Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on January 07, 2012, 03:01:42 AM
Post by: RadSav on January 07, 2012, 03:56:22 AM
A real artist that takes pride in their work usually has a good back log of animals waiting for him or her to bring a trophy back to life. I expect eight months to a year for some of the really good ones.
If I wanted one that has a sh**! looking grin on it's face, no life, white spots and doesn't capture the memories of the animal I harvested? Then I'd say four months is a lifetime too long.
Post by: sirmissalot on January 07, 2012, 09:32:16 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on January 07, 2012, 09:42:06 AM
Take the time.to do it right so that it takes less time.
Post by: tmike on January 07, 2012, 09:45:44 AM
Post by: longknife on January 07, 2012, 09:48:44 AM
It will feel like 5 years!! :tung:
Post by: KillBilly on January 07, 2012, 09:52:31 AM
Post by: 400out on January 07, 2012, 01:36:19 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 07, 2012, 01:55:09 PM
Post by: gasman on January 07, 2012, 04:03:26 PM
I an sure it will be a work of art.
(But sure wish it would be done soon ;) )
Post by: RadSav on January 07, 2012, 04:50:38 PM
Post by: jjdavis2222 on January 07, 2012, 05:49:35 PM
Post by: NWBREW on January 07, 2012, 06:01:54 PM
Found out the guy had passed away and everything there was tied up in some legal crap. The building burnt down a week later
Well that makes me feel better.
Charlie.........start eating healthy and take that stove out of your shop. :chuckle:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on January 07, 2012, 06:39:02 PM
Post by: Hawgdawg on January 07, 2012, 06:56:28 PM
FYI the lastest thing is there shops getting broke into and the critters selling on e bay.
Post by: bucklucky on January 07, 2012, 07:52:53 PM
Found out the guy had passed away and everything there was tied up in some legal crap. The building burnt down a week later
Well that makes me feel better.
Charlie.........start eating healthy and take that stove out of your shop. :chuckle:
I m trying to stay in shape best I can , really man :chuckle:
So I see a few of these comments are directed towards me from what I can tell. I gave an approximate timeframe that I thought I would get most stuff done in , 12 months give or take. I probably even threw in "as long as every thing goes smoothly" I know I told that to quite a few people. I really dont mind if any of the statements were directed towards me just go ahead and say so. Its no big deal.
To give a little insight on what has been going on since last year, and this is just a quick explanation that I would have given if asked. So at the end of the season last year , well 2010 I had to make a big decision on whether or not to fire my origional tannery. For the previouse 3 years I had been getting nothing but great tanning back with out a hitch. But the last few batches I had gotten back absolutely turned to garbage and I have a witness (another Taxidermist I called to come look at what I gotten back) and they used, and I say USED the same Tannery as I did but had a few more issues earlier than I did but figured it wqas something the Taxidermist was doing not the tannery. Well come to find out we werent the only ones that got cought up in some bad issues with the Tannery as another Taxidermist had issues that we both knew and the decision was made to pull stuff from the Tannery and try a new tannery. I still had about 30 pieces sitting at the tannery and a whole hunting seasons worth of fresh stuff that needed to go to the tannery for tanning but I had no idea where. So I ended up pulling the rest of the capes that were not done (approximately 30) picked up some finished capes and hides and left. Now the next dillema, do I just ship 100 capes and hides to a tannery I have never used or do I wait and see what one of the other taxidermists got back . Well I had to wait, I did not want to take a chance again. So once I got to look over a bunch of capes from the new tannery , off my batch went . So now there are 30 or so hides and capes that I pulled from the old tannery , an a bunch of stuff from that year . I thought I would take over some of the tanning myself and purchased a $2000.00 wet drum so I could tan just like a tannery just at a smaller level. Well wouldnt you know it my drum got delayed 4 months from date of purchase so again that puts me and my opperation back . Yes I know its just excuses but they are out of my control. So anyway, once I received my wet drumb now I had to go through and work over all my recipes with my Tanning Representative. Once all my recipes were made and my chemicals purchased I needed to run through a batch of Stock capes as to make sure everythign was good and I ended up with good streatch and that the tannage set the hair and locked it on.
I have done the best I can to work through the issues that have came up over the past 2 seasons with tannery issues. Its a pain in the ass to try and mount stuff efficiantly as possible when the hair was loose or falling out and all the ears had been blown out almost to garbage. In fact most of the mounts I had posted up had major ear repairs, like when I got done sewing they looked like spider webs on the leather side of the ear. I think I posted up pictures at one point. So anyway, Im left know to play catchup the best I can as fast as I can. I dont have my big truck to deliver my capes in as it blew the motor this september so Im stuck with my yota , wich is fine but I need some rearend work done . So Michelle steped up and offered to help and make a delivery to the tannert for me in Kettlfalls since her truck is in working order! So Im off to the tanner this week as long as the weather permits . So as of right now Im behind for sure. I took in about 1/2 of what I normally would this year, turned alot of work away in hopes to get the ball rolling in the right direction. Currently Im workling on a few bobcats and a cougar and 2 muleys and then Im mounting elk and deer and antelope from september 2010. I have added 3 more mounting stands to my shop and Michelle has been comming over and helping get my shop organized to hopefully start pumping out mounts. Catching up is tough to do but with a positive attitude and a little help I think I should be able to as long as there is no more damn setbacks. I got my new contracts in the mail that state 18 months give or take on the contract in 2 places. Anyway thats my story . Sometimes stuff happens and you just have to work through it.
Ok now back to work for me.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 07, 2012, 08:16:49 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on January 07, 2012, 08:32:13 PM
Post by: bucklucky on January 07, 2012, 09:17:54 PM
Post by: NWBREW on January 07, 2012, 09:30:01 PM
I have said it before and will say it again. You do the best shoulder mounts I have ever seen. Well worth the wait. ..........and thanks for not turning me away.
Post by: Jason on January 07, 2012, 09:55:53 PM
Keep in regular contact with your taxidermist. Especially when you think time is running long. I had a monster Javalina at a taxidermist that had been in business for 25 years. I did not call until the 10th month. Found out the guy had passed away and everything there was tied up in some legal crap. The building burnt down a week later with my Javi still inside. Had I called sooner perhaps I could have gotten it out before it was lost.Was this a Taxi over on P-town that passed away about 3-4 yrs ago?
I know the Taxi I use has a 12 month turn around,and He works 7 days a week and takes maybe a day off about every 3 weeks just to make all his deadlines, plus he does tanning for other local taxi's.
Post by: RadSav on January 07, 2012, 10:14:40 PM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on January 07, 2012, 10:42:30 PM
the last few batches I had gotten back absolutely turned to garbage and I have a witness (another Taxidermist I called to come look at what I gotten back) and they used, and I say USED the same Tannery as I did but had a few more issues earlier than I did but figured it wqas something the Taxidermist was doing not the tannery.
I would be the witness that went over to Charlies Shop. We wanted to compare notes to see if he was having the same problems that I had. I had quit using that Tannery a few months before.
Other than the Tannery issue both me and Charlie shared, Charlie isn't the only one that has had additional set backs this year.
In February my Grandma passed away and I had to pretty much shut my shop down for 6 - 7 weeks inorder to travel back and forth from here down to Oregon for the funeral and to clean out the huge house she lived in.
It took me til around the middle of September to figgure out which Tannery I was going to use. So I was late getting my first couple batch of hides to them. Tanneries are just like taking something to the Taxidermist. The sooner you get your hides into the Tannery the sooner you will get them back so you have work. The later they get sent in the more work from other taxidermists is in front of yours and the longer you have to wait.
The Tannery I chose to use came highly recomended for quality but there turn around times were a little longer than normal. They ended up having a guy quit sometime durring the season and ended up making there turn around go up.
