*** We are currently CLOSED for COMMISSIONS ***
We love working with enthusiastic re-enactors to create custom pieces to enhance their living history experience!
Want to commission a Custom Order from Knarr Traders?
Here are some things you should know about our Custom Order process:
- As a general rule, we do not take commissions for larger items of clothing. This includes tunics, dresses, cloaks, trousers, kirtles... We specialise in tablet woven items and small accessories.
- Know what you want ahead of time. Tell us about your period of focus or historical persona; the more detail the better! Time period? Dimensions? Colour? Material? Function? Purpose? Being able to communicate what you want and why you want it will make it easier for us to help you! A little bit of research goes a long way.
- Do you have a reference image? The easiest way to communicate what you want is to find a photo or diagram of something similar for our reference. We can fill in some of the blanks and make suggestions for you, but it is hard for us to help you without a clear idea in mind.
- Historical Accuracy and Modern Convenience. At Knarr Traders, we have a strong focus on historical accuracy to produce items for living history purposes. This means that we create everything we sell the "hard" way - hand sewn, plant dyed, hand carved, hand forged, and generally, hand finished in every way. We are also happy to make some suggestions aimed at improving the historical accuracy of your Custom Order. Our prices reflect this.
- Is it in our wheelhouse? We are a supplier and creator of living history goods; sometimes, we just aren't the best fit for your Custom Order. If this is the case, we will gladly recommend a merchant or artisan who has the expertise to help you with your request.
- "Can you recreate this... but cheaper?" Our answer to this question will be "No" for a number of reasons. We are not in the business of undercutting fellow merchants, lowering our quality standards, or stealing commissions from other talented artists. If you've found the perfect thing, it costs what it costs. Support small business and artists and buy the thing! Photos for inspiration or reference = Yes! Reproduction without alteration = No.
- It sometimes takes time to develop an accurate quote. This is especially true if your Custom Order requires multiple iterations, amendments, special materials or is complex in nature. We may need some additional time to do further research to develop a quote for your order. Please be patient - this is a service we do not charge for but still requires times, expertise and preparation.
- How will my Custom Order progress? Generally, a customer will get in contact with us via our Contact Page or our social media sites to place a Custom Order. Once we have a good idea of what you'd like, we will provide you with a itemised invoice (quote) that will outline the scope of your project and the cost involved. After you have viewed the itemised invoice, double checked that all the information is correct, you may confirm your Custom Order with a partial or full payment. As soon as this payment has processed, we will commence work on your project. Once your Custom Order is complete, we will send you a photo of your brand new, bespoke item(s). From here, your order is packaged and shipped with AusPost and we will send you the tracking information so that you track the delivery of your order. Easy peasy!
- How long will it take? This depends on the scope of the project, the number of customer orders we have in production and sometimes, the time of year! Custom Orders are not a last minute purchase and, like the proverbial watched pot, are not hastened by avid supervision. We are happy to give you an approximate date of completion, and keep you informed of any variation to this date. (We totally understand - we're excited to ship your order too!)
Excited to place with your Custom Order? Get in contact with us via the Contact Page to start the journey towards your bespoke historical item!
Bjorn and Dagny
Knarr Traders