Frequently asked
Questions
Everywhere I go, I hear some of the same questions. Here are
the answers to some of the most commonly asked
questions.
General Questions
Question:
How long have you been cutting coins?
Answer:
This has been my full time
job for over 2 decades now.
Question:
Do you work any other jobs?
Answer:
No... been just this all my
adult life. I ocassionally make websites, or write computer
programs. I don't rely on those though. This is my primary
occupation.
Question:
How did you get into this work?
Answer:
My mother and stepfather
have been cutting coins over 3 decades. I learned from
them. I just altered my business a bit for how I
wanted to do it.
Question:
Where do you set up your display?
Answer:
I go all over. Malls,
fairs, flea markets, school shows... just about anywhere I feel
would be good. Often even out of state.
Question:
Can you cut anything?
Answer:
I can cut anything if the
connections to the coin work out. There are some designs I cannot do
because of strength concerns, or connection problems. There are
literally thousands of design possibilitys though... so if you have
a request please ask!
Question:
What do you cut them with?
Answer:
I cut them with a Jewlers
Saw. It is like a coping saw... just a much finer
blade.
Question:
How often do you break a blade?
Answer:
Oh Jeez... I go through a
couple dozen a day at least. They sure don't last
long.
Question:
How long does it take you to cut a coin?
Answer:
It depends on the coin.
Generally speaking.. it takes about 10 minutes each. Sounds pretty
quick, I know... but remember... this is after decades in the
business. I have made thousands of these through the years. I
got my system down pretty good.
Question:
Is there anything you won't cut?
Answer:
Usually, if I can cut it,
and it will look good, I will. I am not here to judge peoples
morals, I am here to make money. If you are under 18, and want
something "inapropriate" in nature.. you will need your parents
permission.
Question:
Have you ever made anything
for anyone famous?
Answer:
Actually, yes I have. Quite
a few actually. With my job I get to travel alot, and have an
opportunity to meet alot of interesting people. It's one of the
things I really like about my job.
Question:
Do you teach people to cut
coins?
Answer:
To tell the truth, there
really isn't much to teach. I could explain in 10 minutes everything
there is to know that could be taught. On the other hand, this is
not a business easy to get into. Cutting a coin, and having it look
good, takes years and years of practice. I'd say.. I really wasn't
too good until I was already doing it full time for 10 years or so.
I sometimes get an opportunity to see something cut early on, and
usually it makes me laugh. So as far as teaching... once you have a
saw.. the main thing is practice. If someone has a question though,
I am usually very willing to answer.
Question:
What was the hardest part
for you to learn?
Answer:
Well there were several. My
first obstacle was learning "control" of the saw. It took years
before I could cut the rim of the coin, and have it look round. The
next hardest, and is still hard to this day, is picturing the
design. Say someone comes up and wants a frog. I know I can't make
it look like an actual frog, they don't want that anyway. I have to
picture the frog in a cartoonish way, and find a way to cut it into
a coin. With a coin, I don't have colors, or depth. I can't make
cuts all over either, or the coin would be too week. So basically,
the hardest part is.. taking their design, and picturing it in a
way, that will work out in a coin.
Legality
Questions
Question:
Isn't it Illegal to cut up coins?
Answer:
No it isn't... alot of
people think it is though. Check my legality page for more information on
this.
Wholesale and Drop
Shipping
Question:
I think this is a great item. Do you wholesale?
Do you drop ship?
Answer:
Yes I wholesale and drop ship. I have a unique
program going where webmasters can sell these coins from their
website, and I will ship directly to their customers. It's a great
way for small business to increase their product line, with no "out
of pocket" expenses. Check the wholesale, and money making opportunity links for more
information.
Ordering and Product
Questions
Question:
What if I order something,
and I don't like it. Do I have to pay for it.
Answer:
No you don't. I never make
anyone buy somthing they don't like. I am like this with the special
orders. If I don't think I can make it look good, where the customer
is happy, I won't cut it. I won't make something I know will look
sub-standard, just for the sale. So, since I do it this way,... I
have very few people unhappy with the coin. In the last 2 years.. I
think I had 1 person who wasn't quite happy. And she did pay (her
choosing) for my time and effort. If I do cut you one, and you don't
like it... don't be afraid of offending me. Just return it... there
will be no charge, no questions, and no problems.
Question:
Do they come with the necklace?
Answer:
Yes, All coins I cut
include either a necklace or keychain.
Question:
Is it cheaper if I just want the coin cut, and
not the necklace?
Answer:
No, I charge for the work
in cutting the coin. I give the necklace chain, or keychain free
with the purchase.
Question:
I see you give free
shipping, and will bill people for small orders. Why do you do this?
Don't you lose money.
Answer:
The shipping is no big deal
for me to give free. All I do is put it in a small envelope, and add
a stamp or two. I always hated ordering things online and having to
extra for shipping. I didn't want to do that with my site. As far as
billing for small orders... well I know not everyone has a credit
card. I wanted to make this easier for them. I actually get more
sales doing this.. and there are very few problems. Most people are
honest, and do pay me in a timely manner.
Question:
Will you ship Internationally?
Answer:
Yes. However it must
be prepaid. You can use your credit card and pay through my
PayPal server, or send an International Money Order. Shipping is
free for US orders, but due to increased cost, overseas orders must
pay a set shipping rate of $3.50 US Money.
Question:
What if I supply the Quarter? Is it cheaper
then?
Answer:
Yep, If you ask, I will
deduct 25 cents off your total :)