I was a little more prepared so I quoted most of the people that dropped stuff off 15 months. There will be some that will take a little longer. I don't like it but like Charlie we are doing everything we possibly can to get caught up. If we are between projects we try to help the other one out just to keep the ball rolling.
Post by: Arteman on January 07, 2012, 11:39:53 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on January 08, 2012, 08:50:30 AM
Post by: The100Road on January 08, 2012, 01:11:08 PM
Just doing the best I can. Got daycare squared away so I can work 5 days a week+ wich should help since the past 2 I havent been able to work as much while watching kiddos. I will get it all figured out so the operation runs smoother . Itys not from a lack of trying trust me. Just growing pains is all.
Charlie, From everything i have seen everything is well worth the wait from you. The only advice i would give to taxidermist would be to be honest with your customers. you told me its going to take 18 months for my bobcat and that is 100% okay. but my dad and brother both took bears to a different taxidermist and were told 1 year. I took 2 1/2years. and he was annoyed every time we called in to see how it was going. If there are setbacks just let your customers know.
I would love to see step by step pictures of those bobcat mounts like you did with that pedestal elk.
Post by: steen on January 08, 2012, 04:56:03 PM
Post by: StanwoodSpartan on January 08, 2012, 08:58:53 PM
Post by: Bearhunter on January 08, 2012, 09:21:23 PM
Post by: The100Road on January 08, 2012, 09:28:38 PM
I appreciate the honesty that Charlie and Michele have come forward with, it sets my mind and Im sure others at ease.... I can quarantee that the wait is worth it when it comes to Charlies mounts, just wait tell you all see my cougar he has in the works!! Someday I will take down all my half ass mounts and only the top quality ones will be up and Im sure most of them will be from him....
:yeah:
Post by: Bean Counter on January 08, 2012, 11:27:04 PM
Post by: JJB11B on January 08, 2012, 11:53:36 PM
Post by: Hornseeker on January 09, 2012, 08:28:18 AM
Post by: blacktail luv on January 09, 2012, 03:29:05 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 09, 2012, 03:54:14 PM
Post by: bow-n-head on January 09, 2012, 05:36:30 PM
Post by: bucklucky on January 09, 2012, 06:39:44 PM
One reason I decided to try and tan my own stuff for a while was partly to try and get back in order as other stuff (Rugs, lifesize, big capes etc.) was at the new tannery. And also to see if when I was tanning if I had any of the issues that the old tannery was having with epedermal slippage and loose hair wich I never had one issue . That right there tells me what we had thought about the old tannery was correct, something in there process was getting messed up. So far I have tanned approximately 50 capes give or take this past year. I even threw in a cape that had been out for 10 days and smelled of rot and never had an issue with slippage what so ever.
Now when tanning I have to do batches of elk together and deer together , and antelope together. Elk capes take more work to get to rehydrate from being salt dried so you dont want to mix rehydrations. You want capes to rehydrate about the same time so they all go into the pickle when the pickle iis at 85 degrees at the start.
Every now and again I will have a customer that may ask for something to be done for a gift and will pull something ahead , but that doesnt happen too often. I do have a customer right now that took a job out of state and is moving the begining of february so I moved his ahead by like 6 or 8 mounts.
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on January 09, 2012, 07:32:06 PM
Hey Buckhorn, I go through and try to keep to the numbers as they came in as far as shoulder mounts go . In my book everything is in numerical order . Lifesize projects take quite a bit of time to do so they get thrown in here and there as there is tons of base work , mods, and just time involved but will still try to keep them in order as best as I can . Also when you deal with a tannery sometimes they dont get capes back to you in the order they were brought in so you work through the best you can. There were points in time when The old tannery I was using would skip a whole months worth of capes so I only had a few november capes to work with even though Id be on octobers stuff. You have to mount what you have back from the tannery if you are running right behind them. Now when they would do that to me it really gets to be a pain to keep everything straight jumping back and forth for me. I know have a list sitting on my bench and try and work down that list as they came in. The past 30 or so mounts I have done have pretty much been in order. ther may be a mount or two where the forms just didnt fit like I would like or just didnt like the form so I would have to re-order a form. Sometimes that will get out of wack a bit but not too often as I usually pre fit before I order my forms for best fitment.
:yeah:
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 09, 2012, 07:43:18 PM
Post by: Got Deer? on January 09, 2012, 08:03:02 PM
Post by: jjdavis2222 on January 09, 2012, 08:22:11 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 09, 2012, 08:26:12 PM
I've had an animal in the shop since August of 2010 and was given a 1 year date give or take a few months. Very exceptable turn around. I'm willing to wait for a great mount. I emailed numerous times and no returns back. I finally called and was told that in 2 to 3 weeks I would be able to come out and select my mount style and to pick up my skull back in July of 2011. I waited for my call back and nothing. I assumed with the new season starting up they were busy so I was not pushy about anything. I waited til november to email again and still no response back. Also sent one in December. Is 16 months of waiting and not even being able select a mount worth it? Is waiting this long worth the wait if communication from the taxidermist is pretty much non existent. I want the best mount possible done and don't want to pressure anyone just to get crappy work. Just a phone call or email back might calm my nerves a little.
Who is the taxidermist?
Post by: seth30 on January 09, 2012, 08:27:43 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on January 10, 2012, 09:05:26 AM
I've had an animal in the shop since August of 2010 and was given a 1 year date give or take a few months. Very exceptable turn around. I'm willing to wait for a great mount. I emailed numerous times and no returns back. I finally called and was told that in 2 to 3 weeks I would be able to come out and select my mount style and to pick up my skull back in July of 2011. I waited for my call back and nothing. I assumed with the new season starting up they were busy so I was not pushy about anything. I waited til november to email again and still no response back. Also sent one in December. Is 16 months of waiting and not even being able select a mount worth it? Is waiting this long worth the wait if communication from the taxidermist is pretty much non existent. I want the best mount possible done and don't want to pressure anyone just to get crappy work. Just a phone call or email back might calm my nerves a little.
I would probably stop by his shop
Post by: Harp444 on January 10, 2012, 07:11:59 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 10, 2012, 07:14:13 PM
I've had an animal in the shop since August of 2010 and was given a 1 year date give or take a few months. Very exceptable turn around. I'm willing to wait for a great mount. I emailed numerous times and no returns back. I finally called and was told that in 2 to 3 weeks I would be able to come out and select my mount style and to pick up my skull back in July of 2011. I waited for my call back and nothing. I assumed with the new season starting up they were busy so I was not pushy about anything. I waited til november to email again and still no response back. Also sent one in December. Is 16 months of waiting and not even being able select a mount worth it? Is waiting this long worth the wait if communication from the taxidermist is pretty much non existent. I want the best mount possible done and don't want to pressure anyone just to get crappy work. Just a phone call or email back might calm my nerves a little.
I would probably stop by his shop
:yeah:
Post by: grunt11B on January 12, 2012, 05:09:41 AM
Post by: fireoff on January 13, 2012, 02:19:31 PM
Post by: GameEater310 on January 14, 2012, 02:27:10 PM
Post by: Whitelightning on January 20, 2012, 10:05:02 PM
Post by: GameEater310 on January 28, 2012, 07:56:29 PM
Post by: Kuduman on January 29, 2012, 10:46:47 AM
Sorry to hear about your issues. All I can say it that if your Taxi won't return your calls it's time for a visit.
As a general rule I try to return all calls as quickly as possible and I sure don't mind the drop ins by my customers.
