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My Time is Precious too.

Posted: 18/10/18 (9:46am)

Something has been weighing on my mind for some time now. I have thought about commenting on it, but each time I am about to, I decide not to for fear of alienating people.
Today I have decided that it is time I said something. I don't want to come across as unhelpful and my comments are certainly not a criticism of anyone in particular.

Every week I receive requests for identifications and valuations of swords, knives and bayonets and I am always happy to help. I know a bit about edged weaponry and am learning more every day. Over the years I have spent countless hours reading, studying and researching the patterns, origins, periods and values of edged weaponry and I continue to do so. I have acquired an extensive library of research materials at some considerable cost.

The volume of requests has risen over the years, and about a year ago it got to the point that I was having to spend quite a few hours every week responding to people's requests. Even when I know instantly what an item is, it still takes time to write to the person and give them the information. Invariably they write back with more questions.
When I am asked to identify an item that I am unfamiliar with, it can take hours of research to pin it down. Even when my identification is instant, it is only because of the hours I have put in over the years and the money I have spent on reference books.

Because of this I decided that, like most dealers, I would have to make a charge for the service. I looked at what my competitors were charging and decided to ask the same fee of £10. But, unlike other websites, I offer to give up to three identifications/valuations for this amount.

I amended my contact page to advise people of this change, making it very clear that I was now having to charge for this service. Despite this, only one person has ever paid. Everyone else chooses to ignore this when contacting me asking for items to be identified. Knowing that there is a fee, they still expect me to identify their sword or bayonet for free. In many cases they don't even ask politely. Many emails begin without a greeting, just a demand, "I want to know..." Similarly, once answered, at least half of the people don't even have the courtesy to say "Thank you." 

I have tried respectfully pointing out that there is a fee for this service and each time that I have done so, have received a reply refusing to pay. Why is it that people consider their own time too valuable to spend on research but expect me to give my time for free?

Having a Facebook page is also a double edged sword - if you'll excuse the pun. People seem to expect their items to be identified and often they have several items. They somehow feel I owe them my time and knowledge.

Everyone works, and whether they are on an hourly rate or yearly salary they get paid for their time and skills. Isn't my time just as valuable? Don't I deserve to be paid for my work?

I have never refused a request for help identifying an item, nor will I, but I hope that after writing this blog, people might consider that the fee I ask is reasonable and they might agree that expecting me to work for free is unfair. Failing that, I hope that they will at least ask nicely, greet me at the start of their email and say please and thank you.