I am but one man. In order to do good work I see it as imperative I have as few distractions as possible. I have tried in the past, and everyone and their mom would just walk in and check out the place, in many cases without any need for guitar repair. Then there are those, that just need someone to talk to, it even happened that some people who do have guitars would come in, ask a bunch of questions, want to chat for hours and do that sometimes as often as twice a week, without ever getting service. In the end, I was the bad guy for having to draw the line and ask someone to leave so I can get some work done, and worked many after hours to catch up for lost time. Finally, a shop draws attention, and not only by potential clients, but also robbers and thieves, both which I had to deal with more than once. The "work at home" and "By appointment only" methods are better for both me and my customers.
I treat everyone equally with respect and kindness as a general rule, and deliver the same quality service to all. How many nice Kings were there compared to mean ones in history? "Customer is King" is only a manner of speech to begin with not a rule, and not legally binding even if used in advertising. In this crazy world there are those that not only take it literally, but also think that it's standard business practice, and think it means that they can rule and walk all over others, boss them around, deserve preferential treatment, and should be revered for their presence. Of course most people don't do that by nature, but it happens. I am easy to get along with, but I am not one to be pushed around, disrespected or told rather than asked, nor is it wise to mistreat someone you are about to get service from in the first place. Respect is a two way street not a one way highway.
By the way, in case you don't know this: A person is a prospect, not a customer until an actual business transaction occurs, and bad behaving prospects make for worse customers.
I have a disease that was misdiagnosed until recently, and it made life very difficult and drained my finances. I was in pain every single day for the first 46 years of my life, in and out of hospitals, and close to death on a few occasions. It is not easy to live, let alone get ahead under those circumstances, but through it all I still managed to get a degree as an electrician, keep jobs (by biting the bullet) and learn and master the craft of lutherie, and not lose my sanity.
I do not believe in credit and loans, and have never applied for either, nor have I entered partnership with anyone willing to finance RDE Lutherie, as so far it has always come with the stipulation of lowering my quality standards and ethical values.
I am still far behind, but working hard to catch up on the business end, so I can only hope you don't hold that against me, as your business is needed for me to flourish.