ref commission advice

[10thdoktor.livejournal.com]

Before I start, I'm gonna say that I understand that every artist does things differently and I should always check their TOS before commissioning them. But I'm asking for advice on these things in a "is this normal/customary" kind of way.

I've never commissioned a ref sheet before and I'm not sure how to go about it because of two big questions I have.

1. It's pretty common to see clean and dirty versions of ref sheets. If I wanted both, would I have to pay extra to get two copies...? Did you have to pay extra for both copies?
2. Is it considered...impolite or rude to ask for a .psd/.sai file of your ref sheet? For example if later you want to change the text because you edited the character. If not would this cost extra too usually?

Any advice on this would be appreciated, like I said I know everyone is different but I want to see if there's a general consensus.

October positive reviews!

[kayla-la.livejournal.com]

If you've had a great commission experience, either as an artist or a customer, please comment here and spread the word. It doesn't have to be a full-on story, though you're welcome to type one! All we need are a few lines on why this person was so great to work with. You can also recommend companies, such as printers or fursuit-making teams.

There are plenty of reasons to post someone here: perhaps they went above and beyond the call of duty to fix a problem, or were so prompt with communication and payment it was like having them right next to you, or were very professional and courteous every time you contacted them.

To help keep things organized, please follow this simple form:

1. Name of the person you recommend (please also put this in the subject of your comment):
2. Link to person's website or art page:
3. Approximate time period of when you did business with this person:
4. Details (Here's where you tell us why they are so awesome! What made the transaction go so well? Perhaps link to the art or suit you bought/sold if you feel like sharing. Please mark NSFW if the subject matter is adult!!):

If you have multiple people to recommend, please put them in separate comments to keep things organized.

FurryEcho: no response/no product

[sharpecostumes.livejournal.com]

WHO: FurryEcho on DA
WHERE: http://furryecho.deviantart.com/ , www.furryecho.com
WHAT: A set of premade paw pad molds to be used for fursuits
http://furryecho.deviantart.com/#/d5akgqi
WHEN: August 13th to now

PROOF:
First contact: http://imageshack.us/a/img195/7961/furryechocontact1.jpg
Payment invoice and payment clearing: http://imageshack.us/a/img687/38/furryechopayment.jpg
Notes sent in attempt to contact and ultimatum: http://imageshack.us/a/img267/4558/furryechocontact2.jpg

EXPLAIN:Had found Echo through a group upon DA. I had seen she was selling paw pad molds and liked the overall shape and promptly commented on her posting about acquiring a pair of them for purchase. Her responses were quick and within the day she had sent an invoice for the payment. Upon opening the invoice I noticed that there was only an option to pay via an e-check. I paid and sent her a note letting her know. She acknowledged and a day later I saw the check had cleared, of which I noted her once more to let her know.

She had comments left upon her main page from previous people receiving their packages and none that had not as of yet so I did not worry.

Almost a month went by and I did not hear a response from her nor did I receive the molds. I noted her in inquiry of the package and sent her my address once more in case there was any difficulty. I had seen she checked her DA daily so felt that she would see it. I found her website and had sent her an inquiry very similar to the first note but no copy was sent to my email to post here.

A few days went by and I waited for a response and checked my notes previously, seeing as none were responded to although she continued to be actively checking her DA. I checked Paypal to see how many days left were upon the purchase and I sent her one last note requesting a response or a refund, trying to be polite and straight forward. I gave her one week to respond.

Today is the week deadline and I still have yet to receive a response, both notes are still unread. I have contacted paypal and opened a dispute in hopes to get the refund. I dislike having to resort to such actions like this and would like to send a positive note for her out as she has some very neat products to offer, but wish to warn future customers that they may send a payment and not receive their item or a response.

:::Edit:::

Paypal voted in my favor and refunded the cash paid to her. Just checking her DA I can still see she's on it daily and all notes are still unread. I would say case closed as I did receive a refund via Paypal but would hesitate those wishing products from her . I still hope this to be a fluke and all future clients are satisfied.