Random thought with a question

[edicehouse]

I guess here is the best place to get the best sample.

I find it seems when people get free stuff they do not always value it as much as something they pay for.

I have this friend that has bought several pens from me. They are the ones that I often will show a couple I finished up, and they will either grab one and ask how much or just talks about them. So it is a no pressure sale. I generally do not think about if he will buy one or not, because he enjoys talking about them. He had bought a cigar pen from me that had one of my blanks. He had carried that pen around for about 3 months, and "advertised" it to people. In that span he had bought several more pens. We had gone to a meeting and when we got back his pen was missing could not find it. So since he bought so many from me in such a short period of time, and led to more sales, I made him another one, same plating, same blank, same back paint. Well he never carried it around after I gave it to him, he carries around another cigar pen. It just seems that he doesn't have the same "pride" in the one given to him as the one he had bought.

Am I reading too much into this or is this a valid thought?




PS We are supposed to get a big storm so everyone left work about 2 hours ago, and I am just trying to finish up the hour so I can head out.:glasses-nerdy:

 

[Mike Powell]

In my opinion, maybe it means more to him because you gave it to him and he doesnt want this one to disappear. It could have more sentimetal value. Since you thought enough of him to make him another since his first walked off.

 

[Haynie]

These are handmade artifacts. You did NOT make him the same one. You may have come close but it is not the same item.

Both my favorite pens "disappeared" (some rat bastard took them out of my desk). I pulled out the same material, same kit and guess what? No matter what I could not make the same pens. I have to make something completely different. Might be the issue. Maybe offer him a chance to choose. He has made you some cash, as you said.

 

[wayneryan65]

I agree with Mike he probably keeps it in a safe place so it won't walk off like the last one. If your concerned and he is a good friend just ask him?

Assuming of some ones intent or thoughts will only create animosity and worry

 

[kovalcik]

It could very well be either of the above reasons, but I am going to take a different viewpoint. Since you gave it to him as a gift, you need to just let it go. If he feels he needs to use it to make you feel good, that is unfair to him. There should be no strings attached. You know he appreciates and respects your work from the previous pens he bought from you. If he is afraid of losing it again so keeps it under wraps or if the replacement was "just not the same" should not matter. Just keep showing him your new pens and see if he still buys one occasionally.