Help please

[gutsnthegrass]

I have a question regarding how to handle a situation with a well respected taxidermist.  I have repeatedly asked for a completion date and final balance on a shoulder mount for my sons deer.  I can't seem to get this guy to respond.  He told me when we brought it in that it would be 12-16 months.  I am at the 15 month mark now and am expecting a call soon saying that it will be done.  I seem to have misplaced the receipt that he gave me when we dropped it off.  I am trying to get ahead of this and be prepared for when it is completed, but he seems to have gone silent with responding to me.  Should I be worried, or just let it play out? 

Thanks

[Timberstalker]

At first blush, you shouldn't be too worried as he isn't late yet.

The non-responsive issue is frustrating.  Can you email or drop by his shop?

Good luck.  I hope it all pans out for you.

[tlbradford]

When you say repeatedly asking for...Are you trying different forms of communication.  In life, I find that some prefer email, some prefer text, and others prefer a face to face or phone call.  If you are relying on one form of communication, try another and see if it works.

[gutsnthegrass]

I don't think I need to blush.  I don't mind if it wont be done on time.  I would just like some communication is all.  I owe the guy money and would like to know exactly how much.  As I stated, I lost the receipt, so if don't remember what I owe, and an approximate date of completion would be nice.  I have called and emailed.

[Timberstalker]

I don't think I need to blush.  I don't mind if it wont be done on time.  I would just like some communication is all.  I owe the guy money and would like to know exactly how much.  As I stated, I lost the receipt, so if don't remember what I owe, and an approximate date of completion would be nice.  I have called and emailed.

I don't want you to blush either.

I understand your concerns, I think.
I'd try and go to his shop and explain your concerns.  Most reasonable business owners would welcome you and address said concerns.

Best of luck.

[Bluemoon]

What makes him well respected?  If he is put his name out here and find out if any others have had the same issues.

[Born2late]

If your close i'd drop in and ask him.If he's a small shop he is going to have his hands full all day long and some times things come up beyond a persons control.
My taxidermist has 3 deer and a cat of mine and is having to slow down on how much work he is taking in because he lost his main guy helping him. I told him i don't care when i get them as long as they look good.
I took it to him because i want quality and i wont rush him so i can have something on the wall that is less than what we both agreed upon.
I understand having a small business since i have one.Sometimes things happen and you have to slow down to catch up.I would rather be remembered as the customer that bent over backwards to help him then the one that was a pain.Not saying your being a pain,Just encouraging you to think of a way to be the guy that when he hangs up with you he thinks(thats the customers i enjoy working with).

[CarbonHunter]

I would just swing by his shop “to make a payment” and while your there you’ll be able to see the receipt and he should be able to give you an estimate on when it will be done. I wouldn’t  push to hard because you want quality and he is still in his timeframe.

[Timberstalker]

If your close i'd drop in and ask him.If he's a small shop he is going to have his hands full all day long and some times things come up beyond a persons control.
My taxidermist has 3 deer and a cat of mine and is having to slow down on how much work he is taking in because he lost his main guy helping him. I told him i don't care when i get them as long as they look good.
I took it to him because i want quality and i wont rush him so i can have something on the wall that is less than what we both agreed upon.
I understand having a small business since i have one.Sometimes things happen and you have to slow down to catch up.I would rather be remembered as the customer that bent over backwards to help him then the one that was a pain.Not saying your being a pain,Just encouraging you to think of a way to be the guy that when he hangs up with you he thinks(thats the customers i enjoy working with).

How dare you ask for a customer to be reasonable!!!!!

 

[idaho guy]

I would just swing by his shop “to make a payment” and while your there you’ll be able to see the receipt and he should be able to give you an estimate on when it will be done. I wouldn’t  push to hard because you want quality and he is still in his timeframe.

  He will appreciate the payment even if its small and you will get all your questions answered without feeling like your constantly bugging him. I know a lot of good taxidermists that have to "chase" money down, bringing in a little extra cash early might move you to the front of the line!

[gutsnthegrass]

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I appreciate it.  I will try to call again to set up a time to swing by his shop to make a payment.  He is an hour away, so I don't want to just show up and him not be there.  Hopefully he answers his phone. 

Thanks again

[bobcat]

I'm not sure giving the taxidermist more money is going to help. Actually I'd think he'd be more likely to get it done sooner if you didn't give him more money, so that he could be paid the remainder that's due when it's complete and you pick it up. I paid in full for a turkey mount and still don't have it. That was 5 years ago and was only supposed to take 6 months.

[JWEBB]

I'm not sure giving the taxidermist more money is going to help. Actually I'd think he'd be more likely to get it done sooner if you didn't give him more money, so that he could be paid the remainder that's due when it's complete and you pick it up. I paid in full for a turkey mount and still don't have it. That was 5 years ago and was only supposed to take 6 months.

Wow your a trusting person. I would have called after a year for sure and asked what was going on. I use one of the best in Portland and the longest a Mount has ever taken them was 16months

[idaho guy]

Payment in full for anything is usually a guarantee to almost never get the work done or at least get it late and or not done well. That’s a really good point but I still think he will get good results making a small cash payment towards the final bill. And at least you will be able to figure out what the final payment actually is!

[dscubame]

I pay in full but I have all the confidence in all aspects of the taxis professionalism.  Perhaps he is on Spring Break vacation?