I've had someone send me a message: they would like to buy a marionette from me. I haven't really made marionettes before - just my teddy bear, which I definitely don't count. My question is: is honesty the best policy? Should I inform this person that I'm not experienced enough and send her somewhere else (and lose out on some money), or do I accept the commission, and do my best?

It's one thing to try a new puppet building technique on something less complicated, and though I'm sure I'm capable of making marionettes, I don't want to offer something that's not of sale standard.

What's your opinion?

Be upfront and honest, tell them that you will happily have a go but that you have not made a marionette before.  Also offer to direct them to an experienced maker if that is what they would prefer.

It all depends what they are looking for, it may be something in your unique style that they want.  Ask them, be upfront and then negotiate on price etc.

I have sold several of my marionettes, they are very simple and not at all at the level of professional puppets, but they have been exactly what the client is looking for.

Best of luck,
Charlotte

I agree with Charlotte " Honesty is the best policy " I would tell them that you are not as experienced as others but would like to try to fill the order. If they are not happy with the results you would be more than happy to recommend someone else. You will be surprised what the ending results could be. Find out more about what they are wanting................ are the looking for a economical puppet or are they wanting something that is beyond your capability's. It is your decision  Just keeping a good line of communication between you and your customer and getting there trust is what is important if you want them to return.

Billy D.

Ditto to what both Charlotte and Billy have said.  Be upfront about your experience.  Find out what the project is and what the potential clients expectations are.  You decide if its too intimidating for you to take on for pay.  If its something your interested in trying then tall the client and let them decide if they want a more experienced builder or not.

Good Luck

Upfront and honest is the best way to go!!!



Spoon!   

Thanks everyone! You're right, I'll be as clear as I can and advise them that I haven't done it before: give her the option of using someone else or me.

Well, I called the woman back and explained to her that I don't have any marionettes to offer but that I was happy to make one. She was very surprised to find out that I don't have any just sitting around (I get the feeling she thought I would have a wide range of puppets just waiting to be sold, and that I had some sort of showroom somewhere), and she wanted to know where she could get a simple marionette in Melbourne - so I gave her a suggestion and she said she might call back if they didn't have what she wanted.