If you went into a wedding dress maker and asked them to make a custom dress, would they design a dress before you gave a deposit?

If you wanted a custom-made home that was not in the builder’s portfolio, would you see the design before putting in a deposit?

If you went to a professional; a lawyer, a doctor or an engineer, for their expert opinion in a letter, would you get the letter before paying for the opinion?  And in most cases, would they even begin to start without you giving them a retainer?

The answer to all of the above is, “no”.

I use this analogy, because I am asked many times to come up with a design for a custom or bespoke jewellery item.  Often, I am asked to show my design sketch or computer renderings before the client has even committed to the project.  Just like any other professional, it takes time and effort to produce a sketch or computer rendering.  And the old saying is, “time is money.”  

I need to have an idea of what size and shape the gemstones or diamonds are for a project in advance.  If I don’t have those, I can change my renderings or sketch but again it takes time.  To come up with a design and sketch, can take an hour or sometimes a few hours.  To set up a computer aided design (CAD) can be anywhere from thirty minutes to a few hours depending on the complexity of the design.  I have also been asked to send my designs electronically even though I have no deposit or commitment from the client.  I can’t do that securely without a commitment or how would I be able to be compensated by the client if they took my design to a competitor?

A rendering of a computer aided design that was complex and took almost three hours to complete.

I can give a true story that taught me a lesson that my time and expertise is valuable.  I had a very good client that wanted a ring for their daughter.  I did not take a deposit (and my staff were quick to question me).  I produced twenty-three unique colored sketches and three CAD versions to show the client.  The client decided they would wait and would not proceed.  I spent close to 25 hours and was left with some very pretty sketches but nothing for my time.

I have kept track over the last several years.  I spend on average, eight hours a week working on designs and sketches or renderings.  Imagine if you worked one day a week at your job for free.  It would likely make you an unhappy employee.  

That is why sketches, designs and CAD renderings require a deposit before I start.