Zionsville is off MY list. Bad PR spreads quickly in this hobby. I hope it was worth it to the owner of Zionsville to pull this “stunt”. Had to be a very “expensive” $3000 (just guessing) learning experience for the owner.
If the owner were to fess up it could help. People do make mistakes, intentionally or not. This sounds intentional.
I will tell an unpleasant story on myself that had a good ending luckily.
These three painting were in a show and I promised all three to a couple in Castle Rock after the show started, nothing to do with the show. So once the show is over, they are taking down the paintings and a guy who works in the fancy skyscraper (or what passes for a skyscraper here in Denver) hosting the show says, “HEY!! Where are you going with MY painting? You can’t take that!!” Turns out he loved the aspen painting on the right and said, “Every morning I come in to work and spend time looking at that painting and I love it!”
The director of the show calls me up and asks (the show is officially over) what to do.
“Does he have a check in hand?” I say.
“Yes.”
“Sell it to him. Now. Immediately.”
I know, I know, I know. I got greedy. I agonized all the way to Castle Rock later that night when I was delivering the two (not three) paintings.
What do I do? What do I say? Can I make up some excuse? Is there someone else to blame for this? Like the show director and I claim ignorance?
I decided to take the advice I give my children all the time…be honest, take personal responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may. At least you can look in the mirror if nothing else.
What happened? It turns out the space where they wanted the two aspen paintings couldn’t possibly fit two paintings that size, but they were so impressed with my work (who’s to argue with that? not me) and clearly taken with my honesty, that they commissioned a painting for over their fireplace, which was duly painted, delivered, and paid for. They were thrilled.
So I ended up selling four paintings instead of three, but I swear to God I never did and never will sell the same painting twice again.
Greg Elmassian said:
Mike, not to belabor an unpleasant subject, but I cannot understand your response.
Bob talked to the owner on the phone, made the deal, then the owner reneged on the deal.
This was on the phone, not email tag.
Greg
That’s my monkey wrench … I wondered if we got it before he had time to sort it out.
Mike replied to that…
John
All I know guys is the model was for sale, but needed to be checked out for proper functioning of the DCC and Sound. That is what I was told. I told Rick, as I was taking a picture of it, that I would post it to the guys online to help him get the model sold. So he was aware what I was going to do. What he did between agreeing to a price ect with the customer, then selling it out from under him is just shameful. I will not be posting anything else he has for sale anymore. He has burnt that bridge. I am confused myself and this isn’t how Rick is, atleast I have never see him do anybody wrong on anything. I will be stopping by the shop later this week after taking my wife to a Dr appt, should be interesting to see if anything is said. Not sure if I will poke the bear or not. But I may since he has ticked me off with this act as well. Mike
Hey Mike,
Don’t burn the bridge in front of you. If you still get deals there, continue to do so. Pulling back of the free advertising is enough.
John
ditto…
Greg