FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The customer should understand that there is a certain price that works for the professional they are hiring. Whatever that price is, if you are pleased with their work, then know what their rate is and pay that amount - and they will be happy to continue working for you. If the price is not right for you, or you can’t afford to pay, then try to determine that as quickly as possible and try working with someone else who can give you what you want for the price you want or can afford.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I collect information about the project. An image is worth a thousand words. I then evaluate to see if I have all the tools, and what my chances are of doing an excellent job. I communicate with the client to set expectations about quality, results, deadlines, and cost. Often times I can do a very good job, but the work may take longer than the customer expects (for a variety of reasons). I often give a discount the first time in order to get to know the client, and vice-versa. If it's a good match, then I let them know I can do other things for them - plus they have my first project complete which helps them determine the quality of my work as well as my style and how I work.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a maker, a 3D/CAD designer, and I have 3 years of full-time machining apprenticeship, plus 2.5 years of professional machining experience. Currently I design parts and solutions which I 3D print. I have extensive experience working in Quality Assurance in the software industry. This means I have a mind for detail and processes. As a machinist, I worked with metric and imperial measuring systems. I still practice both systems of measurement and converting from one to another because it's fun - and because for my designs for 3D printing are all done in millimeters.