Ford’s Odds and Ends FAQS & Q&A
This section is for some of most commonly asked questions so you can find some answers to basic questions such as where are you based?, what services do you provide etc. Articulation- The skeletal remains being put together in a display. Scientific display- anatomically correct positioning no decor. Decor display- anatomically correct but with decor such as mos
s, flowers, mushrooms, and or insects. Fantasy- making inaccurate anatomical displays with decor (such as a dragon-bearded dragon with mummified wings)
Wet specimen- formalin fixed (injected then soaked for the appropriate amount of time leeched and housed in jars with alcohol)
Mummification- process depends on specimen but most animals are first formalin fixed then dried, depending on species painting is also needed. Can go into a shadow box. Question 1: What services do you provide? Reptile skin preservation, mummification, wet specimens, with a specialization articulations, mainly reptiles. Articulations are currently closed. Question 2: How much is your service? Estimates are given based on specimen sizing, display decor and casings, and difficulty of the requested pose/decor. When given an estimate I try to factor in all costs for labor and materials. If larger displays/ change into more difficult posing/ extra decor is requested the estimate will be reevaluated. Estimates do not include any shipping or taxes. All commissions require contracts all changes must be agreed to in writing. Question 3: What sort of payments do you take? Is a deposit required? We invoice through Square, you do not need a Square account to pay your invoice just an email to send it to. On wet specimens, mummification, and skin tanning a 50% non refundable deposit is due after service contracts are signed. The remaining balance and return shipping is due upon completion. When/if articulation commissions are reopened, any under 1k have a 50% non refundable deposit, any above 1k will have 35% non refundable deposits. Question 4: How do I ship frozen specimens? The preferred method is through FedEx ( I can provide a label at cost, due with deposit). However, you can use your own shipper if using an over night service. DO NOT USE USPS. A box lined with styrofoam and packed with ice packs and decent insulation is best. Insulation can be paper, newspaper, bags, etc. but styrofoam linking the box is the next best thing to an actual cooler. FAQS
Articulation commissions are closed until further notice. You can still inquire about them if you’re 100%serious and ready to have work done. If I feel like our views align and I’d like to work on your piece I will add you to my waitlist. Reptile tanning, mummification, and wet specimen commissions are OPEN. All invoices are good for 24 hours if canceled or unpaid WITHOUT COMMUNICATION within that time a $35 late fee will occur. All deposits are NON REFUNDABLE and due after contracts are signed. If you miss two invoices WITHOUT COMMUNICATION commissions are due in full to be completed. If you can not do full payment any work incurred during that time is due and return shipping with items as is. If there is non payment and no communication a written notice will be sent, after that notice if 30 days have gone by without any contact or communication all unpaid or unclaimed items will be finished and put up for sale.
