For every "war story" you guys have, a good gunsmith has 10 of ass*ole customers. Been there, done that. After a time ( a couple years), I developed a "feel". If the customer "felt" bad - I told him up front I didn't think he'd be happy, and if he wasn't happy, I wouldn't be happy, and goodby.
I ate it big time on a few projects which I went ahead with on a bad "feel" (that wasn't a feel, mister, it was a screw!), as I would not charge if the customer was not satisfied. I lasted 10 years, then had to get paying work. I had kids to feed.
I'll do it again someday- best job I ever had. (My 'smithing was OK- business skills need work!)
