Common courtesy: apparently not so common.

[Ephany]

If it makes you feel any better, I farm shards quite a lot when I'm bored and watching things on youtube.
I always put them on in stacks of 100 and always at half the price of the cheapest available one at the time.

I leveled carpenter to 50 during the first month of release and know how hard it is when people want you to buy 1000000 ice shards and you only need 3.
I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that thinks of the crafters. You guys get a bum deal.

[SeleneVenizelos]

As a matter of principal I always ask for Crystals and Clusters up front. If they are not forthcoming with said catalysts, I return their items to them and tell them to find somebody else to craft for them. Most of the time they accept it but you do get a few people who get quite vocal about how they are entitled to use your crafting skills.

I would suggest on the occasion you meet these people you tell them where to put it, because people like that deserve it. Don't generalise though. The majority of people I've crafted for always provide the Crystals and usually thank me for my time, usually in the form of a tip. As always, a few bad apples spoil it for everyone else. Don't be fooled. There are {generally speaking} more people who actually appreciate crafters than don't.

[ShinkuTachi]

With all this in mind, there is a difference between a request from a client, an offer to a client, and a favor for a friend. I handle each situation accordingly.

[Noshpan]

My only sticking point is when crafters (regardless of game) advertise that they accept tips, but tips are mandatory. It ceases becoming a tip when the fee is mandatory. It becomes a service fee at that point. Which I don't mind paying (I often try to provide a tip + mats when I require the services of a crafter). I just wish some of these crafters were a bit more honest in their advertisement for their services.

[ShinkuTachi]

My only sticking point is when crafters (regardless of game) advertise that they accept tips, but tips are mandatory. It ceases becoming a tip when the fee is mandatory. It becomes a service fee at that point. Which I don't mind paying (I often try to provide a tip + mats when I require the services of a crafter). I just wish some of these crafters were a bit more honest in their advertisement for their services.

This is perfectly understandable, people should be completely upfront about any expectations. This is why I accept (and I do not request) a tip for services offered, and I charge a fee for services requested (though providing the mats can lower the fee).

[Kaethra]

The simple solution is to ask for all mats up front, including the crystals. If they whine, simply say, "I'd love to help you out, but I ran out of crystals." And of course if you're wishing to be compensated for it, ask it up front.

This reminds me of my deployment to Egypt. We were warned that if we purchased a service from a vendor, to get everything paid up front. See.. what they'll do is offer to take your picture on a camel. Its a dollar to get on the camel. Its ten dollars to get off. Five dollars to get your picture taken. And in the case of one guy in the unit, eighty dollars to get his camera back. In the western world, thats extortion. In that part of the world, business as usual.

Point being, make sure you are up front about the cost of the craft. Its borderline extortion to make someone an item, dangle it in front of them and ask for payment. Especially if they gave any mats for it.