy good beer, and just think of the killer hockey team your "employees" could start. I'm the Idea Guy.flyhi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #18 January 4, 2002 "enjoy good beer"You were going along pretty well till then......They ain't enjoyin MY good beer!!!"I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchboy 0 #19 January 4, 2002 Sorry to hear that you have some nasty customers. It can be rough when your hobby becomes your job. I'm trying to prevent just such a thing from happening with my flying/flight instruction.Several years ago I had a consulting business. I had one customer that was a real pain to deal with. I just kept upping my price figuring they would drop me. It never happened. What did happen is that I doubled my rate over a couple years time. So, while they were difficult to deal with I had twice as much money to console myself with.Other than pricing, you might try flat out telling people that it will be 8 - 12 weeks for the item to arrive. That seems to be the model that jumpsuit manufactures use. You just need to set the expectations up front.The Dutchboyhttp://www.geocities.com/ppolstra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #20 January 4, 2002 Thanks for the good advice guys. I really appreciate everything you said...and how much some of you seem to have liked them :) I really love doing them and it's usually relaxing, so I will calm down from my 'cranky customer', change the time frame offered a bit and continue doing them :) (Psss...anyone know where to get that cheap labor you speak of? hehe Actually, my daughter wants to help, and Merrick has offered many times but I feel like I should do them myself as that's what I said was being done. I don't like to offer them up as 'my creations' when someone else made it :) Seems misleading.)Anyway! Thanks guys. I've gotten over my hurt feelings and will proceed :)Sis. *hugs* girl! Really miss you too! It'd be awesome if Merrick found something in Dallas :) So far it's still a bit slow but hopefully with all that's been sent out he'll start hearing back soon :)Closing pin jewelry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #21 January 5, 2002 There's the spirit of the Pammi we know and love! Glad you're going to stick with something that you enjoy as a hobby. We wait 2 months for custom jumpsuits and rigs, we can wait a few weeks for necklaces too! Just tell those sourpusses it takes awhile to make a masterpiece, and if they don't like it, they can go elsewhere!AndreaThe brave may not live forever, but the timid may not live at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #22 January 5, 2002 QuoteThey ain't enjoyin MY good beer!!! Good beer -- south of the border??? BWAAHAHHAAHAHAHHA!!!Well... I have heard that Speedy makes good beer... (I'm drinking "India Pale Ale" right now - which I made myself)Anyway, Pammi -- isn't Merrick lookin' for a profitable enterprise? Maybe he can work for ya??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #23 January 5, 2002 thanks pam-for the necklace you sent me. i was thinking that was it from ya til your last post. thats real cool of you to com eback around(b/c i am still trying to figure out my next onejust remember these two sayings that ashould be in EVERy place of business.1) we retain the right to refuse service to anyoneand2) we guarantee fast service...no matter how long it takesthanks again pam,it sux that people suck(keep it clean guys...you know what i mean...the context..well and that too)Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #24 January 5, 2002 Well Pammi...I ADORE mine. Just FYI. And it really gets the chicks! I mean guys. It really impresses the guys.I'm so mad at this nasty wanker who upset you. Remember -- with a word, you can bring the wrath of the entire skydiving community down on him/her! Pet me! I'm harmless and cute! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #25 January 5, 2002 so is it "open" pin jewelry now?Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