In contrast I am having a bear picked up today by a clients wife. It's been about 14 months and the delay was due to wildlife gallery delaying shipment from their Misoula MT. shipping depot to their tannery in Mt. Pleasent Michigan . Now when the customer called about a year after drop off he wasn't interested in why the bear wasn't done he just wanted to blow off some steam. He was rude and extremely disrespectfull. No big deal, I mounted the rug and tried to contact the customer because
he wanted his wife to see the bear before choosing the colors. two weeks later after 5-6 calls and 2-3 detailed messages the customer called me and left an irate message blasting me for leaving him a message. When the bear was done the guy wouldn't even return my call............ What a piece of work.......Can you say someone needs therapy......
Moral of the story is ..........Don't be this guy...... Although I don't try to take things personally sometimes guys like this make it hard to answer the phone. In this case the guys wife is truly the better half
the best advice I ever got was from a C.O. of mine and it was " Kindness doesn't cost you a dime, But pays off huge divedends "
Hope this helps
Kuduman
Post by: CoryTDF on January 29, 2012, 11:13:03 AM
Post by: GameEater310 on January 29, 2012, 11:19:32 AM
I appreciate your insight to the conversation and agree with you. Another adage is you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I have been nice and understanding on some of the delays. but I guess my point was that I am the one calling and only received excuses. Believe me, my frustrations are let out on my spouse through many conversations. I just feel at the mercy of my Taxi's whims of whether they decide they want to work or comment on here about everyones nice animals. I guess it's to say if "they" are that far behind, it's time to get to work.
Post by: Kuduman on January 29, 2012, 11:39:07 AM
:yeah:
Couldn't agree with you more..... I've been swamped and thats why you dont see me posting near as much as before.
Good Luck
Kuduman
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 29, 2012, 12:22:41 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 29, 2012, 12:25:05 PM
the deer is not completely finished yet but I had to show ya what he looks like so far :tup:
Post by: sirmissalot on January 29, 2012, 02:52:09 PM
no call here yet :dunno:
I sent you a PM gameeater
Post by: Kuduman on January 29, 2012, 03:00:04 PM
GotDeer, GameEater:
First let me say that I in no way meant to imply that you were the type of client that I described in my earlier post on the contrary I wanted to give you both some insight as to the type of customer that we sometimes have to deal with. The reality is that once you hang a shingle over your door you have no control over who comes knocking.
I have had customers try to establish friendship with the intent to get free or discounted work.
I have had one guy pose as a returning Iraqi combat vet in order to get free work
I had one guy ask if he could hit my dog because it was sniffing his hand
I had one guy that got in a fight with his wife and immediately called me to validate his manhood by ripping into me.
And the always popular I get to treat you like crap cuz I’m having a bad day and you got in my way.
Believe it or not these are all true instances and in no way reflect the normal customer but after being in business for twelve years you run into all kinds. I have a large customer base and do allot of business with returning customers. They return because they get treated fairly and with respect. That’s the way I like to be treated. I appreciate each and every customer that comes to me but when they treat me like the ones above I have no problem with them taking their work elsewhere.
I know most of the Taxis on here and have openly recommended some of them on various threads. Continue being patient and understanding and you’ll be rewarded. If you have chosen your taxi correctly and have delivered a complete and well cared for specimen there should be no surprises at pick up time.
Good luck to you both.
Kuduman
P.S. The lady picked up that bear rug that I mentioned in my earlier posting. She loved it and told me that her husband has been under allot of stress and work related pressure as of late and apparently taken it out on allot of people…… apology accepted…… enjoy your mount. Pics attached
Post by: GameEater310 on January 29, 2012, 09:08:45 PM
Your works looks good. Maybe someday, i'd like to get a rooster pheasant done. I have a trained black lab who'd love to retrieve one for me. I have kept my patience so far and will continue to do so. I don't mind the wait for good work! :tup:
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 29, 2012, 09:37:43 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 30, 2012, 07:23:50 AM
Post by: GameEater310 on January 30, 2012, 07:43:24 PM
Post by: NWBREW on January 31, 2012, 01:52:17 AM
Post by: Kuduman on January 31, 2012, 11:47:58 AM
After reading your post I went back and reread the entire thread and I have to say that I completely missed the underlying digs that were pointed at a particular taxidermist on this site. I can assure everyone that I have witnessed first hand " at his shop " the amount of damaged to the capes that Charlie has gotten back from his tannery. The mere fact that he was able to mount these skins without any evidence of that damage is testimony to his skill and abilities.
I realize that clients get frustrated but to take a dig at a site sponsor, respected artist and fellow sportsman is not warranted.
Charlie..... Not that you need it but you have my support on this one.
Jeff
A.K.A. Kuduman
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 31, 2012, 12:00:45 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on January 31, 2012, 01:36:09 PM
Newbrew:
After reading your post I went back and reread the entire thread and I have to say that I completely missed the underlying digs that were pointed at a particular taxidermist on this site. I can assure everyone that I have witnessed first hand " at his shop " the amount of damaged to the capes that Charlie has gotten back from his tannery. The mere fact that he was able to mount these skins without any evidence of that damage is testimony to his skill and abilities.
I realize that clients get frustrated but to take a dig at a site sponsor, respected artist and fellow sportsman is not warranted.
Charlie..... Not that you need it but you have my support on this one.
Jeff
A.K.A. Kuduman
The only digs I can find are about a female...
I know Charlie is a great guy and is doing the best he can, when its done its done, and I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on January 31, 2012, 02:36:30 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 31, 2012, 05:48:44 PM
Post by: summit creek on January 31, 2012, 11:10:14 PM
I agree that if you want it done right it takes longer. But I have a freind how turned his into a "well known taxidermist" and he told him 12-14 months (which soounds fair.) But its been 15 months and he still has 15-20 amnimals in front of his. I think that a taxidermist should be responsiable enough not to take on too much work. Once he takes on too much work what he already told his clients are now lies.were not lying were stretching the truth we need the work and want the work if a taxidermist tells you one year for the most part its 18 months not cause were lying but sometimes work starts pyling in and now we get backed up more and more and now were rushed but most of i do good work i know its frustrating but be patient i have a 289 bull i killed in 08 and a mt goat and several b tail bucks of my own i havent mounted yet due to puting clients first
Post by: engelwood on February 01, 2012, 12:52:25 PM
First off, people who do quality work need to charge more if they can prove that they can do the work and it's worth the MONEY, not TIME. A good quality taxi makes up the money on their mounts by charging more and thus being able to attribute more time to the work. This results in mounting less animals, but making the same or more than other "less quality" taxi's out there that are churning out quick and cheap work. It's a supply and demand problem that the taxi's aren't good at it seems. Charge more and less people will come, but then you have less animals to do and a whole lot less unsatisfied customers. It won't take long to find the price point that keeps you busy, keeps quality up, and gives you that 12 month window you (and we) are looking for. Next, the main issue that people seem to be having is COMMUNICATION!!! I completely agree with this. If I take something to someone and they say 12 months, I expect 12 months. No more no less. If it gets to 10 months and they know they can't get it done in the next 2 months, a simple call will earn them an easy 3 additional months in my book to get it done (15 total). I have emails from a taxi from last May that said they were beginning to mount my animal that week. Here I sit, Feb. 1, 7+ months later (23 months since handing over my animal), and I haven't even heard a word. WHY WOULD THIS BE THE CASE? IS IT THAT HARD TO PICK UP THE PHONE??? The big problem is this, when you have something (or multiple in my case) at a taxi, the last thing you want to do is piss them off. Cuz they are the ones who solely determine the outcome of the mount. It's ridiculous that it comes down to this, but it is what it is.
