How long is reasonable to wait for a com? -- Burraku's Journal -- Fur Affinity [dot] net

How long is reasonable to wait for a com?

12 years ago

While I was editing a com, I began to wonder, how long is reasonable to wait for a commission? One that is paid up front, as that's the only way I work. I can't bear the thought of sending someone a sketch to approve for payment, and then never getting paid while they parade around with a free sketch. I've worked long enough and consistently enough to build a trustworthy rep about putting out commissions, and I think personally that I've earned the right to ask up front so not to be jipped, as I never crossed a commissioner either.

But, as I usually do 6-8 coms at a time, and in no order other than what I think I can finish them the fastest, some people may wait upward of a month while others only wait a week, if that. Does that ever bug you guys? And what's reasonable to wait?

This is especially thrown out to those I owe a com to right now! That way I can better manage my list to suit you guys. Do my daily com status updates help any? I notice a few return commissioners check my page weekly to see their statuses so I assume a few people appreciate it, and perhaps that's why no one ever bugs me because they already know the status of their com(s). I actually also put in my TOS that I work multiple pics and I do not promise a waiting period/I'm usually really up front to new commissioners about the wait also. I don't mention it to return commissioners because they already know my process c:

I have to say I have been lucky to have really patient commissioners so far, and I've actually never been nagged to finish anything or asked how things are coming [other than friendly updates and conversation on larger images, to which I usually always post WIPs to let people know I am working].

Any and all feedback appreciated! Just curious on people's experience with coms and their thoughts on it c:

19 Comments

[deleted]

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I'd like to work on things in order, but sometimes pictures fight me and instead of burning myself out working on it over and over, I move on and come back. I admire when people can really do images in order without troubles ;;

I've noticed most people are around a month/two. I've waited 7 months without being upset. Patience is different for everyone, though! I think sometimes I may be too polite or forgiving. I definitely understand where you're coming from though c:

FenghuangQilin ~fenghuangqilin

Digital Artist

12 years ago

Honestly, if you're in contact with the person often, I think three to five months is fine depending on the commission. If it's something big and detailed, I except it to take awhile. If it's something small like a sketch, I usually except those to be finished in a month or so.

Granted I'm odd and go through periods. Where sometimes I get five commissions in a week. And then other times it takes me a month to even get two done. But I try to keep in contact always with the person and show them WIPs when I can.

Only complaint I ever got was from a trade, which the person was quiet inpatient about having to wait a month for it >>

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I'm in the same boat with you on both accounts. Like this last week has been productive, and other times I feel lucky to get a drawing or two out a month. Sucks!

I think when people fuss over trades, they're just being petty x: I mean, unless their half has been done for months, that's different. The way I see it, it's free art and to pester people about something they were nice enough to offer/accept to do is ridiculous. I pretty much never say anything about trades, though I may bring it up if it's not done in a year or so.

FenghuangQilin ~fenghuangqilin

Digital Artist

12 years ago

Yes, sucks a lot >< Usually what stops me is either art program trouble, with my files killing them selves or stuff like that. When that happens, I seem to just lose any interest to try for a bit. Or real life stuff, which that can't be helped.

I get that too. When it's been months, I can understand. But I like you as well. Unless it's been a year, I'm really not too worried. Because I know people are busy and have lives and other things they need to do. The only time I kick up a fuss is when they ask for more trades before finishing what was owed to me. That I just feel is rude.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

Oh gosh, I used to get SO angry when the desktop would shut off [needs a new graphics card] or even when I have to restart a laptop because my tablet driver dies. It's enough to make me stomp off, lol! Nothing quite kills the inspiration like tech troubles.

I've thankfully never had that happen. If someone did that, I would flip a desk. No! That's ridiculous. I've gotten to the point I only trade with really close friends, or watchers that have consistently been supportive for a long time. Now with coms on full, I pretty much never do them now u__u

FenghuangQilin ~fenghuangqilin

Digital Artist

12 years ago

Yes, oh my gosh. The moment it happens, I freak our for a while wondering if it's going to glitch out again on me and ruin something I spent hours on >< It just loves to do that when ever I've been working on something and haven't saved in awhile. Just loves it >>

Yeah I only do trades with people I know and trust. Other wise, just no. Yeah, coms have this wonderful way of eating up all your time XD

Denoyelle ~denoyelle

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

If you let them know ahead before they pay up front, that it will take about so-and-so long for it to be finished, I think people can wait a while for the result. As other has mentioned, be in contact with them often is a good thing.

I get money paid up front too, and I show them a rough sketch of their drawing so they can change things before I ink and color it - this helps people relax that they get what they want.

I trust those people that commission me, it is a risk to take from both sites, but if anyone doesn't step up to their plate and screw up the agreement, I am sure those people will be known to a HUGE amount of furries on FA and that will help in the future so other people don't fall in the same trap. It's all about acting professional in the end.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I try to forewarn new commissioners that the waiting list is usually long and that I get them out when I can, but that it may be upward of a month. Actually, people are surprisingly accepting of it and tell me whenever I get to it is fine. I was just curious if I've had a string of super nice people or if it was a common thing, lol.

I show sketches if they ask, if it's a large pic, or if I'm doing from a text description. Most people don't ask for one, though, and never bother me about how it's coming. I do like the artistic freedom of it that way, but it also stresses me that perhaps I'll finish and they won't like it x: I do like that approach, though!

