Frequently
asked Questions
General Questions
Question:
How long have you been cutting coins?
Answer:
This has been
my
full time job for 18 years.
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 about 30 years. I learned from them.
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 18 years 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.
Question:
Has anyone ever gave you a problem
over
it?
Answer:
No, I do get
asked
if it is illegal though. I cut these in public. Been doing it 18 years.
During that time I have sold necklaces to police, judges, congressmen,
and many others. Never had a problem over it.
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.
