Custom Requests!! How does it all work?
- AJ Dellamano
- Oct 12, 2024
- 6 min read
October 12, 2024
This is a story about an actual custom order process from start to finish to give you a real life example of the process.
If you are local to me, I’m sure you’ve heard of Ed’s Delicatessen by now. If not through me, through someone else!
This deli was eagerly awaited by so many. But for me, it was such a big deal and I’d been patiently (not really) waiting since Feb 2024 or so since when I found it was to come into fruition.
It’s been a long process for the 4 of owners, with tons of hoops to jump through, long days planning, distance between some of them, and me being one of the their biggest cheerleaders probably driving them nuts!!
Not long before the scheduled soft open, I was asked to make a few things, and I’m just going to write the story of the process and how it it all went.
For those of you who are curious of how I operate, especially on the commercial side of life, here is a glimpse into what I do and how I do things!
Ed and Samm (owners of Eds Deli) contacted me requesting some signs and charcuterie boards. This was after my pitch on the UFO (if you are unfamiliar with the UFO, see the blog post!). Because they needed multiple products and designs, I scheduled an appointment and met with them to discuss their options and needs. I took some samples of what they were asking for, pics, and also samples of things they may be interested in at a later time.
I showed them a striped cutting board, an engraved charcuterie board, a clock to give some ideas as to what the UFO might look like (I had already designed that and was further proposing it at the same time), and a few other promo/merch type products. All to provide a visual of the ideas that were floating around in everyone's head and to give them a little glimpse of what I was able to offer.
We discussed charcuterie board size, how large for a serving of 6 and 2. We discussed finishes, species of woods, shapes, style and where the logo would go. We made decisions of all these things with a few thoughts and details that remained in question. But we had time to decide as it went.
They also wanted a double sided "open" and "closed" sign and a double sided "exit only" and "use other entry sign". While there, we talked about how the signs needed to hang. One needed to be able to be flipped, the other needed to attach to the door, securely. They didn’t really have thoughts of how everything needed to work and actually function but times like this is when I take the reins with and figure out. I took their needs and created those things to make the process as simple and effortless for them as possible. They had and still have enough on their plate (here I go with the terrible puns again) and I didn't want to add to it.
I know sometimes it can be very overwhelming because of details and decisions and the fact that the possibilities are virtually endless. I strive to make all processes as easy as possible on my people... you!
After taking as little of their time as possible and probably talking way too fast, I gathered the ideas and needs and went to the shop to start the design and estimate process. By the next day I had everything in detail written up, design ideas made and the quote done all wrapped up into one estimate.
After they approved it, I started working on things. I had a week to soft open and even though they said they didn't need them by then, I was determined to deliver!
Note, some details I leave out are the financial parts as I tell the story and process. So, to give a little insight there…. Once an estimate is accepted, I do invoice it noting the acceptable and agreed upon terms, typically being 50% down and balance due upon completion. In the event that designs are needed, I do ask for a minimum of $15 design fee. I do often waive these if it’s something I have done or can use later for other projects. In the event that an entire unique logo or design must be adjusted, redesigned or completely started from scratch, the $15 to start fee will apply but that design is yours for any further product needs. All other terms and conditions are typically unique to each project and are discussed and agreed upon. It truly is a fully custom situation. But don't let that scare you!
Ok, so moving on with the project, as I was working on the laser side of things and working the signs, as always, there are spaces in between whats being cut that need to be filled so I am not wasting too much product. I don't know that this make sense so here is a visual:
So, while sign pieces were being cut with the laser, I took that time to do some fun unique magnet designs with the Eds logo. These are things I often do to show ideas and thoughts for merch or other individual potential needs. It's a super fun process and allows me to let my creativity take over.
First thing I thought of was "I heart sammiches" because who doesn't? And adding a little bread shape to the cut out, it was fun.... then the pickle came! My best friend, Samm, loves pickles... so I knew it was a need. Then I thought, oooh we need potato chips and I remembered them mentioning using merch for both the bar they purchased down the street and for the deli! So I combined the two! Then of course the UFO thrown in for good measure. And after presenting the magnets to them, they decided to order them to sell in the deli. How fun is that!!
After the signs were mostly finished, I started the charcuterie board process. I headed to Grafton to my favorite wood shop by the river, hand picked the rough cut boards, took them home, marked them, cut them down, planed, jointed, cut the handles, added holes to the handles, routered the edges and sanded….. and sanded…. and sanded... It was almost 2 days of sanding! And Nick had joined in on this one to help for all the flat sanding! Thank Goodness!! All the while, the signs were being finished in the background as there is ALWAYS wait time during any of these processes.
Once they were sanded till we almost died, they went to the laser, one by one. And after all that, they went to final… I used a mineral oil with bees wax and carnuba wax to oil them. It’s a food safe product that leaves a wonderful feel to the finish. Especially if that grain is popped and the sanding process is extensive. I usually pop the grain in between all grits starting around 120. By the time I get to 220, I usually pop the grain 2-3 times and continue sanding with 220 over and over. Then once it gets to 320, it goes on until that grain is as smooth as it before the pop as it is after the pop. Nick had sanded to 320 twice and when I told him that we had to continue with that process of popping, sanding, popping, sanding, until it was smooth as I needed it. His shoulders slumped... I thought he was going to cry. Lol.
And depending on the species, the amounts of time varied per. Harder the wood, the less the pop. Softer the wood, more it was sanded and the more we hated it. And it was the walnut. Stupid walnut!!! I still love you though.
If the term popping the grain makes your head confused, lemme know. I can do a quick process video in a blog to explain it further! Its good stuff! And it is what I think really sets my products apart!
With this order, I did deliver. With large orders I will always offer as long as the location is within my ability to do so. I have also shipped large orders. I sent both boards and fight paddles to Sedona, AZ a couple times and although it's a little costly, it is doable.
So for any of you who need large orders and/or need custom stuff, this gives you a bit of an idea of how it all works. If you are just needing a board or two for a gift, or a clock or whatever you ask me to make, those items will be handled through text, messenger or email. But no matter the order, big or small, I am here for you!
Don't hesitate to reach out!!
-AJ
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