Pestering custom device makers

[chas83]

Has anyone hit the breaking point at bothering one of the Device makers, particularly the custom Steel device makers?
I have had devices made by Lori's tube/chastitytube, malechastitynow.com, Mature Metal, and Steelworxx. I have made changes during the build and after the build of all the device(s). So far(knock on wood) I haven't bothered anybody to the point of them refunding my money/turning down my business. I definitely worry myself plenty before I end up emailing them about a change I wish to have made, just to make sure I am absolutely sure that it must be done, because I get this terrible feeling that they might just tell me to find someone else to make my device i.e. "F**k-off". I probably over-worry myself, but still, as obsessed as I get over getting a device done and shipped to me so I can try it on, it would be a crushing blow if someone decided I was more trouble than I'm worth. So far, everyone of them has tolerated my change requests with no aggravation that I can convey through their response e-mails, but I sometimes fear that I will make a change, and it will end up being 'the straw that broke the camel's back'. Perhaps most of the makers are aware of the business they get from the forum members that give reviews about their devices/services, and they don't want to jeopardize future business from potentials customers that read about them on the forums, so they just deal with the 'change/alteration requests', no matter how many they receive.
Does anyone here feel the same way about submitting changes as I do? Has anyone been told to in one way or another to piss off?

[poor]

The fact that you are worried about upsetting them means there are far worse customers out there than you. Some will complain to receive a reduction in price, some will complain because they don't have the foggiest about what they want but ordered it anyway and some because being a 5 star PITA is the only thing that lends credibility to their otherwise pointless existence. This is in no way kink specific. If you take money off people for any reason you will encounter this - it's just business.

[Atone]

Has anyone hit the breaking point at bothering one of the Device makers, particularly the custom Steel device makers?


Does anyone here feel the same way about submitting changes as I do? Has anyone been told to in one way or another to piss off?

No, and I have made a lot of requests. I know in my case I try to make it as easy for them as possible. Ask clear questions. Don't ask unnecessary questions (things that are on the website or otherwise available). I try to consolidate as best as possible. I am courteous and appreciative in my correspondence. Try to be aware of language differences. I always make a point of sharing how much I appreciate their effort. I try to always give feedback letting them know when I am happy, not just when there is a problem.

The other thing that I do that many do not is I let them know that I appreciate the effort they put in to making something exactly as I want it and that I am willing to compensate them appropriately for it. Quality and accuracy is far more important to me than cost. Not that cost is not a factor at all but something that I cannot use or don't like has no use to me.

I also have a real appreciation for quality hand made products made by craftsmen. That was the reason I ordered the strap from the shop that I did in this post Valentines Day present to me. As soon as I read the "about us" page I knew that was what I wanted. I am sure I could have found a strap that was mass produced that would have had a similar effect for a lot less money but this will have an "old world" feel to it. I expect it will have a feel to it that other instruments I own don't have. I made a point of letting them know this.

[Locked by LRC]

From my experience with Mature Metal I think it would take a lot to get him upset. On my first device LRC wanted things a certain way. It took over 20 Email exchanges before we agreed what I wanted and what he could do. Some of the Emails were replied in minutes.

When he started to make the device he encountered an unforeseen problem. He Emailed me to call him and we talked for about fifteen minutes. I didn't understand what the problem was he was having. He finally got me to understand and at no time did he sound upset. When the device arrived LRC was ecstatic, it was exactly what she wanted.

I think places that make custom devices expect picky people, within reason, to deal with.

[chas83]

Ok cool, I'm glad that I'm not alone on this. I have found editing pictures I find on the web, particularly their websites, with photoshop/MS paint, and emailing the 'shopped' photo really helps to get across the custom ideas I have in mind. I too will tip when a device is made to my specifications. Heck, I have tipped just for the device maker e-mailing me photos of the device before it was shipped just to ease my anxiety!

[Locked by LRC]

Mature Metal did send me pictures of the device when he was done making it. He wanted a final visual approval before mailing. My avatar is one of the pictures he sent.