[Jewelry making - Article 00234] - [Orchid] Custom jewelry - Deposit and Refund

[Lumenea]

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    Part of my business involves the design and creation of custom
    jewelry, and I require a deposit from the customer prior to
    initiating work on the order.  I currently find myself in an unusual
    situation and would appreciate your shared perspectives. 

    Four years ago I met with an elderly woman to discuss a bracelet she
    wished me to create for her. The design was organic and required me
    to obtain stones first and then create a rendering for her approval
    prior to starting work.  She placed a deposit, and stated that she
    was going away on a trip for two months and would get in touch with
    me to see what I proposed when she returned. 

    When I did not hear from her by summer's end, I left two separate
    messages on her answering machine, advising her I had found stones
    and had a rendering ready for her consideration. There was no
    response, so I assumed some personal circumstances had arisen to
    interfere. I did not feel safe proceeding with the fabrication of
    the bracelet as too many details remained unresolved and the
    customer has been rather difficult and demanding. 

    Today, after four years of no contact, I received a letter from her
    reminding me of the commission process we had initiated and stating
    that I had failed to contact her. (Not so!) She noted that, while
    she is still interested in my work, perhaps I am "too busy for
    individual commissions".  (Don't I wish!)  I have long ago used the
    stones I purchased for her bracelet in other pieces and frankly feel
    that she is likely to prove "one of those customers." While I hate
    to loose a good commission, my gut tells me to just refund her
    deposit, apologize for the miscommunication, and count myself
    fortunate. 

Your thoughts?
Walk in Beauty,
Susannah Ravenswing
Jewels of the Spirit
Germanton, NC

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