For those of you that follow me on MeWe, Parler, FaceBook or Instagram, you may find that I use certain terminology that you may or may not be familiar with. I will often update customers who ask or need to know the progress of their gear. I’ve compiled a short Glossary to give everyone a heads-up as to what I mean.
In Cue - You are on the list of jobs to be completed.
Next In Cue - Similar to being In Cue, but you are most likely in the current batch that has made it to the bench. (Or at least I'm thinking about it.)
Your Pattern is Made - I have gone through the process of designing, making a sketch holster from scrap leather and finished any adjustment and have a tangible, paper pattern to work from.
You’re Cut (& Stitched) - Your leather has been cut, lined and probably stitched, maybe even stitched together. "Holster begins to take shape."
You’re Drying - The molding and creation process is done and your holster is air drying to await the finish process. This could last up to a few days by itself.
You’re Edged and Dyed - The holster has dried and edge dressing and final dye has been applied. Since it now has to dry again, you’re looking at up to 2 days time, again.
Finished and Ready - Once the holster dries for the last time, I apply a top coat of water-based resolene that gives it a soft shine and protects it. I prefer to wait at least another day for that to get nice and hard, but it could go sooner if needed.
Some people often assume if they have a fairly simple order (a knife sheath or a belt, for instance) I can finish it in a few days. While it’s true, I could finish THEIR order in a short turn-around, that assumption ignores the fact that I have OTHER orders in cue. If I always put the easy stuff up front, the more complex items would never get done. And, the more complex orders usually carried a much higher price that was paid. As such, I do my best to work through the cues in the order they were received. I do try my best to have gun show orders back for the following show, and some orders may get pushed back, but that seldom happens. I have only missed a show delivery once or twice, and I do my best to communicate that before the weekend comes.
I have, and on occasion do, forget an order. These are usually the passing requests from friends and acquaintances who ask for some item. Belts are common with this phenomenon. I feel bad, but I remind people of one thing really seems to set things in my memory … the exchange of money. When a financial transaction takes place, it becomes “real”, especially in my mind. It also helps to keep you on schedule in the cue. I feel a greater responsibility to meet the expectations of people who have made an up-front investment in the purchase.
I do have those who ask if I have finished their holster “yet”. I realize I work in a “relationship” business, but I still need an actual order to get going and “put a knife to leather.” If you tell me you need to “get with me” … you’ve been “meaning to order a holster” … I’m not working on your holster. Have I asked you what finish you want? Have you told me if you’re right- or left-handed? Did I give you a price? Do I know what gun you carry? Was I writing anything down? If you answer “no” to any of these, you might want to give me a ring and check to see that I consider you a current customer. To be clear, I DO sometimes take verbal orders, but they don’t stay verbal for long and I usually communicate that pretty explicitly.
As Work-A-Day Custom Gunleather, Inc grows, I do my best to keep communication clear and my customers happy. If you have questions, by all means call me. If you're not happy with an order, DEFINITELY call me. Remember, I always want to “Make It Until You Like It!”
Until next time … Be polite. Be Professional. ...
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