First time commissioning something? Not sure what it actually means?
The definition given from the Cambridge Dictionary
Commission - verb (request work)
Commission is to formally choose someone to do a special piece of work, or to formally ask for a special piece of work from someone.
eg- she commissioned an artist to paint her a portrait.
Commissioning a piece of furniture is exactly the same, its the process of hiring myself (or another furniture artist) to turn said piece of furniture into your vision. It's a beautiful way of not having to settle for something that isn't quite right for you be it size, style, colour, handles etc and having the ability to choose all those things yourself without compromise.
There could be many reasons your looking to commission a piece of furniture. It may be that you have a family heirloom you can't bare to get rid of, yet ts current look doesn't fit in with your style. That you are environmentally conscious and believe in helping reduce landfill waste, (read my last blog post for more on why commissioning furniture is a sustainable option). Or the piece you have is of great quality and it just needs a refresh!
I understand that commissioning furniture can be overwhelming especially for the first timer, so I have put together this post to break down my process and to make it a little less daunting!
1. Contact me
Firstly reach out and get in touch! Whether by email, phone call or one of my social media channels, I always aim to get back to you within 24 hours. Let me know what you're looking for, or whether you already have the piece of furniture in question. Tell me what you want the piece to look like when I'm finished with it, (if you aren't sure yet, that's okay, we can discuss this together)! And send me pictures, lots of pictures, it gives me a better visual understanding and will help me advise you better! Also let me know when you would like the work to be carried out and I can provide you with an estimated lead time.
2. Decide and quote
Once you've been in touch and we've discussed the commission in more detail and you have decided on a design I will then email you with a quote. This will be inclusive of the project details such as materials that will be used and whether collection/delivery is included.
3. Book and deposit
When you are ready to go ahead with your quote get back in touch! I require a 50% deposit to book the work in to my diary and to be able to order your materials. We can then arrange a mutually convenient time for me to collect the piece from you myself or book a courier collection, if this is included in your quote.
4. Work underway
Once your piece is with me the magic unfolds! I will have already given you an estimated lead time however I will keep you up to date during the process should any problems or delays occur. If you follow my social medias, you may see sneak previews of your project appear along the way. Once finished I will send you photos to make sure you are happy with your furniture!
5. Final balance and delivery
The most exciting part. Your piece is now finished and ready to make its way home! The remaining balance will now be due and you will be emailed with your invoice. Safely wrapped, we can now arrange for your furniture to be delivered back to you. All commissions now arrive with a care box. Inside you will find, care instructions, a touch up paint in case needed in the future, along with a paintbrush and some felt pads to place on the bottom of heavy items such as lamps. Please note, the piece will not be dispatched until the remaining balance has been cleared.
A little more about delivery
If you are local to myself (Rustington, West Sussex) I will collect and deliver to you myself. If you are slightly further afield do not worry as I will book for you a trusted courier service with Xpert Delivery who deliver to most of UK Mainland, their aim is to collect your item and deliver it to you within 7 working days and they will contact you directly with a delivery time slot that you will need to confirm! You can read more about Xpert Delivery on their website here.
Good to know
-If you are wanting a piece but you can't find what you are looking for get in touch so I can source it for you.
-I usually only have your piece with me for two-three weeks before its ready to go home.
-There's plenty of before and afters of previous commissions on my website so check them out for inspo.
-Don't worry if you loose the care advice sheet for your furniture as you can find that on my website too!
-If you are local and want to deliver to me/collect from me yourself, that is absolutely fine.
-Once work has been agreed and the deposit paid if you want to add or change anything to the agreed design this may not be possible and if it is additional costs may occur and the original lead time may increase. Commissions are also non refundable. More info can be found on my refund policy here.
If after this post you have any other unanswered questions then please do get in touch! I hope to be working on a commission to create your dream statement piece some time in the near future!
