Common Sense Can't Be Taught

So, I don't know how else to say it but "common sense can't be taught". 

I say this because I closed custom orders for Halloween waaaaaaay back at the end of September. I got SLAMMED with made-to-order scarves, fingerless gloves, more scarves. I've been knitting my fingers raw. I posted in big letters on my Etsy store front: "Halloween orders are closed!" But guess what's been happening....

You guessed it! People trying to order for Halloween. I've had 2 people place their orders before even contacting me, so I had to refund their money. And they seemed all offended that I couldn't produce a knitted scarf for them. I fill orders as they are placed. Sorry you think you should take precedence over those that were smart enough to order in advance. And today I got the most irritating email. I am finally on my last custom order before I head out on the 2011 Music Boat Cruise. I am half-way done with a Gru scarf, and I'm knitting it like mad. The guy that ordered it just emailed me and wanted to know the status of his order. And I quote "I was trying to have it by Halloween."

Now maybe this is my fault. Maybe I should have blasted the message "No Halloween Orders!!!!" on bigger letters on my store front. But I have it figured out. NOBODY IS READING MY STORE FRONT! They're buying something and then getting mad that they missed the large "fine" print. My scarves all say "Made To Order" on them, too, and I even got chewed over someone not understanding it wasn't ready to ship the instant she bought it. I don't know what else to do. I will be glad when this month is over, needless to say.

As for the dude that waits until I'm half-way done with scarf, I'm not issuing a refund. Not a chance. I have been working hard to get this thing done, and he should have asked me if that deadline was even plausible. I know I'm ranting but I'm frustrated. I, as a store owner, should not have to contact every single buyer and ask if they needed it by a specific time. As a buyer, knowing Halloween is right around the corner, it is your job to check these things. Especially when you are the one that waited to the last minute to do something like this. 


I am exhausted. Bryan said I can sleep in late Saturday, and I am very grateful for that. I need it. Before I go crazy.

To quote Ron White, "You can't fix stupid." He is so right. Dude with the Gru scarf, if you happen to be reading this, don't take it personally. I so appreciate your business. But I am fried with all these people not reading what is plainly stated on my store. I am tired of issuing refunds, getting snarky remarks and thinking I'm even deeper in the weeds. 

Note to everyone: if you need an order by a specific date, TELL THE SELLER!