|
Post by felicity on May 23, 2014 11:21:15 GMT
I need an advice on ethical issue! This my Tea cosy below was sold yesterday in a shop and an owner (who is a friend of mine) in our private conversation mentioned that an elderly lady who bought it said smth like that:" I like it so much, I was saving for a while just to buy it..." I feel really low about it, imagining old lady saving penny from her pension... Because she is coming to the shop sometimes what if I make a small thing (glasscase may be) and ask to give it to her as a "thank you" for appreciation of my work? Could she be offended? Or just forget all this wretched business? It is a delicate matter and I would appreciate any thought or suggestion!
|
|
|
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on May 23, 2014 13:05:59 GMT
While I can understand how you feel about the elderly lady who may have tapped her savings to purchase your tea cosy, I would let it go. She chose to save to purchase the item, and it will probably give her many years of cosy tea.
|
|
|
Post by felicity on May 23, 2014 13:23:04 GMT
I think you are right, it's perhaps the best way just to move on... Thank you Cathy!
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on May 23, 2014 14:38:53 GMT
I agree. I think you should think about it positively. She liked it so much she saved so she could own it. I am sure it will be a proud possession for the rest of her life. It isn't like you forced her to buy it - she really wanted it.
|
|
|
Post by Pandagirl on May 23, 2014 14:40:28 GMT
Personally, I don't think it would hurt to give her a little something. I believe there would be no offense if it were handled discreetly. Perhaps a small discount the next time she comes in. If you made a glass case and she wanted it, you could instruct the shop owner to give her a special discount for being a repeat customer of yours. Perhaps matching coasters? Everyone loves a discount.
I agree with Cathy though, if you save for something, it is more valuable to you when you get it. It's probably one of this little guilty pleasures you allow yourself. We all know that when it comes to fiber. :-).
It's a tough call Felicity. You're the one who has to live with yourself no matter the call.
|
|
|
Post by felicity on May 23, 2014 15:09:44 GMT
Thank you ladies! I will think about all these options trying to be positive as Ruth said.
|
|
|
Post by lyn on May 23, 2014 16:03:25 GMT
Oh Felicity I empathise with you. I think after hearing that I would have wanted to run after the lady and give her money back and let her have the cosy for free!
However, please remember that many elderly people have a lot of pride (quite rightly so) and may be offended by a 'thank you' gift. She is happy with her purchase (and probably just as happy with her budgeting skills) and she obviously decided that the price was right or she wouldn't have bought it.
It's a lovely cosy and I'm sure the lady will get a lot of pleasure from looking at it daily.
|
|
|
Post by zed on May 23, 2014 17:18:37 GMT
Aaw, that is so sweet! I thought exactly the same as Lyn, I'd want to give her a refund and let her have it for free I agree with what people are saying about pride etc, but I don't think she'd be offended if maybe you made her a matching egg cosy or something small and kind of 'novelty' or whimsical. If you do still want to 'reward' her and she goes in the shop often, you could ask your friend/shop owner to apologise and say she forgot to give her a 'money off your next purchse' voucher.
|
|
|
Post by felicity on May 23, 2014 18:07:02 GMT
I am very pleased to introduce some very personal touch to all out business discussions! It's quite unexpected turn, isn't it? Thank you very much for being understanding and sympathetic! I think I will ask the shop owner's advice as well as it will go through her anyway. I really feel better now thanks to everyone!
|
|
|
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on May 23, 2014 21:25:59 GMT
So glad the advice was useful, Felicity! Just one of the things I love about the Forum!!
|
|
|
Post by mrsplop on May 24, 2014 9:48:36 GMT
Aww Felicity, what a kind lady you are! Don't get yourself tied up in knots about it, although I really understand how you feel! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy. If it makes you feel happy to make her a little something, then go with that! But don't feel bad! Like people said on here, she really wanted it, and it's given her joy x
|
|
|
Post by felicity on May 24, 2014 20:52:46 GMT
Thanks, mrsplop!!
|
|
|
Post by mrsplop on May 26, 2014 21:54:18 GMT
You're welcome
|
|
|
Post by mrsplop on May 26, 2014 21:56:19 GMT
ooooooh! I love your work! I've just favourited some of your items on Etsy. I LOVE the sheep tea cosy. Sooo cute!
|
|
|
Post by felicity on May 26, 2014 22:28:06 GMT
Thank you so much!
|
|