The Dummy Shoppe Standard Procedure for Custom Orders

 
Because we live in a "Mass Produced" world, The Dummy Shoppe wants to take a step back in time to a day when you would contact an artisan, tell them specifically what you wanted, and have every reasonable expectation of getting what you wanted and more.  To that end, we at The Dummy Shoppe want you to be involved from the beginning to obtain the perfect marriage of our skills and your talents.  This can only be achieved through good communication and planning.
 
For our domestic customers JET likes to spend a little time on the phone with the vent.  (This usually takes about 10 minutes)  She goes through a list of things that you want to see in the finished puppet.  JET will then work up a final price for the puppet, and we will then send you an Email with an outline of our mutual expectations and the outline of the agreement.  When you respond to the Email, acknowledging that you are in agreement, with the requirements and the anticipated time line, the process will begin.  (For our international Vent friends, we apologize that we will have to take a little longer and do all our communicating via Email.)
 
At this time, 1/2 of the price needs to be submitted as a down payment.  We don't like doing this, but common sense and hard experience have dictated this policy. 
 
Once the down payment is received, JET will then create the head and we will send you a few pics for your approval or modifications.  If need be, she will spend more phone time.  (Please Note: If you have provided photos of your project, the phone consultation may not be needed.)
 
When you approve of the head shots, JET will then create the body.  More pics will be sent to you.  After any last changes are made, and you indicate that you are satisfied with the puppet, then the balance is due.   
 
Once you indicate that you are happy with the final puppet, upon receipt of your final payment, we will box it all up and send it your way. 
 
All aspects of our relationship will be kept confidential unless we have your prior permission to use your name or act.  We do however, reserve the right to use all puppet photos as tools to show other vents what we can create.
 
If you would be so kind as to send us your name and phone number, along with times that JET can call you with minimal disturbance to your schedule, she will contact you and discuss the exact requirements that you have for your puppet.  (We promise that your information will be kept in confidence and never passed on to others for any reason.)
 
One of the key policies that we have, has been driven by complaints we have heard from folks about their relationships with other builders.  We believe that communication is an absolute must.  If you contact us for any reason, we endeavor to respond to all Emails as promptly as possible.  We try to always respond to all Emails within not more than 4 - 8 hours on weekdays and and not more than about 24 hours on weekends not counting holidays.
 
Another practice that we have is that we will tell you in advance when your puppet will be completed.

To date we have been fortunate enough to have never missed a deadline.  (It could happen, but you will at least hear from us in advance.)
 
Thanks.
 
The Dummy Shoppe

 
"We aim to start with a customer and finish with a friend"