re: Big commission piece coming my way

Lesson learned: “What is your budget for this job.”

I’ve had people state I shouldn’t expect to earn more than fifteen an hour, thinking they’d have access to tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment (via me, of course) to accomplish their unique tasks.

As I put it to one guy, who complained about the thirty-five dollar glass etched mirror I did for him, for his in-laws anniversary: “When you send it, insure it for three hundred.” By the way, you earn twelve an hour and begrudge me the same, but you merely have to show up, while I have to do the design, acquire the materials, fabricate the project and do all of it using a building and equipment I provide. I gave you a good deal, as a friend. It was your last deal."

By the way, he packed the etched mirror poorly and, in the end, the U.S. Post Office paid him three hundred for the loss.

Fortunately, we learn, even from idiots and fools.