COMMISSIONS • HOW IT WORKS

How a Commission Becomes Legacy

Every commission moves through a clear structure — from first contact, to proposal, to the final oiling of your tool. No guesswork, no chaos, just a disciplined path from intent to heirloom.

Private commissions are limited each month. This is the path your tool will take once you’re accepted.

1 Phase I — Inquiry

Why this tool, why this house

You tell me what you’re seeking, why you chose The Sub Space Boutique, and what this tool needs to mean in your hands.

Commission work begins with a written inquiry — not a shopping cart. In Phase I, you introduce yourself, your discipline style, and the role this tool will play in your dynamic. I do not ask you to disclose roles or explicit scene details. Instead, I focus on intent: what problem is this tool solving, what structure are you reinforcing, and why does it need to be built by this house.

I review each inquiry personally. If I believe I am the right maker for the work, you’ll receive an invitation into Phase II. If I cannot take the commission, I will tell you directly rather than dragging the process out.

No payment is taken in Phase I. This is a fit check for both of us.

2 Phase II — Build Direction

Tool format, species, upgrades

We move from concept to structure — size, wood species, edge work, wraps, and upgrades are chosen to match your intent.

Once your inquiry is accepted, I send you into Phase II — the build direction form. Here we decide on the format of the tool (full paddle, slim paddle, half paddle, cane), the core wood species, and any structural upgrades such as leather wraps, studs, scorched work, or engraving.

This phase is practical and disciplined. You will see clear options, grounded pricing, and guidance on which combinations suit your discipline style. The goal is to lock the skeleton of the tool before any payment is taken.

By the end of Phase II, you know the projected price range before any invoice is issued.

3 Phase III — Proposal & Deposit

Formal proposal, fixed quote, and commitment

You receive a written proposal with exact pricing, lead time, and what is included in your commission.

With the build direction confirmed, I draft a formal proposal. This document outlines your tool specifications, materials, upgrades, projected completion window, and total price.

If you approve, a non-refundable deposit (typically half of the total) is due before wood is cut. Once the deposit clears and the ledger entry is created, your commission slot is officially locked and the build enters the schedule.

The deposit becomes non-refundable once stock is cut specifically for your tool.

4 Phase IV — Build & Legacy Delivery

Crafting, finishing, and sending your tool home

Your tool is cut, shaped, and finished by my hand, documented in the ledger, and shipped with its Lineage Card.

During the build window, I cut, shape, burn, sand, and finish your tool according to the agreed specifications. I do not rush builds to squeeze in extra slots — each commission is treated as a legacy object, not a production run.

Once the piece passes inspection, I photograph it for the private ledger, prepare the Lineage Card, and request the final balance. After payment, the tool is packaged in discreet, discipline-ready presentation and shipped to the address on file.

Your tool leaves the bench numbered, documented, and ready to serve the structure of your house — not just this season, but for years to come.

Final payment is due before the tool ships. Tracking is provided once it enters transit.