Taking a phrase from Kurt Vonnegut.....
Received an email from a prospective client who wants ivory, nut and saddle made for his Taylor.
I wrote the guy back explaining that commercial trade in ivory (elephant) is now completely banned in the US and that bone is a better alternative. Sure there are some rare exceptions but it's simply easier (and safer...) to stop using the stuff....
We receive requests such as these every so often and what I find interesting is that this one will go like all of the last ones. What will happen is the prospective client will indicate that he was unaware of the change and want to proceed with bone instead. No one will dig in...., no one will argue...., no one will even go elsewhere because we were the bringer of bad news. We actually may have prevented this guy from a nightmare at an International border that he actually paid good money to get himself into....
Instead people simply do not know and nuances of our trade that we must know, understand, and live by need never be an obstruction to getting or doing business.
It might be a good idea, and that's why I am bring this up, to consider your pitch when the day comes that your commission clients fancy or think that they fancy ivory. It's usually simply a matter of education and besides a little discussion with a good client is always better than prison.....
Thanks and if the client does not react how I suspect that he will it will because 1) my approach was flawed, 2) hemorrhoids..., or 3) he should go elsewhere....
I'll let ya know....
![[uncle]](./images/smilies/surrenderflagqv6.gif "Uncle")
