Almost two years ago I paid an artist for a piece of artwork I wanted done. This was to be a gift for my husband for that Christmas, then that passed. And then it was to be for Valentine's day, that passed. Our anniversary. That passed.
You get the picture.
I emailed the artist five months ago, she responded that she was really busy and was aware that it was waiting for her to start. I do know she is busy, when I commissioned her I figured it would be about 8 months to get the finished work.
We are looking on two years now, with still no timeline for the work. I keep an eye on her website where she posts other pieces of artwork (far too much fan art for someone who has been paid for a commission).
Two years ago I paid over $170 to her for this work and have seen nothing in the way of progress. I would really like to get this artwork, but the delay has gotten me mad.
How would you handle it? Ask for a refund? Ask for a timeline? ...know any good artists you can refer?
2007-01-25 14:16:21 · 13 answers · asked by zombie_togo 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Thank you everyone! These are all great answers, and I wish I could give you all points for best. You have really helped me with this issue and it's appreciated.
Good luck in voting!
2007-02-01 07:12:34 · update #1
Yes I would ask for a refund or sue her for breach of contract? How many Christmases, birthdays, anniversaries have you had to disappoint your husband? She owes you for this.
2007-01-25 14:37:10 · answer #1 · answered by babydoll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give her a written deadline in the form of a contract that she must sign. If the job is not completed before the contract expires, request your money back. Don't be surprised if you have a hard time getting the money back. This may be one of those expensive lesson we all have to learn about not being part of a "verbal contract."
2007-01-29 18:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call an attorney and ask what the time period is for getting goods or services once you've paid the person or company. She may be breaking the law by not producing the work in a specified time period.
2007-01-25 22:37:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
simply tell her in a nice way (or by e-mail if it makes it less awkward for you) that you appreciate she is too busy to do the project for you and that she can just refund the money. Next time only pay half up front and half upon completion, I feel that always is enough motivation to get the work done.
2007-01-26 14:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by Angela C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hope you had a written contract and then I would formally request a refund [do it in writing and give a deadline] - if you do not receive it by then have a lawyer send her a letter demanding payment on his/her letterhead.
The time you have waited has been FAR too long!
2007-01-30 11:56:25 · answer #5 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a lawyer request your refund
then
make your own art with the remainder
show it in a prominent place as a reminder to get a contract with deadlines from now on!!!
2007-02-01 14:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by Godis! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Browsing online the other day I found an artist whose work reminds me of yours. I'll need my $170 [don't say 'my money back'] to give her. Harry still doesn't suspect anything, and his ______ is coming."
If she's tacky enough to have kept your money with no product for this long, she's tacky enough to play apologetic and give another promise. In that case, "I'm sorry, Audrey; but I've waited this long already, and I'm not willing to wait longer. My $170 please."
2007-01-25 23:19:41 · answer #7 · answered by Dinah 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell her you want a reasonable time-line NOW - or your money returned immediately.
The fact that she's busy churning out other stuff and ignoring you, would lead to believe that she has no intention of doing it.
Good luck!
2007-01-25 22:37:51 · answer #8 · answered by Kate 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would get my money back. If she hasn't done it in 2 years, she's obviously not planning on doing it anytime soon. That's extrememly unprofessional and I wouldn't want to do business with her.
2007-02-01 02:41:56 · answer #9 · answered by Happily married 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get a refund and leave it at that. Because what makes you think she will actually come through at this point? She hasn't yet, why would she now?
2007-01-25 22:36:38 · answer #10 · answered by zaytox0724 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