Do Minors Need a Parent to Cosign for a Fursuit Commission?

[Papabear notes: in this column Papabear made a goof about contract law (and it was a pretty stupid one, too *blush*, and I should have known better), which is pointed out by a nice reader in the comments below. This is a great example of how this column can work as a community and that I very much appreciate my readers' input because it makes "Ask Papabear" more helpful than if I just did this on my own. Thanks!]

Papabear,

I have been looking around for fursuit makers that allow a minor to have their parent cosign to get a fursuit, but can't find any. There are a few things saying minors cannot do commissions and a few others saying that it is just preference. I earned the money myself, though, so my parent wouldn't mind me spending it.

So my question is: Do you know of any good makers that wil do a partial suit for a minor or at least let the minors parent cosign?

Thanks!

Zazzy

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Hi, Zazzy,

Commissioning a fursuit is not like going to a furcon, where you need to get an adult's permission or be accompanied by an adult if you are a minor. It's not like you are buying something naughty from Bad Dragon. It's just a fursuit. And if you have the money to pay for it, I'm sure most makers will take your money! 

The practice of cosigning is usually only done for loans in which the person applying for the loan has no collateral (or bad credit) and needs another person with collateral to secure the loan. When you buy a fursuit, however, it is cash or charge, not a loan, so cosigning really makes no sense.

Now, if the issue is you're not sure how to pay because you don't have a charge card or a bank account (you don't want to send cash through the mail!), then run your fuzzy butt over to your local post office and get a money order for your down payment. Money orders up to $500 are $1.25 at the and $1.65 for $501 to $1,000.

When commissioning a partial or full fursuit, Papabear recommend you get a written contract from the fursuit maker stating clearly what they agree to do for you and their refund policies. While this is a little unorthodox in the furry community (most makers just refer you to what is written on their websites, but I don't think that's enough, legally), I also recommend that you set a date for the fursuit to be completed (remembering that this might literally take years) and that you also make clear what happens if you are not happy with the completed product. Papabear has received a couple letters from unhappy furries who have been let down by fursuit makers. But the contract also protects the maker, stating that payment must be received at a certain time before the fursuit is delivered. Finally, get a receipt showing payment.

It's wise of you to get a partial, since you're only 14 and might do some more growing still, which might make a full suit a bit tight on you.

Happy Fursuiting!
Papabear