Although I'm not involved in this trade I can tell you that is does suck even for the one making the bow to be late! I felt bad when the date started slipping away from me and there is no worse feeling than when you really want to get it done but you just aren't getting to it or just haven't had much time. If you're having issues with bows breaking then just go for something simple, and if you still have time then you can go for another one that's more complex. For the red oak trade I tried so many complex designs and all of them failed, so finally I made a simple design and it went great. If it's time you're having an issue with then all I can advise it to take any time you can if you can to work on your trade bow. Good luck with you bows you all!