Thanks to modern machinery, cheap materials, and the exploitation of Third World workers, mass production has changed the way we perceive the value of goods. But our desire for original, handmade things hasn't disappeared.
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After going through Krafty Katt's creations, one man contacted the crocheter with a big request: he wanted a 100% wool queen-size blanket, done in a complex stitch. Being the pro that she is, Krafty Katt was up for it.
However, the man soon turned out to be the worst choosing beggar and tried to bully Krafty Katt into slavery. But she was having none of it.
Image credits: storebukkebruse (not the actual photo)
"I'm just a hobby crocheter and trying to keep it that way," Krafty Katt told Bored Panda. "I rarely do commissions, usually just done to reinvest money in my hobbies."
"Most people are extremely polite when inquiring about prices; I've been told one other time that I overcharge and that was as rude as it got before this."
Claire Beveridge, a digital marketing consultant based in Vancouver, Canada, said that while a client making unreasonable requests might make you want to go berserk on them, it's imperative you keep your cool.
"Leave their request until you've had a chance to calm down and reflect – whether this takes twenty minutes or twenty hours," Beveridge explained. "Of course, deadlines are important but it's worth taking the time to respond in a manner that will strengthen your professional relationship rather than destroy it."
"People hire freelancers because of their skill-set and expertise, not as a dogsbody. If a client is going against your professional opinion, you have a right to explain why you think they’re wrong. If they don’t respect this, the options are simple: grin and bear it, or fire them."
According to Beveridge, when a client makes a request that is unreasonable, you have to ensure that your subsequent communication is clear and concise. Be straightforward. "Communicating with clients is really important in getting to the bottom of their concern."
However, at the end of the day, you have to remember that you are free. "If your client is truly abysmal to work with – get rid, life is too short!" Beveridge said. "Yes, they may be paying lucratively for your services (or, even worse, paying you very badly – in which case, why are you sticking with them?) but are they really worth the hassle?" Spending hours feeling angry or annoyed or stressed is just not worth it.
If we were to evaluate the way Katt handled the situation through Beveridge's eyes, it's obvious the crocheter did a wonderful job.
"I'm not a business, so I really don't consider anyone a 'potential customer', and if they're rude I have no problem dishing it back," Katt explained. "I don’t need to worry about negative reviews or anything like that, the repercussions for me are virtually zero."
Krafty Katt's actual customers (normal people) are really happy with her work. Katt's ETSY store, for example, has sold 125 items and the average item review is 5 stars.
People absolutely loved the way this crocheter handled the situation