Taxidermy is a service industry. If a taxi were a home builder let's say, and the homebuilder quoted a 12 month time frame on a new house construction, and it took 15, 16, 20, say even 23 months to get the house done, do you think that the people waiting to move into the house would be happy? Do you think they would recommend them to friends and family? With the amount of information on the web these days, you would think that ones name can be slung in the mud pretty quickly with little effort. If I was that home builder I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. I understand that taxi is different than a house, but it's the concept and standard business practice for the service industry that I'm getting at.
Communication is key. Learn how to run a steady business. Keep customers happy and your name stays clean (even if this means discounting the cost for taking so long). Simple business practices to get and stay successful for the long haul. Obviously this is just my :twocents:
Post by: turkey slayer on February 01, 2012, 01:21:32 PM
Very well said :tup:
Post by: C-Money on February 01, 2012, 02:25:26 PM
Post by: Ranger91298 on February 01, 2012, 04:28:02 PM
1. He is a fellow brother in arms
2. He is not out to nickel and dime people for repairs/modifications due to negligence on the hunters part
3. He is a very smart businessman. 100% of the money he earns from his business is put back into the business and NOT used to pay household expenses. This is important because when it is time to order the form for the mount he takes in; he is not being held up for weeks/months because he had to pay a bill or provide something else for the house that month.
4. He is user friendly. He understands that everyone has different issues/circumstances in their lives which is why he requires no money down. This helps hunters preserve their trophies and allows them time to adjust their finances to be able to afford their mounts/rugs that they might not have been able to afford. Even though he requires no money down it does not put a halt to the progress of the animal because he has a business account that has funds set up specifically for those individuals.
5. He does not raise his prices to stay competative with the "Going-Rate"
6. Joe is his own worst critic; if he feels that he needs to improve on a certain area he will spend the money to get better (i.e. attend a school hosted by the well known Rick Crain).
7. He truly cares about the product he puts out. He is in no rush to get an animal out the door to put money in the pocket. He will tell all customers it will take a year but it's more like 6-10 months. This brings me back to my opening remark; "I don't think the quality of a taxi should be based on how much time it remains at the taxi's shop." My wolf came back after 9 months but I am not completely happy with it; shortcuts were taken. I have seen Joe complete an animal in 6 months and the hunter was extremely happy with the outcome. To me it is more about the quality of the person that you bring your animal to. Everything revolves around money but there has to be a little bit of ethics & morals involved.
In response to Kuduman's posting he has had to deal with the worst in people. The guy posing as a returned vet from overseas...well I personally would like to rip his arm off and beat him with it; if not for me for the friends that I have lost overseas. As far as the guy trying to become a friend to reap the benefits...that is such BS! I can honestly say that I have never asked Joe to give me any sort of discount because we have become great friends. I have no issues seperating friendship from business and in no way should I expect to get a discount. I have seen the work that goes into taxidermy and it's a hard way to make a living. Lucky for Joe he has a sugga mamma... :tup:
Post by: summit creek on February 02, 2012, 09:42:13 PM
I've had an animal in the shop since August of 2010 and was given a 1 year date give or take a few months. Very exceptable turn around. I'm willing to wait for a great mount. I emailed numerous times and no returns back. I finally called and was told that in 2 to 3 weeks I would be able to come out and select my mount style and to pick up my skull back in July of 2011. I waited for my call back and nothing. I assumed with the new season starting up they were busy so I was not pushy about anything. I waited til november to email again and still no response back. Also sent one in December. Is 16 months of waiting and not even being able select a mount worth it? Is waiting this long worth the wait if communication from the taxidermist is pretty much non existent. I want the best mount possible done and don't want to pressure anyone just to get crappy work. Just a phone call or email back might calm my nerves a little.they should be in close contact with u and let u know whats going on
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on February 02, 2012, 11:11:02 PM
I've had an animal in the shop since August of 2010 and was given a 1 year date give or take a few months. Very exceptable turn around. I'm willing to wait for a great mount. I emailed numerous times and no returns back. I finally called and was told that in 2 to 3 weeks I would be able to come out and select my mount style and to pick up my skull back in July of 2011. I waited for my call back and nothing. I assumed with the new season starting up they were busy so I was not pushy about anything. I waited til november to email again and still no response back. Also sent one in December. Is 16 months of waiting and not even being able select a mount worth it? Is waiting this long worth the wait if communication from the taxidermist is pretty much non existent. I want the best mount possible done and don't want to pressure anyone just to get crappy work. Just a phone call or email back might calm my nerves a little.
I am trying to understand why you did not pick one out in the first place?? I always try to have my customers pick out their pose from the start. That way I can order supplies while it is being tanned. You get things back and you start the mounting process.
Post by: sirmissalot on February 03, 2012, 09:24:02 AM
Post by: Hornseeker on February 03, 2012, 09:34:47 AM
John is a "new" to being a business man (John had been a carpenter/acct.../whatever for the past 15 years and with his new idea figured going into business would be a good deal). I know, excuses, excuses. But since I've lived through it, I can definitely empathise with these Taxis. You dont want to turn work away, because...well...you just dont know if the clients will continue to roll in... plus, being a friendly, personable and passionate guy, you hate to tell someone no when they seem so interested in your product...
So after a year or two of doing a great job, John has quite the following. He's doing the best he can, but the load keeps adding up... Then, as has been pointed out in this thread, John's tannery throws a curve ball at him that sets him back a couple months, maybe 4 all told. There was something else that took John away from his work for a couple weeks here and there and next thing he knows he's 6 or more months behind. He nearly completed one complex mount when he realized..."I cant give this to the guy, it just doens't live up to my standards and I want him to have the best product I can give him... I've got to strip this, trash that *censored*ty form, and start over. "
Hunting season comes and goes and 30 more guys tell him , "I dont care what the wait is, I want you to mount it"... John struggles with it, then caves and takes their business...there animals...their deposits... he gives them what "HE" thinks is a very conservative delivery date... Once again... he later finds out he'd made yet another mistake!! He was too optimistic... shoot... John is an optimistic guy!
The difference between a contractor and a taxidermist...or bowyer... is that a contractor can always find a decent sub to pick up the slack and get things done. Even if the contractors wife is dying of cancer and he has to abandon his daily routine of building, he "can" rely on others to help. Not so much with the taxidermist. Maybe a big outfit like Jonas brothers that has ???? who knows how many guys working for them, but not "John"...he's a one man shop.
The communication is absolutely key though, and honesty. John HAS to tell the guys... "I'm sorry, things are not going the way I expected and I'm gonna tell ya straight up I think your mount is still a year out "(its been sitting there for a year now). I can refund your deposit and give you your critter back, or you can wait... thats the bottom line. John is overwhelmed and wondering how the hell he got himself in this spot. Its not "his" MO... he's never not held up his part of the bargain. He feels like CHIT... John has a lot of pride... and its killing him to keep guys waiting.
Lots of rambling here, but unless you've been in a similiar business, you might not understand how a one man show can really be challenging. NO ONE else to fall back on for help. All you. Not whining about it... just stating some facts. I learned a LOT about this situation when I was a pro bowyer. IF I ever get back into building bows professionally, I will do a lot of things differently. I've been in the same situation. I never had an instance where I couldn't email or call the guy though and explain the situation, confess that I could NOT hold up my side of the deal...their bow was going to be delivered much later than I told them... not once did they get angry and tell me to F off or give their deposit back. I'm sure a few were close though!! :sry:
There are some crooks out there. Period! I have been around the forum for a while though and the ones that are being implicated here do not seem that way to me...I think they are just working through the trials and tribulations of small business...and life! However... communicate. Email or call your customers and apologize and 99/100 of them will understand. Been there....dun that... (I am not SURE who all is being implicated, just guessing that there are a couple of "our" guys that are under the eye).
Anyhow...
