Having spent three years developing the Code of Practice for Partnerships in Craft & Design, it is now time to add some nuts and bolts to the chassis. We are currently developing model contracts and checklists to inform designers and artisans about industry standards.
At the Sangam Project, we developed the following model of best practice:
There are a number of issues raised that go beyond this contract, such as:
- who pays for sampling cost
- who is responsible for shipment
- when should payment be made
In order to further develop the code, it would be good to get opinions on issues that should be included. By then end, we can have a document available to both designers and artisans as a practical model for collaboration.
Comments are welcome below or send your thoughts to us through our contact page.
This is how I work:
1. Designer/customer to pay artisan for sampling.
2. Shipping is complex due to paperwork and legalities. I believe there should be a clear MOU based on deliverables and time frames, quality checks before shipment and all the other paperwork such as customs, taxes, insurances and freight.
3. I pay a deposit at commencement followed up by further payment on approval of samples and the balance for the order on receipt of goods. This also all depends whether a shipping/export agent is involved.
4. To avoid poor quality being sold to other customers rejects should be paid for by the client (maybe at a reduced rate). I simply use mine in other upcycled goods or cut up and donate bits elsewhere for use.
Thanks Carole. You’ve anticipated some of the other issues we were hoping to raise. Very prescient.