Custom Order Policy

Note:I currently have a about 18 months worth of custom orders slated. I am not taking any further custom orders at this time. As I am able to free up some of my schedule I intend to make more in stock armour based on some of the items I have had the most requests for.

I have been trying to come up with a method of ordering that better serves both you the customer and myself. In the past almost all my orders were custom requiring the customer to pay a sizeable deposit up front then wait for the item to be made. This created a number of problems generally due to human nature.

Under the old ordering method;

• Customers needed a deposit to start the project.
• I become stressed about the job as soon as I would receive the deposit.
• The customer does not know exactly how the finished product will look until after it is completed and they have already purchased the item.
• Customers often get new ideas of what they want mid project requiring the armour to be remade in a different style.
• Returns were not available because the finished armour is so very specifically styled to the individuals tastes that the item could never be sold to a different customer.

The New Policy as of March 2004

After years of careful consideration I have decided to approach orders in a new method. You, the customer, email me with information on the type of item you would like, your measurements, the intended use of the armour and the grade of the armour desired (grades explained on a separate page here.) Providing me with information like a specific suit or component you have seen in a book, museum or on the internet always helps. I will respond to your email explaining my workload and a very broad time frame of when I think I can start on your project.

When I have completed the piece I will post a photo and the price on the currently available page of the website. If you like the finished piece and the price you may then purchase it. You will be under NO OBLIGATION to buy the armour and in return I will not be under pressure to create the piece by a set date. If you have a specific date you would like the item for I will try to keep it in mind when I am scheduling my work but I will not be promising a completion date.

If your goal is to have a full suit or many items made let me know in your email. This allows me to plan the individual components to work well in conjunction with each other. As separate components (I.E. helmet, gauntlets, arms etc.) are finished you can buy them. This makes the cost of buying a full suit spread out over time. If your financial situation changes then I can hold off making the the rest of the suit.

The Benefits of this ordering method;

• No cash outlay to begin on the customers part
• I am not stressed about a delivery date.
• Finished pieces can usually be shipped within 3 business days of me receiving your payment (personal checks will be held till they clear my bank.)
• Less stress about a project most often means the project goes faster thus bringing the cost down.
• I have some artistic licence and can make (historical) design improvements as I see fit without waiting for a decision from a customer, speeding up the process.
• You will see pictures of the finished piece before sending any money so you know what you are buying.
• You are under no obligation to buy the finished piece if for any reason it is not to your liking.
• I can make a piece custom to you but still aesthetically pleasing to other potential customers that may purchase the piece if you, intended customer, decide not to buy it.
• Returns are possible in most cases. This will be discussed before you send any payment.

One specific request I have is that customers please not ask me to make any thing too complex or unique unless you do have an intention to buy the finished item provided the price and quality meet to your expectations.

Finances change, life throws us curve balls sometimes. These are understood and you are not obligated to buy the finished armour but making armour is my sole source of income. Spending a lot of time on an unique item only to discover the customer was just kidding places a financial hardship on me and my business. You are always welcome to let me know that there is a market interest for certain types of items, send a wish list or to dream of the ultimate suit but please be clear you are not intending to place an order. Thank you.

Exceptions.

This is a general plan and not set in stone. There may be some exceptions to the above policy. Some that come to mind are joust specific exchange pieces, items made from exotic materials and body molds. If exotic materials are requested (gold, silver, historical bronze alloys etc.) A non refundable deposit may be required as these materials require a large initial cash outlay on my part. Some joust exchange pieces require the customer to either be in my presence during the rough forming phase or I will need a body mold. The finished exchange pieces are specifically fit to one wearer and will only work properly with their intended suit of armour. A non refundable deposit may be required before starting on such pieces as they will not be sellable to anyone else.

If you choose to have me make a body mold and mannequin of yourself you will need to arrange to come to my shop and I will need full payment up front. Making molds and mannequins require several helpers that I will need to pay. They also require some semi-expensive foams that I rarely have on hand. When the mannequin is finished if you choose to not continue to purchase any armour you are entitled to the mannequin. It can either be picked up by you from my shop or you can pay to have it shipped to you. I most likely will keep the mold if it is not destroyed in the process of making the mannequin.

If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me.