Post by: WCTaxidermy on February 03, 2012, 01:21:51 PM
As this thread shows, there are a lot of variables involved and there are people that are just chill about the whole thing and people that get real worked up. Having a business like this, or as a bowyer like I have done, has a lot of complexities...then there are personal and business related factors. Lets say "John" starts being a taxidermist...and he does a great job. He is ambitious to create a thriving business, doing what he loves. Everyone loves John, he's very friendly, loves his work, and does a KILLER mount.
Hornseeker, I'm assuming your talking about me. Thank you very much for the compliment. John at Willow Creek Taxidermy:chuckle: :chuckle: Had to try and shed some humor on this thread.....
Post by: cedarriver on February 03, 2012, 02:41:22 PM
I've had this business for 5 1/2 years, and my work week has been about 70 hours a week since(more during the hunting season). So when some of these unforeseen things happen like Hornseeker mentioned it's very hard to get caught back up because of the hours we put in. Just not enough hours in the day. Why so many hours you might ask, because we take a lot of pride in what we do and what we tell you our customer, trying to keep that 12 month time frame. Hope this sheds a little more light on things. I'm new on here but from what I have read on here about most of the taxidermist on the site, they are good people, try to be patient. Communication is the key though no excuses there.
Post by: ICEMAN on February 03, 2012, 08:50:33 PM
Post by: cedarriver on February 03, 2012, 09:44:35 PM
cedarriver, when would you advise someone to worry about not getting back their rug or mount? What is too long? 14 months? 18 months? 24 months? 28 months?
Well iceman in a perfect world all those you mentioned are too long! I know how I do my rugs but not sure on others. I jump my rugs up, (get them done before other mounts) so I can send them to a company in Montana to do the felt work and backing, so they come back before, or about the same time I get to the other mounts in that same time frame of coming in. With that said I had a tannery a couple years ago that had some of my stuff for over a year, a little hard to get things done in a timely matter that way. Needless to say I don't use that tannery any longer. Type of mount and when you bring it in makes a big difference too. lifesize may take longer, and if you bring something to me in late November your behind a lot of other work, bring me something in in September or early October your at the front of the line.
Not sure what you were told when you took it in but, I would be talking to your guy if you have one out that long. Just be honest and hopefully they will be honest back. I can only tell you how I try to run my business, I try to be a man of my word. Hope that helps iceman, be glad to answer any other questions.
Post by: ICEMAN on February 03, 2012, 10:19:24 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on February 03, 2012, 10:23:21 PM
Post by: Hornseeker on February 04, 2012, 07:39:12 AM
I am not going back to read everything, but were you told a certain time and heard nothing since or have you been in contact and given a new time frame or what? Just curious. I think bottom line is, if there isn't decent communication and it takes longer than you like, the whole dam thing ends up tarnished and you dont even want to hang the thing on the wall!!
Good luck!
Post by: cedarriver on February 04, 2012, 09:48:03 AM
Ice man... it is totally a personal call, its not our call, or even the taxidermists... its up to you how long you think is acceptable after the agreed upon time frame.:yeah:
I am not going back to read everything, but were you told a certain time and heard nothing since or have you been in contact and given a new time frame or what? Just curious. I think bottom line is, if there isn't decent communication and it takes longer than you like, the whole dam thing ends up tarnished and you dont even want to hang the thing on the wall!!
Good luck!
Post by: Rainier10 on February 04, 2012, 04:14:54 PM
Post by: cedarriver on February 04, 2012, 04:57:46 PM
I can tell you guys one thing, if YOU do your homework and choose a taxidermist that cares about their mounts and their quality of work and clients. There is nobody that fills worse about the situation than your taxidermist. A tremendous amount of time and effort goes into all this, and sometimes things happen that are out of our control, or projects just don't go the way we would like. Try to understand and be in good communication with them.
Post by: NWBREW on February 05, 2012, 11:03:29 AM
The taxi I use doesn't ask about poses and background scenery until he gets the hide back from the tannery as well, he said he'd just forget all the details anyways so he just waits until its closer to actually mounting it to ask specifics about the mount.
To me that just doesn't make any sence. That's what a pen and paper is for. I took care of all the details and background scenery when I dropped my whitetail off with a taxi from this site. I know what I asked for and he knows too. It is all written down on the reciept form that I have a copy of. I just find waiting to tell them what you want very strange. :dunno: Seems easy enough to take care of it all in the same trip when you drop it off.
Whether it is 12 months or 15 months....I am willing to wait for quality.
Post by: crnbndr on February 05, 2012, 12:04:20 PM
Post by: cedarriver on February 05, 2012, 12:53:40 PM
At a certain point in life, (when you have alot of gray hair) you wonder if you are going to see them again. I say if the more gray the closer to the front of the line!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Ha, Ha, crnbndr, I do get people that tell me that. Gorgeous goat too!
Post by: cedarriver on February 05, 2012, 12:56:53 PM
:yeah:The taxi I use doesn't ask about poses and background scenery until he gets the hide back from the tannery as well, he said he'd just forget all the details anyways so he just waits until its closer to actually mounting it to ask specifics about the mount.
To me that just doesn't make any sence. That's what a pen and paper is for. I took care of all the details and background scenery when I dropped my whitetail off with a taxi from this site. I know what I asked for and he knows too. It is all written down on the reciept form that I have a copy of. I just find waiting to tell them what you want very strange. :dunno: Seems easy enough to take care of it all in the same trip when you drop it off.
Whether it is 12 months or 15 months....I am willing to wait for quality.
Post by: sirmissalot on February 06, 2012, 08:22:02 AM
:yeah:The taxi I use doesn't ask about poses and background scenery until he gets the hide back from the tannery as well, he said he'd just forget all the details anyways so he just waits until its closer to actually mounting it to ask specifics about the mount.
To me that just doesn't make any sence. That's what a pen and paper is for. I took care of all the details and background scenery when I dropped my whitetail off with a taxi from this site. I know what I asked for and he knows too. It is all written down on the reciept form that I have a copy of. I just find waiting to tell them what you want very strange. :dunno: Seems easy enough to take care of it all in the same trip when you drop it off.
Whether it is 12 months or 15 months....I am willing to wait for quality.
:dunno: He's in wyoming, I have no way to fill out a reciept, seems simple to me
Post by: BuckHunter23 on February 06, 2012, 12:18:25 PM
I guess the biggest thing that came from this whole situation, in my opinion, is a lack of communication of the issues that were happening. I know when you take your animal in, you are given a relative time frame on when you can expect your mount back, which is fair. I think that if there are issues that will push that date back considerably, such as what happened with the tannery, then a simple phone call or e-mail out to your customers letting them know it might be a bit longer than anticipated would be appreciated and not too much to ask. I also advocate the customer calling and e-mailing if there are questions or concerns, which were both done in this case. I think posting and responding to the issue on this site was a last resort effort to get some communication going. And while it may not be the most effective or tactful way of going about it, it had the intended final result. Some of us are working with a taxi for the first time, so fully understanding the time it can take is a bit mind boggling. But I am the fist to admit, quality work takes time, and I can appreciate that. Probably the main reason why certain taxis were selected over others. Several of you come highly recommended by many members of this site, hence the decision to bring these animals to you. I don't expect to become your best friend and chat every week about my mount, but if there are delays that are going to push it out further than the expected time frame, I do expect some sort of communication giving me a heads up. Just seems like common courtesy and good business practice. Hopefully not too many feathers got ruffled here. I know Got Deer? is excited about his mount again, and I too am looking forward to my mount in a few more months.
Thanks again to Michelle for setting up the meeting and inviting us to her shop, and ironing out the issues explaining what had happened. :tup: Can't wait to see the bear when it is done!!!