I don't know too much about the commissioners here as I always did them over at dA. I'm sure there are lists of who not to take one from going around, but I never really heard anything about anyone personally. I trust close friends and return commissioners enough to stall payments but that's about it. In my head I tell myself it's okay to do the cautious transaction because, after all, I'm not going to jip anyone so if they trust me they won't get burned. I have enough history with commissions that it seems fair considering there isn't really a 'buyer history' going around ;;

modgey ~modgey

nobody

12 years ago

so long as the artist gives updates (~once a month+?) or has visible progress information, it tends not to matter that much, especially if the artist has stated ahead of time how long it may take. i also don't mind things being done out of order (so long as i haven't been waiting for several months and find new commissions being done, as i may start to feel ignored). obviously a less of a wait the better, but i'm unlikely to start getting nervous til a few months have passed, and a year til it starts getting annoying. but even then it depends on what the commission is, as well as the artist's queue, circumstances etc. i am a slow worker myself for various reasons, so i wouldn't like people to feel pressured.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

All I could think is how super patient you are (: I never accept new commissions until I'm under 4, and then I try to do what I have first before the new [although large commissions may still be getting worked on while I do the new as well]. I think it's rude to take on a tooonnn of new coms and get them out, while leaving one in the back to collect dust. They should have first priority.

And I promise you, it will not take a year! Haha. It's insane to me when people tell me they've been made to wait a year.

modgey ~modgey

nobody

12 years ago

thanks. i suppose it is good to be considered patient. it's possible that i might be a little too laid back and polite about these things, but i prefer to keep it a positive experience if i can, and it seems that in the end things tend to work out and are worth the wait. my 5+ year wait for a fursuit was a little tough, but so long as i feel confident in receiving the item, i would prefer to wait rather than give up on the commission. that's not to say i don't find waiting stressful, but i've only once felt the need to claim my money back, and even even that sort of worked out as another artist felt bad for me and let me have a spot on their commission list :) but yes, it's clear that you have a good level of dedication to your commissioners, so i don't think you'll keep them waiting needlessly. i think some of the more immature customers can feel the need to have a tantrum when it's taken more than a few days, but it's not worth worrying about unrealistic expectations. i think it'd be a shame for an artist to rush their work.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I think being civil/polite is just common courtesy. I understand sometimes people may want refunds, but all you have to do is ask, you know? When people make tantrums, it makes it just that much more less in their favor. This is the internet, as well, and if customers threw tantrums, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if an artist wouldn't refund them simply for that. It would be unprofessional on both ends, but I've talked to enough people that I'm fairly sure that would happen x: Personally as long as I'm given heads up about a refund, I'm more than happy to do so. I've never had that issue come up, though, so I can't have any complaints n__n

That definitely worked out for you, lol. There is usually a silver lining. At the least you'd at least have your money back to put elsewhere where you CAN receive a com, and not sit waiting. I'm not sure how long I'd wait for a suit, because I know they take a lot of time and patience, probably even moreso than drawing. I think one should be done in two years, though. As long as they update you I wouldn't feel too stressed or upset. As a customer maybe sometimes you have to find an artist that both has the skill level you want and the professionalism in time that you want. I'm like you, though, and I think I'd rather wait and have something I'm satisfied with then rush them and have something that I'm disappointed about.

modgey ~modgey

nobody

12 years ago

well yeah, tantrums are just unnecessary. refunds are a bit of a tough issue as there are many factors that could sway what is most fair. but i figure that having to give money back that you thought was in your pocket could be potentially hard hitting for artists. i think it's reasonable for an artist to deny a refund, but only so long as it is still treated as a proper commission and is completed in a timely manner. personally, i only made a claim after being left without contact for many months. one has to draw the line somewhere. but it is difficult to give a definite placement to that line, especially if a time-frame was not given. glad it has not been an issue for you.

well the suit wait was longer than expected and had it's fair share of frustrations and hicups, but i think there was a positive to that as well, as they had five more years of experience under their belts :)

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

My TOS are that, if at any time someone chooses to want a refund regardless of reason, that I will refund the entirety I was given if I hadn't started it. If I did start it, I'd remove money from the refund in a way that I felt was most fair for the work I had completed. I think that's the most objective way one can go about it x: That way both parties are happy and I don't feel I'm wasting my time on a com that someone has decided they no longer want, just for the sake of me keeping their money.

Haha, I thought the same thing when you said that! I think with that considered, I would take a longer wait for quality like that. Can't beat that c:

modgey ~modgey

nobody

12 years ago

that is a pretty fair way to go about things. though i would still hope the person retracting the commission had a good reason, i think it's poor form to just change your mind. it's not like returning a shirt at walmart.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I totally agree there. It's not just the person doing the art that should be professional. I personally mull over getting a com from someone for at least a month or two, sometimes longer just to be sure x: But at the same time I totally get when an emergency comes up or something similar and people need money asap and that's a quick way. I would rather help and refund than get butthurt and withhold their money. I guess I'm sort of laid back about that scenario. As long as they're polite, I am much more willing to do what I can to accommodate within reason. Then again, I'm a sap.

modgey ~modgey

nobody

12 years ago

i think sometimes, such as when slots are limited, people may feel a little pressured to pounce on something without fully thinking it through, which could leave them making poor decisions. not that it's much of an excuse. yeah, i think it's good to be understanding if you can. it seems like good business sense and should just make things less stressful in general. but i can see why people might also feel the need to stop that if it became too common, especially if they depend on the work.

Burraku ~burraku

Anthro Artist

12 years ago

I would jump on limited slots if I had previously considered it x: I did that with Teggy@dA when she had limited 25% off a while back. Like you said, there is a line! I'm pretty patient but I do have things that irk me [like people who okay a sketch and then once I finish it they want SO MANY things changed, like half the image], and I think that would bug me too. If it became a regular occurrence, I probably wouldn't be so patient x:

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