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I have had several people ask me to provide them with a preliminary design picture BEFORE they buy. I used to do this. I stopped because I was burned several times. I think they took my picture to someone else who stitched it for less money ! Now I won't design their monogram/name until the item is purchased. I show them samples of other monograms similar to what they are asking for. If they don't buy, well, ok. What do you think?

Absolutely. I put myself in the customers shoes, I wanna see what I'm buying.

I'm so sorry you got burned.

I agree with you why provide them with the roadmap of the design? I agree,show them some other logos with the type of font they want and do it that way.Tell them those are samples of the work you can do and that you don't have "their" designs digitized until after they contract with you.

Hmmm... That's a tough one!
My customers are usually buying because of something of mine that they have seen on another child. But usually there is a tweak on the design, color, etc. On the web site, obviously I have to show samples of something, but they are pretty generic and then I customize per request. I do a lot of back and forth with the customers, sometimes stuff gets sold and sometimes it doesn't. I don't usually show and tell - just describe.
But, on the other hand, I can understand from a consumer point of view, why they would ask.
It's a toughie!
Sorry you've had bad experiences in the past.

I have stitched samples of many designs and lettering fonts, and I keep them in my notebook of designs so I can show them if need be, but they stay with me.

Great idea!!!

I primarily stitch for family and friends, although that's gradually changing as recipients are now placing orders... or friends of friends...
I almost always email a jpg of the design before stitching, primarily to double check my spelling or stats or color choices. My goal is to do very custom work, and I want to be sure they get what they want.
That's just my opinion.

I think codylady has the right idea.

If I am understanding you, you are creating the design artwork and arrangement and digitizing, therefore you wouldn't want to release this untill you know you are getting paid for the hours involved and for your creative endeavor.
If they ask to take it with them just tell them that you don't release your work untill the contract has been signed.

Should they give you the excuse that they have to show it to others then tell them to bring the others to see it.
Or you could make up a batch of small samples of something in a very generic design(not what they need) to give one in these cases just to show quality of work to others. Otherwise, why is this person out doing the searching if they don't have the authority for the commitment?

Well, that's my thoughts on the subject.

Ernestine

I do provide a picture of what every design would look like for approval before I stitch it out. I have found people can be very picky about fonts. I tend to email them three choices and let them decide, but that is time consuming. I always do email so there is proof if they spelled a name wrong.

There are a couple of things you could do. You could provide a list of fonts printed out with every letter in the font. This would not work for the fonts that come with your software, but I very rarely use those fonts. I have a sheet that I bring to every show, so they can see what each letter looks like. I just made it in Word. I hope that makes sense.

Also, you could let the customer know that you will provide a picture after you receive a certain percentage of the payment and assure them that you will make changes if they are not pleased with the design.

Hope this helps!

Scatlin, I agree. Show them samples of your work, tell them that they will get to approve a picture of the exact item before you stitch it out but that you will need a percent of the job before beginning the work. Do you require say 50% up front on other orders? In my opinion this wouldn't be any different.

Thank you for all of your great ideas! I do always email the customer a preliminary design picture before I actually stitch it out. I also give lots of samples of designs just like the one they request so the only difference would be the actual name or maybe thread colors. This is especially true of a stacked style design with hearts, bows, extras, etc. Most of the time I go ahead and send them a quick design picture (especially of simple ones). I don't mind people being picky and changing things. Most customers are great! It's the ones that want several design changes BEFORE they purchase anything at all, say they love it - and then don't purchase the item or want it cheaper! If it is something I don't have a sample of, I can understand completely, but if I have dozens of samples of the design they are requesting, I become frustrated. But, usually, I still help them! Sigh!