Post by: Got Deer? on February 07, 2012, 09:54:59 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on February 09, 2012, 01:02:05 PM
Post by: CoachNemo on February 09, 2012, 03:13:13 PM
And if I ever end up with a bear, the same will be said for Michelle doing a rug. All because of this site...
Keep up the good work you guys!
Post by: cedarriver on February 09, 2012, 05:48:14 PM
Post by: money794 on February 10, 2012, 11:39:53 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on February 25, 2012, 11:58:21 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd8a1ffa1-3d43-b609.jpg&hash=4f840ea1e039131ae84f52cbd464e65f2e576473)
Post by: NWBREW on February 25, 2012, 12:07:37 PM
Post by: massivehunter on March 28, 2012, 08:30:50 AM
I know this is my first post and I will more than likely make some enemies. I hunt with two other people, and sadly one of them has an animal in there also. So it is not like we are going to be sitting around a camp fire and talking every night anyways.
I am posting on this because I am having the exact same issues as I see some other people are having.
I brought a bear into Michelle Nelson’s taxidermy studio back in 2010. I was required to give a deposit of 50%, I was required to sign a contract saying all kinds of crazy things, if I don’t pick it up in 30 days I get charged extra. ARE YOU GOING TO DO THE SAME?? DO I GET A DISCOUNT PER EVERY MONTH YOU ARE OVER? If it falls apart during the process she is not responsible. I also signed it knowing that I had a 12 MONTH time frame of getting my bear rug back. To me this is a legal binding contract, I have parts of the agreement that I had to do and guess what so did she.
Since then, no return phone calls, no return emails, nothing that will make me understand what is taking so long to get something done. I did read her blog saying her grandmother passed away, for that I am truly sorry, I also read that she did not choose a tannery until September? What does that mean? I dropped my bear off in 2010. Did it take a year to get it to a tannery?
I read a lot of comments and blogs in here saying that it takes time, what about 19 months? I simply will not understand this. I am tired of waiting, I want to go pick it up and bring it somewhere else, but I am quite sure my deposit would just be taken from me and I would have nothing to show for it.
I am truly wondering if myself and the other ones that posted in this thread are not the only ones that have been waiting this long just to get an animal back.
Please give me some insight, I am not going to say my name, I would regret doing that and getting an email or phone call saying that my bear did not make it through the entire process.
If there are any more people having these issues please include them here or send me a message, to be quite honest I am tired of waiting and moving more towards legal actions. I have a signed contract/agreement between us and I feel that it has been grossly nullified.
Post by: sirmissalot on March 28, 2012, 08:51:52 AM
Post by: Whitelightning on March 28, 2012, 04:46:15 PM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 28, 2012, 05:14:24 PM
I just spent the last 5 hours calling, playing phone tag, and recieving phone calls from all the customers that I still have Bears (Rugs, Shoulder Mounts, 1/2 Life Size, and Life Size) for in 2010. Of the ones left all but 2 have denied having posted any messages about me on this site.
Of the 2, One I talked to in January at the Sportsman Show and have been in contact with him several other times before. The second I still have not been able to get ahold of but have left a message. He has already selected everything he wants on his Rug (felt colors etc). So there has not been a need for as much contact. I am also unaware of receiving any E-mails, or recieving any phone calls or being left any voice messages from this individual. Neither individual has given me a 50% deposit.
At this point I still have no idea who you are. I have done what I can to figure out who you are and to make contact with you, inorder to answer the questions that you have.
Post by: seth30 on March 28, 2012, 05:20:08 PM
Post by: Kowsrule30 on March 28, 2012, 06:13:37 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on March 29, 2012, 08:32:33 PM
Post by: bearpaw on March 29, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
I have some hides and horns I had to go get from a taxidermist that was 6 years behind and I took them to another taxidermist. :yike:
Good News
I have taken several bear to Michelle and some of the mounts took a little longer than she thought, but she replied back promptly to my email and she was still way faster than some other taxidermists that I have dealt with. What is most important is that she did a nice job, I have no complaints, she can count on seeing more work from me.
There has been a real problem with tanneries because some chemical was outlawed and it screwed up a lot of the tanneries. Michelle has been taking hides to a better tannery just to make sure of getting the best job she could find. It's not as convenient but she is getting good results from them. Sad thing is that it isn't really the tanneries fault either, it's all due to the government outlawing some chemical that was used in tannering.
Unfortunately unexpected things can happen that screw up schedules. it's happened to me before and I had to own up to the situation like Michelle is doing now. I would suggest that you guys try to be understanding and give her a little time to catch up, she has had some pretty serious setbacks that she could not aniticipate in advance. I know that she is trying to get caught up but she can't do it all at the same time. But, I have confidence she will get your mounts done as soon as possible. :tup:
Post by: Annette on March 29, 2012, 11:34:51 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on March 30, 2012, 06:03:21 AM
I just got back a cougar hide after 3 1/2 years and the taxidermist.. had quit his business but missed getting my stuff to me, still owes me 800.00 back and I don't have a tag or the tag numbers yet.... :bash:
Lacey?
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 30, 2012, 06:03:19 PM
PHONE; (360) 704-0034
E-MAIL; mntaxidermy@hotmail.com
I accept PM's through this sight and messages on Facebook.
Post by: LITTLEBUCK on March 30, 2012, 07:41:18 PM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 30, 2012, 08:19:17 PM
I have been very up front about the set backs I have been experiencing. The majority of my clients that have been affected have been updated. There are a few that have moved and have changed phone numbers that I can't get ahold of.
I try, exerytime a customer calls me for an update, to ask if they are aware of the set backs. I do this to make sure everyone knows in case I have missed anyone. I have posted about my set backs in several threads on this site as well. :)
Post by: LITTLEBUCK on March 31, 2012, 08:02:27 AM
Post by: massivehunter on April 02, 2012, 07:32:45 AM
Bearpaw - I have taken several bear to Michelle and some of the mounts took a little longer than she thought Michelle_Nelson - I try, exerytime a customer calls me for an update, to ask if they are aware of the set backs. I do this to make sure everyone knows in case I have missed anyone. I have posted about my set backs in several threads on this site as well.
So you first say that it took you five hours to contact customers, then you say when a customer calls YOU, are they aware of the setbacks?? I really think that should in fact be YOUR job to inform. I can see that being late is the way you conduct yourself in a business like environment. You have answered most of my questions just by replying to this thread. I may of already talked to you the other day but I am not going to say anything until I get my item back and I find a new taxidermist.
But the only question not really answered was this one you can read and make your own guess. Lets say that you order a pizza, they tell you 45 minutes, on the way to your home they get stuck in traffic, they see something that needs to be taken care of, they get in a little fender bender, they have to stop for gas. There are a lot of unseen issues that can arise. But you know that when they get there they are going to MAKE IT RIGHT, you will get a discount, or you will get it for free…. So you should really think about that when you are handing animals over that are 7-9 months behind the time you told them. It is your business and I can see as a lot of other people can see you are not someone that can meet your end of an agreement. I will be waiting for the call to come pick up my bear hopefully within the next 6 months.
Post by: billythekidrock on April 02, 2012, 08:01:51 PM
Post by: jjdavis2222 on April 02, 2012, 08:47:20 PM
Post by: boneaddict on April 03, 2012, 07:29:29 AM
point #2. Just because you see them on the internet, doesn't mean they are not doing their work. I am betting some of you work an 8-10-12 hour day and still find time to be on here, such as me right now, spending my 30 minute break evaluating this thread.
point #3. PATIENCE is a virtue. I get so flustered with everyone on their damn cell phones calling every 10 minutes. Sure, there might be just one of you, but take a hundred of you that think its your right..........I see it every year with the draw. Let them do their work. WHEN I AM mounting a deer, and my wife brings me the phone because someone at work can't do thier job, I have to wash my hands, stop what I am doing, interupt a chain of thought etc. THINK ABOUT IT.
