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About Me Deviant Premium Member pandariUnited States Recent Activity
Deviant for 8 Years
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**F.A.Q**

Sun Dec 12, 2010, 7:08 PM


Contents

**:star: PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE ENTIRE FAQ. By commissioning me, you are agreeing to all of my terms listed in this FAQ.
If for any reason any of the terms are compromised, your order may be canceled and you may be eligible to receive a partial refund. **Only partial due to material costs. **:star:


Ordering

Disclaimers

:star: :star:Please do not ask me for any of my patterns. When I have any I can share, they will be posted up in due time.  

For the most part, these are all patterns I have drafted (unless noted otherwise) and I make plushes to sell at conventions. Thank you for understanding!

For learning how to make your own plush, I highly recommend checking out this book [link] by !SuzyWong

This is probably the best how-to plush book I've come across for beginners.
Also, you can often find tips by searching around on places like www.crafter.org or other sewing/crafts communities. Also try search DA, several kind artists have put up beginner tutorials.
Many thanks to :iconbabylondonstar: :hug: She is a hero to all plush enthusiasts.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ORDER. Just as you have the right to decline my quote  
Once I provide you with a price quote that's the price unless a specific material is requested. Then your price may go up or down pending on how difficult/expensive it is.

Please do not attempt to haggle with me as I will always try to give you the best price possible. Please respect that my TIME/Skills as well as the cost of materials & shipping goes into making each and every plush.


I do not make any plush(s) and then hold it. When someone pays for it, their payment pays for materials and shipping. This means I do not even start on the plush until I receive payment.

Think of it this way, if I did that the cost of materials comes out of my pocket and then what if they don't end up paying for it or decide they no longer want it?

(I hope that makes it easy to understand without being too strict...)

How to Order


:star: Note me with the subject like "Commission inquiry" (for art trades put "Art Trade inquiry") BE POLITE. Use your manners and tact and I will be very happy to assist you.

:star: If you do not have a Deviantart account and would like to commission me without signing up, after reading through the FAQ please email me at
panda @ kittenpile.com (but remove the spaces)

:star: Please provide a reference picture and as many details as possible so I can calculate a quote. The important things I need to know are:
a) what size you'd like it
b) when you need it by
c) if there is anything specific you'd like it made out of. (this is optional)
d) also how you found me


Even if you don't know an exact size, please take the time to give me a general idea.

*NOTE: I cannot stress enough how I need the reference picture. Essentially what you provide me with is what I'll be making the plush to look as close to as possible. A good reference (or set of reference pictures) should include front/side/back. If the side/back are not important, don't stress but I at least need 1 front reference. I will not go hunting for references as it takes time and I may get something wrong. So I won't do it. Designing (drawing references etc) something for you from scratch may cost extra.  

:star: Next you wait for a reply. I generally reply within 1 day, however when something big is happening (see front page journal) it may take longer.

:star: I will reply with a quote and from there, you decide whether you'd like to commission me or not.

:star: If yes, then we will work out the details.
After receiving payment I will start asap on your commission and update my front page.

:star: If no, then you have no obligations to go through with a commission if you are just asking

***Please have the courtesy of letting me know once I have provided you a quote weather or not you'd like to continue with it. I will not be offended if you say "no" or "no thank you" but it's frustrating not hearing anything back. Thank you for understanding  ***  


:star: payment must be made upfront. Partial payment is only an option on special cases but would need to be discussed before hand pending on the project. If we discuss partial payment, please understand no less than 50% of the cost quoted will be accepted. The rest of the payment will be due before shipping. I will not ever ship out a plush before it is paid for.

:star: Payment forms accepted at this time: Paypal, Postal Money order or concealed cash only. (international is Paypal only)
I will not under any circumstance accept Western union money orders. They must be from either a post office or bank.  If you have any questions, please contact me for further information.

:star: Please note, when ordering a costume from me, shoes are never included unless arranged prior. I do not make shoes.
Also I do not do metal work. I can do simple pieces of jewelry etc, but more complicated pieces such as armor and whatnot I cannot do. I can make fake armors etc though.


