More on Alchemy...

FROM A BIDDERS PERSPECTIVE:
Alchemy rocks for artist's & crafters looking for extra work! There's little to complain about. People post things they're looking for...and we respond if interested. And...then the requester responds if interested. Simple enough. My only suggestions to those who request items are...

1) Be more inspiring, and more "exact" with your post! Some of them are great, but most of them are extremely vague and dry. It's not some automotive arena where writing, "looking for two exterior door handles to a 1974 dodge van" is gonna work. Artist's need to be INSPIRED! There has to be some personal exchange of energy. That's just coming from personal experience. Of course it depends on what one is looking for, but if they're looking for art...one-of-a-kind, original, and made from the heart...if they want something that's top quality, and full of feel-good energy, etc...then the creator has to be inspired. I read through a lot of Alchemy requests, and it feels like a lot of people rush when posting. Take your time, and really put your soul into it. I think that makes all the difference in the world!

I've bid (and won) a few project where the ideal price was not my ideal price, but the person posting the request inspired me so greatly, and the item was so unique & fun...that I just wanted to do it anyway! Artist's are weird like that too! :) Sometimes it's not about the money.

Other ideas for successful Alchemy Requests....

2) Don't say...."I will own this design outright. You will not have any permission to use it, except in your portfolio!" :/ (Cardinal Rule #1: Don't piss off an Artist...if you want anything from them!!!) Try saying..."Would I have complete ownership of this design? Could I copyright it?"
I don't think I need to explain.
3) Try to put a little more energy into what an item costs to make....especially keeping in mind that it might be a one-of-a-kind item. Consider material costs, costs to run equipment, time and energy. What would you charge to make the same thing for someone? For a stranger, not a friend or family member. Do you really want a beautiful, lasting piece of handmade greatness, or do you really want something from big-box mart? It's a good question...and your price will tell the truth.
4) Have fun with Alchemy, and use your imagination. Use the subject line for adding: price negotiable, or will add to price with products from my shop, etc. And...don't lie. That sounds strange, but I've come across a few people that have submitted request with an ideal price, and after bidding and submitting designs (taking time)...they've written back saying that they will only accept it in "trade" for their work. Maybe it's a way around "swapping" being banned from Alchemy, who knows. But...there was nothing I wanted/needed from their shops, and wouldn't have taken the time had I known that up front. I don't mind helping people out at all, but something about that isn't right.