I won't justify someone not contacting you back, unless you are being annoying as hell.
now for that bear. After 15 mos, I called. Then 2 years, then 3 years, I heard he was going out of business. I went and stood on his doorstep until he got home from the bar. My bear was in a pile of 30. I was going to take it, but he promised me he'd have it done. I sat and watched and learned until I could tell I was making him nervous. After the week I called and he brought it to me. I believe I avoided a bad situation as I heard all sorts of bad stories after that. There is a time to be proactive...there is a time to be patient. FIGURE IT OUT
Post by: Miles on April 03, 2012, 07:41:19 AM
It's easy enough to do a Euro myself and be done with it. No wait, no real cost, and I can pull those antlers off the wall and fondle them anytime I want.
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on April 03, 2012, 08:16:00 AM
Having had a part time Taxidermy business many years ago, My advice to anyone considering Taxidermy as a career (and assuming they had an exellent reputation and was known for doing exceptional work) I would have three recommendations.....
1) Raise your prices. Be happy to put more time in working on fewer mounts and yet still make the same amount at the end of the year. There is a fine line as to how high prices can be, I know. However, I know Taxidermists who have really upped their prices and are as busy as ever. This will pi$$ off some people but honestly it eliminates those customers that want cheap prices and fast turnarounds.
2) Allow PLENTY of leadway when quoting a finished date. It takes time to do great work and unless you have a five man shop, these trophies are going to get done either one at a time or in small groups or batches.
3) Honesty and Communication with the customer is a must. When things come up, let the customer know. I know many small business people that struggle with the business end of their trade/craft/Art. Mostly their talents are with the trade/craft/Art end of things.
:twocents:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 03, 2012, 01:10:37 PM
#1 Michelle has a deer of mine that I dropped off during the winter of 2010/2011. When I dropped it off, she mentioned that she was having trouble with the tannery that she was using, and she wrote 15 months on my paperwork. Since that time, she has personally called me twice to update me on what was going on. I don't think I am any special case, maybe I just answer my phone when it rings :dunno:
#2 You said that you are worried to tell her who you are, because you are afraid that she will mess up your bear. I have known Michelle for a few years and I can tell you one thing about her; she will not, no matter what you say to her, no matter how much you bash her, mess up your bear. Whatever else happens, she will do a quality job on your mount. I wouldn't worry about that.
#3 It seems to me that you are irritated that you don't have any control over how long your mount is taking and that you sound like you are fishing for a discount. Dude, just call her, tell her who you are, and ask for the discount. Stop playing games.
I may be off base here, but, as Forest Gump would say..."That's all I have to say about that..." :twocents:
Post by: buckhorn2 on April 03, 2012, 02:02:40 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on April 03, 2012, 02:44:34 PM
But:
Michelle: "It's hard to repond to someone when you don't know who they are."
Massivehunter: "I may of already talked to you the other day but I am not going to say anything until I get my item back and I find a new taxidermist."
May?
Michelle: "Of the ones left all but 2 have denied having posted any messages about me on this site."
Massivehunter: (same quote) "I may of already talked to you the other day but I am not going to say anything until I get my item back and I find a new taxidermist."
So, are we saying we lied to her when she may have talked to you the other day?
When you may have had her on the phone the other day, why didn't you say anything to her at that time about your frustations with the process. Obviously you did not otherwise Michelle's response would have clearly stated she knew which individual had voiced his frustrations with the process.
Oh yeah, and one more:
Michelle: "From the sounds of it your not going to tell me? How am I supposed to contact you to answer your questions?"
Massivehunter: (yup, same quote) "I may of already talked to you the other day but I am not going to say anything until I get my item back and I find a new taxidermist."
So Massivehunter, what's the real story here. Did she make contact with you the other day or not? Or would you just prefer to air your laundry here on HuntWa with another may?
I personally think your credibility in this matter is all but in the toilet, but, like I opened with, I have no dog....
Post by: boneaddict on April 03, 2012, 06:10:14 PM
Quote
But the only question not really answered was this one you can read and make your own guess. Lets say that you order a pizza, they tell you 45 minutes, on the way to your home they get stuck in traffic, they see something that needs to be taken care of, they get in a little fender bender, they have to stop for gas. There are a lot of unseen issues that can arise. But you know that when they get there they are going to MAKE IT RIGHT, you will get a discount, or you will get it for free…. So you should really think about that when you are handing animals over that are 7-9 months behind the time you told them. It is your business and I can see as a lot of other people can see you are not someone that can meet your end of an agreement. I will be waiting for the call to come pick up my bear hopefully within the next 6 months.
By the way, this is pitiful. You really should look for one of those quick turnaround "fast food" taxidermists.
Post by: Rainier10 on April 04, 2012, 06:24:28 PM
Post by: 92xj on April 05, 2012, 09:37:45 AM
blah blah blah
Play stupid game win stupid prizes.
That's all you are doing, playing a game. You aren't man or woman enough to post who you are so she can try and figure out the problem because you think she might sabotage your hide/rug that you have with her? Seriously? Grown people doing grown up things, you should try it sometime. I'm sure you dropped your stuff off with her, why not go back and pick it up? I do not understand this thought process. If I take something to someone to do work and I am not pleased with their work, I go over there, tell them the problems I am having and take my article back. It's a business, none are perfect and all need to hear pros and cons of their work.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 09, 2012, 09:59:46 AM
Michelle will not let anything out of her shop that is not top quality work. 5 years from now this is how the conversation will go:
"Wow. Nice bear."
"Thanks"
"That's REALLY good. Who did the taxi work?"
"Michelle Nelson. I was waiting on that one for a while... took me ___ months to get it back."
"Uh huh...you got her number? I've got a _________ in my freezer that needs to get done..."
:twocents:
Post by: massivehunter on April 11, 2012, 11:51:05 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on April 11, 2012, 12:30:52 PM
Post by: h20hunter on April 11, 2012, 12:35:39 PM
I guess the day taxidermy becomes a type of work that is exact in timeframe I'll switch over to Team Massivehunter. I guess the day people become perfect I'll also switch over to Team Massivehunter. I guess you really should just go get your bear and move on to greener pastuers.
Post by: 6x6in6 on April 11, 2012, 12:44:05 PM
Yawn........
Here, here.
Post by: popeshawnpaul on April 11, 2012, 05:31:58 PM
It really hurts people's business when you come on an internet forum and don't have the kahunas to even say your name and make allegations against someone. I don't mind if you have facts and are prepared to show them. Otherwise, it's just libel. As far as legal action, even if she was in violation of the contract...what are your damages? You didn't get to see your bear on the wall for a few extra months? As a business owner myself, I'll put the burden on you to these questions because you are the one attempting to damage her business on this. You could have called and worked through these issues but it sounds like you didn't. Instead, you are afraid because she will ruin or lose your bear? Then you assume she won't give you your deposit back? If she violated the contract, wouldn't you be entitled to that back less any unjust enrichment from the expenses she is out at the tannery?
Am I crazy?
Whitelightning - Michelle was the Taxidermist on my Bear. Did it take longer than she intended yes Michelle_Nelson – I just spent the last 5 hours calling, playing phone tag, and recieving phone calls from all the customers that I still have Bears (Rugs, Shoulder Mounts, 1/2 Life Size, and Life Size) for in 2010.
Bearpaw - I have taken several bear to Michelle and some of the mounts took a little longer than she thought Michelle_Nelson - I try, exerytime a customer calls me for an update, to ask if they are aware of the set backs. I do this to make sure everyone knows in case I have missed anyone. I have posted about my set backs in several threads on this site as well.
