**Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 149 “The Artisan Chronicles”

My most interesting experience with craftsmen was. When I had to get a dress made that was some different from the usual design. I had seen a beautiful design. And I thought that it would look even more beautiful. If it was made with the colors of my choice and a few changes. So I contacted a local tailor. At first I thought that he might not understand me completely. Because I only had a picture. And I myself was not able to describe every detail in the right words.

I showed him the picture and told him about my choice. He listened to me very attentively and then asked me several questions. He asked what occasion the dress was for. What kind of fitting I liked. What kind of sleeves I wanted and how prominent the work should be. At that moment I realized for the first time what. We as customers consider to be just “a dress” has many small details inside it for a craftsman.

At one point after the work began. The tailor told me that making the design exactly. As I wanted it might make the dress feel a bit heavy. He suggested an alternative method. At first I was a little skeptical fearing that my taste might be spoiled but I trusted him. Finally when the dress was finished. I found him right. His suggestion made the design more balanced and beautiful.

Another thing that impressed me a lot in this experience. I saw that a craftsman does not just sit in front of the machine and sew a garment. But he thinks about each step. Minor differences in measurements. The type of fabric, the direction of stitching. And the layout of the design are all part of his work. We often see the value of the finished item. But ignore the hard work behind it.

After the work was completed. I thanked the craftsman and appreciated his hard work. This experience created a new way of thinking about craftsmen in my mind. Now, when I look at something handmade or crafted. I don’t just think about how much it costs. But also about how much time experience. And skill the person who made it put into it.

This experience is special to me. Because it taught me that a good result is not just about the customer’s wishes. It also requires the customer’s clear communication. The craftsman’s experience and trust between the two.

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◉What do you think is the biggest problem between artisans and their customers?◉

I think the biggest problem between craftsmen. And customers is not just the price. But a misunderstanding of each other’s expectations. Many times the customer has a complete picture in his mind. But is unable to convey it to the craftsman in the right way. On the other hand the craftsman understands the work according to his own expertise. And the perception in both their minds becomes different. This difference later causes complaints and resentment.

I have noticed many times that a customer. Upon seeing something, says “I want it exactly like this”. But “exactly like this” can mean different things to both. The customer may be talking about the color design and shape. While the craftsman may be considering the fabric stitching or the way of working more important. If these details are not discussed at the beginning. In the end the customer says that the work did not turn out as per my expectations. And the craftsman replies that I did exactly what you said.

Time is also a big issue. The customer wants his work to be completed quickly. While the craftsman may have several other tasks at the same time. Sometimes the craftsman gives a date for completing the work that is not realistic. When he is not able to deliver the work on time. The customer's trust is reduced.

In addition there is a difference in understanding the value of the craftsman's labor. Some customers only see the price of the raw material. And do not give separate importance. to the skill experience and time of the craftsman. On the other hand some craftsmen do not explain the price to the customer completely. And later demand additional money. In such a case, distrust arises on both sides.

I think another important problem is. People do not express complaints in a proper manner. If the customer sees any deficiency in the work. He should respectfully tell the craftsman. Similarly the craftsman should also try to understand. What is the problem first. Instead of rejecting the customer immediately.

The most important thing in this whole matter is communication. A clear discussion about the design quality price time. And payment before starting the work can eliminate many problems. If any change is made during the work. Its additional time and cost should also be discussed first.

In my opinion the relationship between the craftsmen. And the customer deteriorates when both see only their own rights. If both understand each other's constraints and needs. Many problems will automatically reduce. A customer should remember that. The person in front of him is also a human being. Who earns a living from his skills and the craftsman should remember that. The customer is getting his service with the earnings of his hard work. This understanding can become the basis of a better relationship.

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◉Should a customer pay an artisan the full amount before the work is completed?◉

I don’t think it’s always right to pay the full amount to the craftsman before the work is done. But I also don’t think the craftsman should start work without any advance payment. There should be a way between the two parties that protects. The craftsman’s hard work and expenses and the customer’s money.

If I were to get something made by a craftsman myself. I would consider it better to give a reasonable advance. There is a simple reason for this. The craftsman may have to buy several things to start the work. If he is buying special fabric wood thread paint or any other material for me. He will need some money at the beginning. In such a case giving an advance is both a sign of trust for him. And also helps him to start the work.

But I feel cautious about paying the full amount upfront. When a person pays the full amount upfront. He does not have much control over the quality or timing of the work. If the craftsman is late for some reason or the work is not up to the required standard. The customer may face difficulties. Especially when the craftsman and the customer do not know each other well in advance.

I think that payment in stages is the most balanced approach. For example some money can be paid in advance when starting the work. Then another payment can be made. When the work reaches a significant stage. And the rest after the work is completed. This way. Both parties can work in a safe way without having to completely trust each other.

However the nature of each job is different. If a craftsman is making something specifically for a customer that he cannot sell to anyone else. It may be understandable to ask for a larger advance. For example if an item of a specific size or design is being made for only one customer. There is also a financial risk for the craftsman.

I think the real problem is not the money. But the lack of clarity of the principle. Before starting work. It should be decided what the total price is. How much to pay upfront. When the rest is due and how additional changes to the work will be priced.

I personally think it is better to have a situation. Where both the craftsman and the customer are satisfied. The craftsman is sure that he will be fully compensated for his labor. While the customer is satisfied that his money is safe. And he will get the desired work.

Therefore in my opinion trust clear terms. And payment in stages is a more appropriate approach. Than paying the full amount upfront. This not only simplifies financial matters. blbut also strengthens the trust between the craftsman and the customer.

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◉What can artisans and customers do differently to make their working relationship better?◉

I think there is a good relationship between a craftsman and a customer. Cannot be established by the efforts of just one person. Both have to fulfill certain responsibilities in their respective places. If the customer makes his point clear. The craftsman works honestly and both respect each other. Then even a simple transaction can turn into a good and long lasting relationship.

First of all the customer should make his expectations clear. He should not assume that the craftsman himself will understand. What he has in mind when he gets the work done by the craftsman. If a specific design color size or quality is required. Then it should be clarified in advance. If there is a picture or sample. It can also be very helpful.

Similarly the customer should value the craftsman's time. If a specific time is required for a job. He should not demand it to be done quickly again and again. The craftsman may be looking after the work of several customers at the same time. However the craftsman also has a responsibility not to make promises that he cannot fulfill.

I think the craftsman should be completely transparent about the price. He should tell the customer before starting the work how much the total cost will be and what it includes. If any additional work or expensive materials are required later. The customer should be asked for permission first. This way later on there will be no feeling that one party has been unfairly treated.

The customer should also not focus only on getting a low price. An expert craftsman may cost more than someone. Who is just learning the job. But behind the high price there may also be experience quality and time. If we always look for the cheapest work. We may not get the quality we are expecting.

Another important thing is the attitude in case of a mistake. Humans can make mistakes. If there is a problem with the work. The customer should be spoken to respectfully rather than angry or harsh words. The craftsman should also see the complaint as an opportunity to do better. Rather than treating it as a personal insult.

In my opinion the best relationship is one in which. Both parties do not see each other as just "customers" or "craftsmen". But understand each other's hard work and needs. The customer should pay on time. Give clear instructions and respect the craftsman's expertise. The craftsman should work honestly keep his promises, and maintain quality.

If both parties value communication trust respect honesty and punctuality the work will be better. And so will the relationship. I think these small changes can create a relationship between craftsmen. And customers that are not just about getting a job done. But also about building trust for the future.

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Thank you for being with me.

@m-princess

@steem4nigeria