Official Luthiers Forum!

This is one I am having a hard time getting my mind around...I built a guitar custom six string guitar for a guy...First he wanted a twelve string but his son talked me into getting a six string built...The neck is inlaid with a name that is only applicable to the owner...He paid a $500 deposit, came often to view the guitar being built..Paid for the guitar in full last Friday..Today he came back and wanted me to take back the guitar and make a twelve string for him....He wants me to remove the ebony fingerboard with the inlay and replace it with a non personalized inlay and sell it for him...Really don't want to be the bad guy here but it looks like I am going to get hurt in the pocket book....What are your thoughts?

If he wants to pay for the fingerboard replacement then I'd say go for it. But if he expects you to cover that cost I'd explain that it's not your responsibility. If someone wants something like a name inlayed, well that makes the guitar personalized and unable to be resold. If he pays you to impersonality it then I don't see how you would get burned.

Like Zeke said, have him pay for the replacement of the fingerboard and reimburse him the guitar after it sells, that way you aren't losing any money.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I've read through a few situations recently that really highlight the importance of having written contracts in place for paid for services. One was over on the Acoustic Guitar Forum regarding the remedy process for a guitar that didn't meet the customer's satisfaction. Here we have someone wanting work and materials in addition to what you eventually agreed upon.

I'd simply say the two of you agreed upon the product you delivered. If he wants a new fretboard or whatever, you're providing a new service. It's a new arrangement. I don't think it will be a shocker to him that he'll have to pay for this new transaction.

On the surface it's a pretty easy transaction. You could say, "I'd be more than happy to (insert all requests here), let me write up an estimate for those services and I'll get right back to you." Have him sign the estimate and you're good to go.

It gets complicated if your original agreement wasn't all that clear but it really does sound like it was, so perhaps just quoting what his new requests will cost could be pretty straight forward.

And selling his guitar seems to harm no one either, unless you have to put out an unreasonable amount of effort to do so but then again, "I'd be happy to sell your guitar and I'd like a (insert percent here) commission as it will take my time and effort to do so."

The main point of this post is that after years and years of doing business (not guitar building) it's just a really nice feeling to be able to happily take care of your customers requests AND make a profit while doing so. It's an art form no doubt but doable for sure.

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Thank You and Best To All

All costs associated with FB replacement would be his responsibility, period. Perhaps even paid up front. Standard 20% commission would apply to the re-sale with him seeing no money until said sale. No work begins on next guitar without new deposit and agreement, this is completely independent of the status of the other guitar.. Also depending on the situation I have a re-stock fee in my terms that would be 5% ( or more on custom work) that I may apply as well.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Once you start to take money , you have to look at this as a business . I can tell you that you will learn very fast or be out of business very fast. Find a good lawyer and accountant, ask questions.. The money you spend will SAVE you money later. If you are in business , it is best to incorporate so you can be separate financially from your personal property and your business .
Even as a hobby business there are some benefits and getting advice from friends and family in most cases is worth what you pay for it. Do it now rather than later.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it