So you first say that it took you five hours to contact customers, then you say when a customer calls YOU, are they aware of the setbacks?? I really think that should in fact be YOUR job to inform. I can see that being late is the way you conduct yourself in a business like environment. You have answered most of my questions just by replying to this thread. I may of already talked to you the other day but I am not going to say anything until I get my item back and I find a new taxidermist.
But the only question not really answered was this one you can read and make your own guess. Lets say that you order a pizza, they tell you 45 minutes, on the way to your home they get stuck in traffic, they see something that needs to be taken care of, they get in a little fender bender, they have to stop for gas. There are a lot of unseen issues that can arise. But you know that when they get there they are going to MAKE IT RIGHT, you will get a discount, or you will get it for free…. So you should really think about that when you are handing animals over that are 7-9 months behind the time you told them. It is your business and I can see as a lot of other people can see you are not someone that can meet your end of an agreement. I will be waiting for the call to come pick up my bear hopefully within the next 6 months.
Post by: bobcat on April 11, 2012, 05:41:08 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 11, 2012, 06:07:51 PM
I want to allow people to express their opinion on the forum, but I don't like to see the forum used by someone who offers nothing else to the forum and is only here to try and destroy someone's business, a business that is actually trying to resolve the issue. It appears to me that Michelle has tried to contact her customers and that this person is failing to let her resolve the issue. Instead, this person seems more intent on causing harm to the business than getting his bear back.
My advice is to put up or shut up. You must have her info if you have a contract, she also posted her info for you to contact her here in this topic, give her a call and ask for your bear back and take it to a different taxidermist or else give her time to get it done. But don't continue to use this forum the way you are with no intention of resolving the issue or I am turning bobcat loose on the ban button and we will delete this entire topic.
Post by: Elkstuffer on April 11, 2012, 06:14:05 PM
Geeze Michelle how'd you get stuck with that wackjob.
He's going to have a hard time finding a taxidermist to do any work for him. Perhaps that's why he isn't giving his name. :dunno:
Post by: Gringo31 on April 11, 2012, 06:23:03 PM
I don't see any logic in Massivehunters concern. He must think that Michelle would, after being accused of looking to find a way to damage his bear, then intentionally do it? So......he outsmarted her and won't say who she is to save his bear from being ruined. That way, he doesn't have to bash someone on the internet for an intentionally poor end product. :dunno:
I think a normal person would that that any attention to a specific bear would only guarentee a postive outcome?
While I'm at it, the reason contracts are needed to be written and so long is because of "outstanding" customers like you that hide in shadows, publicly mud-sling and threaten lawsuits over having to wait for a bear.
Michelle, be sure to hang a sign that says we have to right to refuse service to those that whine, bitch, complain and threaten.
Post by: rasbo on April 11, 2012, 06:25:35 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on April 11, 2012, 06:29:09 PM
Quote
maybe its all about wee lil winkie syndrome.. my bad need some humor in this thread
Rasbo! You are definately the man for the job :tup: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on April 11, 2012, 07:43:24 PM
Massivehunter - May you never be successful again in any type of hunting that you do. I say this out of the kindness of my heart. We would not want you having a heart attack waiting on a deer or a possum next time. And if your panties are wadded up this bad over a mount would hate to see you in the woods with a weapon in your hand.
Michelle like I said before do not let idiots bother you, there are some people that you will never be able to please just smile at them and when they drive off give them the international sign and no it is not this :tup: or this :rockin:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 11, 2012, 08:15:36 PM
Like Dale said put up or shut up. We live on facts in the real world, not a bunch of un backed up puke dumped on the net to try and hurt someone.
Your lucky Michelle is a better person then me. You would be getting back a tie die bear with lots of highlights :tup:
If you do file any thing with a lawyer I hope you get you A$$ handed to you in a counter suit :tup:
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 12, 2012, 04:58:37 PM
It has been 2 weeks and you still refuse to tell me who you are. Claiming that I would purposely damage your Bear if I knew who you were. Which is ridiculous!
I took the majority of the day on the 28th of March and called all the clients that still have Bears with me from 2010 in order to make contact with you. I posted my contact info in this thread in order to make it easier for you to contact me, so that we can discuss the questions and concerns that you have. Up until now I have not recieved any calls, E-mails, PM's or voice messages from you. How do you expect this issue to get resolved if you refuse to allow contact.
Post by: bobcat on April 12, 2012, 05:06:41 PM
Quote
How do you expect this issue to get resolved if you refuse to allow contact.
And, how are we supposed to know which bear to drag out in the street and burn?
Post by: bucklucky on April 12, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
This thread needs to die , not much good happening here. Next thing you know we will be tar and feathering someone or something :chuckle:
Post by: Woodchuck on April 12, 2012, 05:20:12 PM
Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on October 30, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on October 30, 2012, 04:31:19 PM
Anybody had a animal out for two years and pending?
My brother has.
My wife has a euro that is taking that long.
Post by: Antlershed on October 30, 2012, 05:41:07 PM
Two years for a euro is ridiculous :twocents:Anybody had a animal out for two years and pending?
My brother has.
My wife has a euro that is taking that long.
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 30, 2012, 08:42:58 PM
You have a buddy or someone you know having a problem getting ahold of one of us? Well then let the taxidermist know who it is so they can get ahold of them. We are not mind readers. We can't read your thoughts. Give the taxidermist a name so they can make contact. You don;t want to do it in the open than send them a PM.
I am personally getting tired of this stupid childish 3rd grade game being played.
There are a couple Taxidermists on this site that are behind right now. Including ME, and we are doing everything possible to get caught up. We do not have time to play your games.
If a customer calls me for an update and I do not answer that probably means I am either with a customer, on the other line, got blood up to my elbows, clay or hide paste all over my hands. Possibly in the middle of making a form modification or repair that needs my concentration. I can't always get to the phone every time it rings. I have to stop and wash my hands or finnish what I am doing.
IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE I am NOT going to go through every contract and paperwork in my book to try and figgure out who it is. You need to get ahold of me LEAVE A MESSAGE! ! !
Post by: billythekidrock on October 31, 2012, 05:00:56 AM
Anybody had a animal out for two years and pending?
Was this a serious question or a jab at someone?
PM sent.
Post by: Elkstuffer on October 31, 2012, 04:08:21 PM
Like most taxidermist I'm behind also and sitting on the phone isn't going to get me caught up any faster. :twocents:
Post by: Kuduman on November 01, 2012, 08:22:05 PM
I've been prepping bears all week for the tannery. There's nothing better than picking up the phone and getting an ear full of bear fat. :puke:
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 02, 2012, 02:32:29 AM
Just wanted to touch on something Michelle said. I get on the average 25-30 calls a day this time of the year. Half or more do not leave a message. Most are just price checking. If every call was 3-4 minutes on the average that would be an hour and a half of my day NOT working on customers mounts. If it's not important enough for you to leave a message, it's not important enough for me to take the time a call you back. If I don't answer it's not because I just don't feel like answering the phone. It's because I'M BUSY! I'll usually return calls within the hour. IF YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE!
Like most taxidermist I'm behind also and sitting on the phone isn't going to get me caught up any faster. :twocents:
:yeah:
Come on Kuduman don't you use Bear Fat to soften your skin? Works wonders. . . :chuckle:
It's even better when you hang up the phone and forget to wipe it off and than answer it later when you don't have gloves on and you get a hand and another ear full of fat and grease. :tup:
Post by: sirmissalot on November 02, 2012, 05:41:08 AM
Post by: Kuduman on November 02, 2012, 07:10:09 PM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 02, 2012, 07:24:47 PM