Plush Pricing



The cost is determined by complexity of the character, size, materials etc.

Here is a rough starting price list:
Price is PER EACH plush


Human Plushes


5-6" 30-40
7-9" 50-60
10-12" 65-75
14" 100.00
16" 135.00
18" 155.00
20" 180.00

Non-Human Plushes


*Currently not accepting plushes smaller than 6"*
Prices start at:
6" $65
8" $90
10" $110
12-14" $130
15-18" $160



*For bigger sizes, please contact me.


:star:Please note that animals and other plushes that may be requested at 5 inches tall may still be 12 inches long. The price for every plush differs. Animal/Non-human plushes go by a different price listing.

Extra Services


Long pile fur *Special ordered only*
Jointed armatures $10
Magnetic features (Such as kissing plushes or holding items) $10
Custom sound box $20 (up to 10 seconds only)

Regular Beanie filling (Not microbeads) for body plushes  
3-8" +$14
9- 14 $22
14+ Note me

Open mouth for animal plushes +$45

Glow in the dark features:
Starting at $5 extra (Limited service)

Custom resin eyes: limited; $25 and up.

Additional Notes/Shipping


Different types of stuffing may have different prices.
I typically stuff all of my plushes with polyfill which is hypoallergenic and made of recycled fibers.

:star: The micro polystyrene beans (like those squishy pillows [link] ) will cost an additional $20 starting.

If it is a larger plush it may take more than this. It is costly and extremely messy to work with on my end but the results are unbelievably soft and squishy plushes of very good quality.

Unfortunately, there are no suppliers that currently sell this at a lower price or a higher volume so this is the best I can do.  

*Due to the price increase in shipping rates, please let me know if Shipping is international or USA so I may included the price in your quote. Also please specify if you want it a certain method of shipping, otherwise I typically ship via USPS first class mail.

Rush orders available on a case by case basis for an additional fee of min. $25

FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: Please be aware that I will always check the customs forms to say "Gift" and put a low value amount so that you will not be charged any kind of custom fee etc.  


All costume and costume pieces prices vary according to size/fabric type. If Fabric type is not specified, I will use the most economical choice that works best for the costume.


Generally I update commissions with photos with major steps that happen so that you know exactly what you're getting while it's being made. This way if something is wrong, we can get things cleared up before moving to the next step. Typically you will only receive 1-2 updates total. Any major adjustments to plushes (especially things like changes in the head/face) will require an adjustment fee. If it's small details, no worries.

If after you're updated on it: you are unhappy with it and wish for it to be remade out of a different specified fabric - you will be charged a fee due to the time and materials wasted.* (This only applies if we haven't taken care of fabric before hand)


*I ship via USPS
All items will arrive to you clean and in a timely manner.

Art Trade

What is an art trade?


An art trade is where we make each other something and then trade it by sending it to each other.

If you cannot/do not make anything to trade but cannot commission me, you can still check out my wish list below for a plush as well. Details to be discussed via NOTE.

Art Trade Rules


:sun: We both work on our sides of the trade at the same time. Once I'm complete, I'll send you a picture of the finished result. (If you finish first, then you send a picture first)

:sun: Once your side is complete, I'll ask you to send your side first unless I've traded with you before or I know you In Real Life. This is because of previous problems I've encountered getting "burned" after I send my side first and never hear anything back or promises never filled.

:sun: Art trades will be worked on after commissions or between projects. Commissions will always hold top priority unless we've discussed and agreed upon a deadline.

Thank you for understanding!

Art Trade Information



To all who are interested in an art trade, please be sure to show me your previous works as an example. :)

Art trades will generally be considered from people who use other mediums of crafts.
[Especially plushes]


For Example:
If you sew (be it clothes, cosplay, plushes etc)

ONE OF THESE

- Art sculptures
- hand crafted accessories
- Knitted or crocheted goods

I won't always accept other art forms for art trades (but it doesn't hurt to ask.)
But don't get offended if I say no. Please keep in mind I have the right to refuse any trade, just as you do.

