Before any further detailed discussions can proceed, a deposit representing a third of the proposed commission price must be paid. At this point, the commission is entered on my building schedule and an approximate delivery date is established. Details are subsequently established precisely after one or more additional conversations. I submit by mail a commission contract specifying final cost, features, appointments, materials and design of the commission and applicable refund policies. Signed copies are exchanged.
Contact is renewed when construction of the buyer's instrument is about to commence.
When the instrument is completed, the final balance becomes due before the instrument is delivered. If the instrument is shipped to the buyer, a check for the final balance must be received before shipment. The check is held uncashed until the buyer receives, evaluates and approves the sale. If the buyer does not accept the instrument for good cause, the final balance check is returned immediately upon receipt of the instrument in saleable condition. However, there is always a first time, and I know that potential buyers need understand what my refund policy is, so that they can decide the nature of the potential risks which are indeed involved.