Do you find yourself

[Kenny_S]

Do you find yourself in a position where you can't or don't say "NO" to someone.
Well, I find myself in the position again. Not that I don't want or not willing, but letting mysef get that way. Well, these sweet elect ladies from the church ask me once again if I could carve some items for their auction. No problem, but will be away for about a two weeks to a month of that time. My solution was to hand over some carvings that was ear marked foranother auction for Domestic Violence Abuse group in Witchita Ks, but their auction isn't till june and I know I can have some more items carved plus, I will be taking my carving "stuff" with me in case I have time(which I think I will).

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy helping others but sometimes the timing isn't all that great.
Question I was wondering if others find themselves in this position?
Comment if you want, if not, understandable.Wink

[Mitchell]

This has become an issue for me as well. I do not mind donating a carving....it's generally the time with which I have to work with that becomes the issue.

To "fix" that, I have carved a couple of medium sized carvings that I keep in an inventory of sorts. When I get a request, I will take from the inventory and add to my to-do list to fill that slot in my inventory. As long as I don't get too many requests AND keep the discipline to fill the empty slot, then it seems to work out fine.

Mitch

[Hugh]

Like the others I find that situation rears its head once inawhile. Giving away duck decoys seems to be a favourite request. Usually I set a minimum price, (1/2 price) they get what it brings over the minimum price. I donate to worthy causes, but sometimes there can be a lot of worthy causes. Not many people will take a weeks pay, and give it away. That is the case with me, I'm not a mean person, but when it comes to paying the bills, the bills come first.Thumbs Up

I'm sure its safe to say that we all want to help people when ever we can to a certain degree.

However, our carvings are not the same as other auction pieces.

Take for example, a donated gift certificate to a local restaurant. Have you ever used one? I bet also that you had to dig into your pocket for some more money to when the final bill came, the restaurant actually gets some business from those certificates.

The other thing I've noticed is that once you start donating to events, your requests for more donated items get multiplied faster, more and more people start contacting you.

Hence, do not be scared to place a value on your piece, they understand and their just happy to get a favorable responce. Remember, you can donate your time and talents, but at least try to get a value for your cost of wood, paint, finishing, tool wear-n-tear, etc. I agree with Hugh, 1/2 value of what it could be sold for is very honorable for artistic hand crafted items, set your price, they get some money and you get some money, just like the restaurant owner when his certificates come back in.

Just my two cents worth.......

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

your post gave me an idea Bill! How about a gift certificate for so much off a carving? Thats just as good as a restaurant or any other gift certificate!

[Hugh]

Hey Dave, how about a gift certificate for some of that Desert Heat?? I would buy a couple myself.!!!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

sure...but you have to pick them up, we don't deliver!Wink

[Kenny_S]

I forgot to post in my original post How they ask me. First, Understand, It is the ladies from my church and was asked if I could whip out a few carvings like it can be done in a couple of minutes or 10. The few got me so when I handed them 3 items they just looked at me. So, I asked them how many did they think a "few" was and point blank, they wanted 10 items. Now here is where I am willing to help out but not 10 Large items like they wanted. So, The original three and 7 (1 hour carving time each) Christmas Ornaments. Met their demands but Me thinks one was a little put off. They left with the 10 items and 2 of the three ladies said They appreciated the "donations" and thanked me. The other, well, I don't have to answer for her action for sure.

Thank you for the replies and it appears a universal problem.

At least one good thing, They will not be back for a year. Maybe I can get some "stuff" carved up for them the next time.

[jamesfa]

well unfortunately(or fortunately) my carvings are not in demand.but i get a lot of requests on my time for my woodworking skills? and for the use of my truck for transporting various and sundry objects. if you look at my picturetrail in "other projects' you can see one project that took over 2000 hrs.
while i dont mind helping out for a worthy cause i do object to people who ask to have thing done and do not appreciate and/or at least thank you for your efforts.

i quess the people who run a lot of charitable events are happy when someone agrees to help out and the word quickly spreads that you are a willing and more and more requests spring up.
"those that can Do-those that can't send money."

Frank

[Hugh]

My favourite story of this type: A lady came to me last summer for retirement presents, she wanted a Canada Goose, and an Eagle. She had $25. Canadian to pay for it. Seriously, a very nice person, just didn't understand. They were for people retiring, she thought I might be able to help out. FOR DAVE, I will be right there for the gift certificates, would $25. be ok, and we expect breakfast in bed.