"I believe I almost got scammed"

A Wolf character commissioned me to construct a custom Partial Fur Suit for him.

It had concerned me because he had approached me before 3 times in the past two years to commission this costume, but backed out before it came to the payments. Even once I had advised him to wait because he had stated he had financial problems and an incoming baby. He agreed, so I did not expect him to approach me again.

On January 24, 2016 he approached me again for the costume.

Wolf had, now four times, read and agreed to my terms of service.

I explained that there would be a non-refundable deposit of 1/3 of the total price. Then there would be a middle payment and the final payment with the shipping costs was due on the completion of the commission

I explained the terms again and he agreed.

When he put the deposit and the first payment into Pay Pal, I thought he was sincere.

Things went smoothly at first, he did contact me a quite a bit more often than the usual commissioner, but I thought it was because it was a new venture and he was excited. But as I got deeper into the project and working on the parts, I had less time to devote to the computer. He seemed to get anxious by this, and I explained that the project would not be instantly completed, including the information about how I was working constantly on the parts I can while waiting for the materials to arrive in the mail. I told him I wouldn’t be answering as many emails because of this, but that I would send photos as I finished things.

Then, a couple of days later, he sent me a harsh email saying he had filed disputes and claims with Pay Pal for the full amount of money he paid. He said he didn’t have time to wait on my email replies because he was very busy.

The fabric had just came in so I sent him photos of the furs and I sent him photos of what I had done so far, and asked him to if he wanted to continue. He said he did, and was back in conversation with me throughout the week, but did not reset the funds, and went silent whenever payment were brought up.

I emailed him telling him if he wanted to go ahead with the costume let me know by, and gave him a deadline.

Then he emailed me, trying to play on my sympathies, stating that he was going ahead with both the claims, for all the payments including the deposit, because he had to pay his mom’s bills because she was ill.

I contacted Pay Pal stating my case and his emails became demanding.

The next day, Pay Pal ruled in my favour.

Now that my funds were no longer on hold, I promptly refunded Wolf his payment but not the non-refundable deposit. This was my obligation.

He was furious and proceeded to Appeal with Pay Pal stating we were not communicating at all.

I replied to Pay Pal and the next day they once again ruled in my favour.

I've managed to win the case, but I wanted to post this as warning to other people. I would also like to post an artist beware, I'm just trying to find out how.

If a steampunk grey and black toonie wolf contacts you, please beware.

To the people requesting a commission – please please please read and ask many questions about the Terms of Service until you fully understand them.