The Danger of False Promises: When Makers Ask for 250 Units and Only Buy 10

As makers, we build our businesses and communities on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. But what happens when that trust is broken? One of the most frustrating situations many makers face is when a client promises a large order—let’s say 250 units—only to drastically reduce it when the work is done, leaving the maker with unused materials, wasted time, and a lot of frustration.

The 250-Unit Promise that Became 10

Picture this: You’re approached by a fellow maker or small business owner who requests a custom order for 250 units of a product you create. This could be anything from laser-engraved pieces to CNC machined parts. Naturally, you’re excited about the opportunity—250 units represent a significant amount of revenue and a chance to really showcase your work.

You begin by gathering materials, investing in the supplies needed for such a large order. You might even buy in bulk to keep costs down and pass the savings on to the client. You commit days, maybe even weeks, of production time to get everything ready.

But then, at the last minute, the client changes the order. Instead of the agreed-upon 250 units, they only want 10.

This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious problem. You’ve already spent time, money, and resources preparing for a much larger order. Now, with only 10 units being purchased, you’re left holding the bag with extra materials, unsold products, and financial strain.

The Financial Fallout of Broken Promises

For makers, margins can be tight. Large orders like this help us justify buying materials in bulk and investing in equipment or labor to fulfill the order. When a client cuts the order from 250 to just 10, the financial impact is significant.

Imagine the cost of materials you’ve already purchased based on the original order. Wood, leather, hardware—whatever your medium, those supplies now sit unused, tying up your cash flow and leaving you wondering if you’ll ever get the chance to use them. Add to that the lost production time, and you’ve potentially put your business behind for weeks.

What’s worse, you likely offered a discount or special pricing based on the volume of the original 250-unit order. With the order now slashed to 10, that pricing no longer makes sense. Yet, renegotiating after production has begun is difficult, and you’re often left absorbing the financial hit just to maintain goodwill.

The Emotional Toll of an Undermined Deal

There’s also an emotional toll that comes with being let down like this. As makers, we take pride in our work. We go above and beyond to deliver high-quality, custom pieces, often pouring our creativity and passion into each item. When a client drastically reduces their order, it feels like a betrayal of trust—like your work and effort aren’t respected.

For many makers, this kind of setback can lead to burnout. You begin to question whether you can trust future clients or if you need to be more guarded in your dealings, which takes some of the joy out of the creative process.

How to Protect Yourself as a Maker

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your business from clients who overpromise and underdeliver? Here are a few strategies that can help you avoid these situations:

1. Always Require a Deposit
   For any large order, it’s essential to ask for a deposit—typically 50% upfront. This not only secures the client’s commitment to the order but also helps cover your initial costs for materials and production. If a client is serious about a large order, they won’t hesitate to put down a deposit.
2. Establish Clear Contracts
   Contracts are your best friend when dealing with large orders. A simple agreement that outlines the quantity, pricing, timeline, and payment terms will protect both parties and set clear expectations from the start. Include clauses about cancellations or changes in the order size, with appropriate penalties for drastic reductions after work has begun.
3. Set Milestone Payments
   For larger, complex orders, consider breaking the project into milestones. Rather than producing all 250 units at once, create a portion of the order first—say 50 units—then require payment before continuing to the next batch. This way, you’re not overextending yourself if the client decides to reduce the order partway through.
4. Price Accordingly
   When pricing your work, consider including a clause in your contracts that the price is based on volume. If the client reduces the order from 250 to 10, the price per unit should adjust accordingly. You should not be stuck honoring bulk pricing when the order no longer qualifies as a bulk order.
5. Trust Your Instincts
   If a deal feels off, trust your gut. Sometimes clients will overpromise to secure a discount or to get their project prioritized. Be wary of anyone who hesitates to agree to a deposit or contract. Walking away from a questionable deal is far better than taking a loss on materials, time, and effort.

Building a Community on Trust

The maker community is built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Unfortunately, not every client will honor these values. By taking steps to protect yourself and your business, you can minimize the risk of being taken advantage of.

It’s important to remember that your time, skills, and materials have value. Don’t be afraid to enforce boundaries or walk away from deals that don’t serve your business. In the long run, it’s better to focus on clients who appreciate your work and respect your terms.

As makers, we thrive when we lift each other up and maintain open, honest communication. Let’s work together to create a community where makers support each other—through fair business practices, clear communication, and respect for the value that each of us brings to the table.