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That’s a shame sorry to hear that. Looks fantastic. Surely you’d be able to sell it on Facebook woodworking marketplace or something similar?

Cheers
Nathan

To be honest, things like that are cash up front for me, or at the very very least a nonrefundable deposit.

That's a really nice box, I am sure you could sell it

George

Great looking box ….. crazy that they wouldn’t take it. Commission work is difficult, but at the end of the day the box was more than acceptable and the buyer should have been paying.

I agree, that's a really nice box RGP, a real pity they didn't buy it.

Very nice box.

Commissioned work always carries an element of risk for both the maker / creator and the client. Interpreting the brief, keeping the client informed and managing their expectations is part of the maker / artists role in the "contract". Managing the fallout of "buyer regret" is also part of the deal. So is learning a few negotiation skills. Some of the nicest people can be complete a$$holes when it comes to securing payment. Often its a ruse to barter the price down. Call their bluff on that one - "oh that's unfortunate, no worries, it will easily sell for me."

By sending in-progress photos, and receiving approval, I believe you have more than fulfilled your part of the contract. Unfortunately, without taking a deposit, you have been placed in a situation where you have little or no redress with the client failing to meet their obligations. Whether their claim is legitimate relies upon how well they were informed, what information was supplied yadda yadda. Irrespective, its not worth the fight and much better sense to be gracious. Politely inform them that you sincerely regret the box does not meet their expectations, and now their expectations are more clear, you are willing to accept a new commission on a 50% non-refundable deposit, and 50% on completion payment plan. Further explain that you retain ownership of the completed box from the failed commission and the right to now sell it on.

Many of us have been in this situation and have sought advice on what are our rights as a commissioned maker. I've experienced it a couple of times. For makers of small items wearing the risk is perhaps simpler than complicating matters with contracts, invoices etc. However if you stand to lose significant (to you) material costs, or the item is so unique that it would be difficult to on sell - insist on a deposit of a minimum 50% of the agreed sale / commission price! I rarely take on a commission, not worth the hassles, and haggling.

I found this article a few years back - sums it up pretty well imo.

An Artist's Business Guide To Commissions (forbes.com)

Surprisingly some failed commissions or more correctly delivered works not paid for, have come good for me by not having the "fight." One memorable one for me was making "arms" for martial arts dummies for a martial arts instructor - and a very good one! Hardly going to "send the boys around to collect." I supplied the agreed items, client was happy, payment was somewhat delayed - almost two years. Turned out his personal circumstances took a bit of a dive, chewing up his cash flow and higher family commitments. More pride than anything I think. All good in the end.

Another was for 40 + identical laminated items for "team" trophies to be delivered to a very tight time line for a carnival. Previous supplier a noted professional supplier of goods to the sport "failed to deliver" - I suspect negotiations stalled. I initially declined due to personal health issues but the committee of local identities pleaded for assistance. Terms were agreed, no sample available, sketches made, deposit paid, lots of late nights - items delivered to sketched specification before the agreed deadline. At 11th hour the client/s then wanted to amend specification which required significant rework, particularly time consuming with the finishing. It seems other committee members chimed in with "they would look better if...." I pushed back and said NO - I have delivered to agreed terms, there is not sufficient time, you risk not having them completed at all. Finally sanity prevailed. Then a few years later by chance I noticed what I though was one of my supplied items so introduced myself to the person who happened to be wearing one of the "trophies" crafted by the previous supplier. I was a little annoyed, bemused, etc by the whole episode of supplying as my work was easily equal to the other parties work. A valuable lesson learned.

Just out of interest and to perhaps help others faced with a similar situation.

1. Was the interior and exterior sealed the same way?

2. Was it just the internal finish colour that was objected to?

3. Was a price agreed upon prior to commencing the commission?

It sounds like an excuse for not wanting to follow through with the sale.

The Blackwood had a bit of a rough patch I use shellac to even out the grain I would normally not use any 2nd grade wood but the size of the box & what little wood I had., not bad enough to use any epoxy too much for thick CA glue. I gave the whole inside the shellac treatment I don't like waste & I don't return anything to the can. The outside I used a wipe on poly product, beeswax & a light Organo Oil to give the sheen. Shellac is an excellent grain sealer for darker timbers I use it often, the wipe on poly is oil based takes far too long to cure.

Sorry to hear that - that's disappointing. Hope you find another home for it!

I do almost entirely commission work. I ask for a 50% deposit for large projects and upfront payment for smaller items. It's just not worth the risk otherwise. This way the client has skin in the game too because they've actually paid some or all of the price already.