Trade Alternatives: Wishlist


:orange: Can't trade? Maybe check one of these places instead. It might be easier for you to buy one of these than it is for me and it'll get you either 1 or possibly more plushes :orange:


:bulletblack: Amazon wishlist

:bulletblack: Mutsumi Inomata Artbook [link]

:bulletblack: A list of things can be found on my etsy favorites: www.pandari.etsy.com

:bulletblack:  Limited edition Fruits Basket Tohru Pinky Street figure

:bulletblack: Oban Star Racers Molly black shirt, Earth Team shirt, OST or Vinyl full color Figure. [link]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Panda!! Can I PLEASE have one or more of your patterns?


A: Sorry :( But what ever I am able/willing to share is already up in my tutorials section. When I have time/the ability to I'll put what I can up.

I use the patterns I made for commissions and that income helps pay things like bills. I'll offer advice where I can though if you note me. If you check around online, you'll find other people have posted their own patterns and the like. Please be respectful.

Q: I got my quote but WHY are your plushies so expensive?!


A: You should really read this [link] It will give you a more detailed explanation.
The plushes I make are not mass produced, they are one of a kind pieces. Some of these take up to 80 hours. I draft a pattern, shop for the fabric, cut everything out, assemble it and do detail work. And if something goes wrong or mistakes happen, I need to spend time to fix it. Now, material cost needs to be factored in there, gas costs.. and you'll see I charge less than what I should.

Q: MAKE ME ONE PLZ?!


A: I'd be happy to if you adhere to all of the rules above and send payment first. Also, internet speak is not professional nor appropriate when requesting any kind of information from someone.

Q: Panda, how much will it cost to make me _____ plush?? Note me about it"


A: Telling me to note you about your quote?
No offense, but this is rather rude. If you are interested, send the note yourself. I do not need to look and beg for work/sales and this tells me you didn't read any of the FAQ at all. I will not answer a quote over comments. It is a private matter so note me or I will not bother responding and just hide the comment.

Q: You're not going to rip me off are you?


A: Wow, you know, I can't believe how many people manage to slip this one into conversations/notes.

For the #1 reason I accept paypal is this. You can keep proof of your payment in your account.

If you're that paranoid about sending a money order (which I rarely accept but it does happen), they do come with receipts available so you can file it. If you have issues sending things through the mail, I already -as my own policy- will let you know as soon as I have it. I would expect the same of anyone as a courtesy, but it doesn't always happen. I know what it's like to be in that situation, why would I want to put someone else through it?

But really, as an additional measure you can also use the "Certified Return Receipt" option through the mail. Yes, it may cost you a fee but you get physical confirmation that it was delivered.
If you have serious trust issues, it's probably best for you to rethink your order.

If I get this question, consider your order canceled. That's very very rude. Remember, you are asking something of me. It is my right to accept or refuse.

Q: Why does the price differ so greatly between a few inches? That's a rip-off!


A: This one actually can be a bit frustrating.
It may only be an inch or two in size overall, but I need to resize my patterns to reflect that and it doesn't always come out the same. So it's more work for me, more supplies and more time so I can make your dream plush the way you want it.  

Q: This plush is easy/hard.. etc why [insert question here?]" (gauging how difficult it is to make the plush when ordering generally when they don't sew themselves)


A: This one is quickly becoming a huge pet peeve.

Some plushes are in fact easier to make than others. That goes without saying. However, I feel like it's unnecessary for this to even be mentioned. What might be simple in design, might be difficult to draft.  
I think I get this question or questions like these most commonly when working with art trades.

Bottom line: I guess I don't like it when people are presumptuous. Keep it short and simple & always polite.

Q: Panda, is my plush done yet? (repeatedly noting/emailing me etc)


A: I will work on a project generally in the order in which ordered/paid first OR by deadline. So check the commission page for updates. I keep it updated anytime I get any work done so it's always accurate.

Repeatedly noting me about your plush/cosplay etc will not make that go any faster. The more time I have to spend online replying to those kind of comments is time I could be spending on sewing.

If you ask every now and again if it's a longer term project, I don't mind as much...

