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[blasphemina]

I hate when people want to order from me because they think since I'm a Western designer I should and will charge significantly less on something they found on a site in japan. And that I'll make them a replica. And they say it as though they are doing ME a favor by giving me this pittance

Comments

[indigo_tide]

I have the same grievances in graphic design. And lately, I give in just to get it out of my face. But I'm paid a salary by someone else, so they can throw me crap all they want. I regret doing what I'm doing and am working to switch it up but it will take years to build up clientele to freelance. And I'm sure I'll still have jackasses telling me they want a logo like starbucks, but a little different.

Keep doing what you're doing. It will pay off. And tune out the annoying crap.

[kuronekohime]

I hate making replicas.

[blasphemina]

Don't do it.

[blasphemina]

LOL, shut up Maggie XD

[014589]

I don't think it has much to do with American vs Japanese at all tbh. For example, if you were Ralph Lauren and you came out with a really great looking loltia line, I'm sure people would be MORE then willing to shell out just as much money for a dress.

I'm not sure how bad they were trying to low ball you, but I think most people probably expect an independent designer to be cheaper then some of the bigger more established brands. Also, they may just not know you well heard your name around the community figured you would be willing to do a replica since a lot of seamstresses on egl do (and usually fail at btw)

On the other hand, if they have been following your work for any amount of time then they are pretty dense...but I wouldn't take it to heart or get offended by it. Just sounds ignorant to me.

[blasphemina]

It was a $211 wool coat from Cosmates with fur, %100 wool and a detachable cape. She wanted to pay waaaay less than that. I believe the line was, "I have found a gothic lolita coat that is from Japan. Obviously I don't wish to pay for it; being as much as it is. Plus, you were at Anime Detour once and I thought it would be a help to you to get another order."

I was blunt, not rude, and gave her tips but she still said she felt like she'd been "kicked in the teeth", but that it wasn't my fault and she knew prices "rise and fall for whatever reason". I told her to find a home sewer, not a designer, if she wants to pay so much less.

[014589]

Costmates? Don't they sell cheap stuff anyway? I thought they basically bought stuff from other sights and jacked up the prices a bit? I'm pretty sure that most the stuff there is fanplusfriend. If a coat like that was actually brand it would be far more then 211 dollars lol. Tell her to go directly to fanplusfriend and she will probably get it cheaper.

[blasphemina]

It was most definitely not brand. It's was just "from Japan." so we know what that could mean :/

But my favorite was this, "Obviously I don't wish to pay for it; being as much as it is."

Yes, obviously

[chouyu_31]

Form letter time!

I'm sorry, you seem to have confused me with an amateur seamstress. Thank you, but I am a professional designer. I do not do replicas. I do not do inexpensive knock-offs of someone else's designs. If you have linked to a design on some site and have offered me a fraction of what they are charging, you are explicitly saying that what I'm doing is not worth the money, and I can't help but be offended. Take your "business" to someone who would feel honored by your offer, and please never email me again. Thank you.

[blasphemina]

"Unfortunately I would likely charge about 350-380 for a coat like that. Also, I do not do replicas. I find it rude to the original designer. I appreciate the offer, but the thing is, Lolita clothing is terribly time and cost consuming to make. That is why it costs the price it does. 100% wool is pretty spendy. Even at the warehouse by me it's at least $20 a yard and that coat would call for 6-8 yards of wool. Plus lining. Plus fake fur. Plus buttons. Plus time. Plus shipping. Plus interfacing. Plus labels. Plus time drafting the pattern. Plus electricity to power everything that needs using to make the garment

[chouyu_31]

That's not nearly as snarky as they deserve, but probably better PR. :)

[blasphemina]

I try my best to thorough and honest without being rude.