familyfun

Ok.. I made a purse for myself and took it to work. They went nuts over it. I work in a Very small dept. Only 6 people. One of the girls ask me to make her one. She has 2 kids with another on the way and her husband is having trouble finding another job after getting laid off. So I said. Yes I will make you one and you can just pay for the Pellon. I used scaps I probably would not have used in another project so when it was finished she loved it. I told her $10 dollars. Well did I get the money NO..
My Boss (who I absolutley LOVE) ask me to make her one. She said. I will pay you for your time. She then bought all the supplies (including thread) I made it. she carries it. has gotten compliments on it. But never paid me either..
So Lesson learned .. I will NOT be making anymore purses for people unless I get at least 1/2 the money up front.

Dianemarie

So sorry - and how can they look at you everyday at work ?

loves_2_quilt

That is the reason I always quote a BIG price so people won't ask me to sew for them. I have gotten where I don't have a problem saying no anymore though.

willferg

I know it's hard to ask for money, and in a perfect world, you shouldn't have to. But I learned from an old boss that's it's okay to ask. He would say something like, "The total you owe me for the purse is x. I know money is tight, but when do you think you can get it to me?" Get a specific date, and then on that date (if you aren't paid sooner), say, "You mentioned you'd have the money for the purse today, and I was wondering if you have it for me."

He used to say, "What did you ever buy that you didn't have to pay for?"

I don't mean to put the blame on you in any way, but letting people get away with this (and it's often unintentional forgetfulness) isn't fair to you because it makes you feel bitter and burned, and you sound like too generous a person to have to carry that burden.

Just my two cents!

Glassquilt

Keep billing her.

calla

I am sorry that happened to you. I too learned that all people I know are not "friends" some are just accquantences........and I say, I will show you how to make one.........they run..........calla

LisaGibbs

No pay, no product. I have sold one for a lady at work and didn't give it to her until she paid for it.

Shelbie

This is just one of the reasons that I will not take on "paying" stitching jobs for anyone. If I decide to replace your jacket zipper, hem your pants or stitch you a quilt, it is my gift and my choice. That way no one gets hurt and I'm not left feeling used and taken for granted.

AUQuilter

Sorry to hear about that. One of my purses got some attention recently and one person said she would like for me to make her one and how$$$. I said $50 minimum made with same quality fabric-no changes and I would need 1/2 up front. She said , "Uhm, that's too expensive. So no thanks." Hubby said - "Good for you. You spend a lot of time searching for fabrics, putting them together, sewing and finishing your projects. Why would anybody think you would do it for less?"

mom-6

I've learned along the way to never loan anything or make anything for anyone that you would not be willing to give them as a gift.

If they choose to pay, which may or may not happen, then you can be pleasantly surprised and thank them graciously, rather than be upset with them because they didn't pay.

Takes away alot of the stress on your part too!