However, If you bombard me with messages (think 3 a week asking about the same thing), I will black list you and not accept any commissions from you in the future. Please understand that it can be very stressful and frustrating and it means you didn't listen/read over our conversations or this FAQ.

Please understand making any custom work takes time, and I believe my turn around time is already very fair.. so please be patient. Thanks!

Q: My parent(s) are giving me trouble about ordering. Can't you cut me a break?


A: I'm sorry, but I have no control over this. That is a personal issue between you and your parents. If you cannot order, then regrettably try another time when you're able to do it yourself. All pricing and payment methods are stated above for everyone and I will not make exceptions.

Q: I don't want the plush anymore. Can I get a refund?


A: No, I'm sorry. Due to the nature of a custom made item, I do not accept requests for refunds or returns period.

Q: I would like you to mass produce my plush. Do I get a wholesale discount?


A: First off, I am not a sweatshop so please do not treat me like one. I am one person making all of the pieces I make. I do not do mass production, especially not at a high discounted price. (Though if you order several plushes I may give you a discount for shipping etc)
Even if you want 3 of the same type of plush, The same amount of time, effort and supplies goes into them, so the price will be the same for everyone.

Q: How about prototype plushes for mass production?


A: I'd be happy to help, but please be aware that the prices listed at the top of this FAQ will not apply to you. I will need references and detailed information about materials, date needed by and any other specifics you may have in mind. This is a more time consuming and costly process and I will not skimp on materials for it.

Q: You told me my plush would take about [___] time to make. It's 1 day late!! What's the deal?!


A: I provide an approximate time frame for turning out a plush because honestly, I don't know what will come up in my day to day life. Sometimes a plush's difficulty might be more than anticipated. Sometimes I need to scrap and start over. Sometimes things happen that push back my schedule a little bit but usually not much.

For the most part I almost never break a deadline but admittedly, sometimes it does happen.

I will almost always get the plush to you in the time frame quoted, however, if for any reason that gets changed please be patient and understanding. Everyone has a life and we can't control things that happen.

:iconpandari::iconthanksplz:
  • Mood: Daily Needs

deviantID

Birthday: 05/30
Zodiac: Gemini - Year of the Tiger
Favorite colors: Green & Grey/silver
Favorite foods: Sweets, Curry, potatoes, Chinese food, Waffles, pudding ala mode, breads


Likes: Cosplay, sewing, manners, kind people, Video games, animals, anime, comics, plush toys, the list goes on.

Dislikes: Allergies, Spiders, tactless people, Bananas, mushrooms, being called "Pandy", sourdough bread, stalkers,

Favorite quote: "Happiness... it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." - Vincent Van Gogh

**All items in my gallery were made by me unless stated otherwise**

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Comments


:icon:
Add a Comment:
 
:iconjoanna-lee:
~joanna-lee May 3, 2012  Student
Hi, Pandari-chan <3

My boyfriend and I are obsessed with CLANNAD! And we would love to have matching Dango Daikazoku key chains for our cell phones! (the magnet ones). He wants blue (or green), and I would like pink for mine. Would you be okay with making them for us? ^__^ I would like them to look like the dangos in the 3piece sets that you created ~ Thank you so much! I actually received a gift from your commission by my friend for my birthday, a pink dango plushie. It made me so happy! Thank you ~ Please let me know about pricing, dates, etc. We would love it before June~

--
Tomoya: (To Nagisa) Lately, I've been thinking. Maybe this school's not so bad after all.
Reply
:icontoadomos:
Hello pandari, I'm wondering when you'll send the Fifi plush I commissioned. I hope everything is going ok with you.
Reply
:iconinfantrystrife:
Hello Pandari Strife here new and everything else lmao anyways I was wondering if its not any trouble for you to make a Dango Plush for me plz
Reply
:iconmisschainchomp:
Sorry for sending that note twice! I didn't notice you were on vacation until I looked at your etsy the next day. I didn't mean to be rude at all, so sorry if it came off that way! Have a good vacation!
Reply
:iconchaos-abyss:
I ordered one of you're plushies in the past. I was just wondering how do you wash them?
Reply
:icon:
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