Need to LISTEN!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: San Joaquin Valley, California
Posts: 829
Need to LISTEN!
So, I was giving a quilting class and someone mentioned that I had a longarm. One lady asked me how much would I make a twin size quilt for her..since have not made many for others I said $150. She said ok, I want bright colors.
So I made it this weekend, I actually finish binding it on the way to church this morning.(my husband was to be preaching there this morning). She loved it! so what is the problem???
She wanted two (2) the same, natually.. She said make another just like this..well I had used my stash to make that one and I have about 1/4 yard of each fabric. I had used Moda Marbles, RJR, Free Spriit and other quality fabrics that I had purchased about 7 -10 years ago when they were $7-9 but now I have to try to find quality fabrics at prices I can afford to make two the same...
So now I have ONE twin that I will have to try and sell or maybe just donate..
I should have listened and taken a written, signed order.
So I made it this weekend, I actually finish binding it on the way to church this morning.(my husband was to be preaching there this morning). She loved it! so what is the problem???
She wanted two (2) the same, natually.. She said make another just like this..well I had used my stash to make that one and I have about 1/4 yard of each fabric. I had used Moda Marbles, RJR, Free Spriit and other quality fabrics that I had purchased about 7 -10 years ago when they were $7-9 but now I have to try to find quality fabrics at prices I can afford to make two the same...
So now I have ONE twin that I will have to try and sell or maybe just donate..
I should have listened and taken a written, signed order.
#2
So she rejected the first quilt and now wants two new ones? I would give her a new quote (and require a deposit before work begins) that considers the price of the fabric + your labor. Quilting cotton now is more expensive than it was 7-10 years ago. The figure may cause her to pause and reconsider, or you may get fair compensation for your work after all. Though it's terrible you're having to eat the cost for the time you spent on the quilt you already made. With that in mind, I'd be very, very wary of starting these new quilts for her because she might reject these because she decides she wants something else.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Hindsight is definitely 20/20, isn't it. I'm sorry for your predicament!
There have been so many conversations here on the Board about this subject that I admit to being surprised when someone else has been burned. Most of us advise at least THREE 'absolute' rules:
ALWAYS get a written contract.
Always get a deposit for the fabric/supplies.
Always charge appropriately for YOURSELF - even if you lose the job.
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.”
Jan in VA
There have been so many conversations here on the Board about this subject that I admit to being surprised when someone else has been burned. Most of us advise at least THREE 'absolute' rules:
ALWAYS get a written contract.
Always get a deposit for the fabric/supplies.
Always charge appropriately for YOURSELF - even if you lose the job.
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.”
Jan in VA
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 24,820
so sorry you went thru this. Let her know upfront that you gave her a low quote b/c you had the lesser priced fabrics. New fabrics are 12-15 a yard, and your labor costs went up too, along with batting and thread. yes thread is very expensive now. without it, the quilt will fall apart. let them know all this up front.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,654
so sorry you went thru this. Let her know upfront that you gave her a low quote b/c you had the lesser priced fabrics. New fabrics are 12-15 a yard, and your labor costs went up too, along with batting and thread. yes thread is very expensive now. without it, the quilt will fall apart. let them know all this up front.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.
Loved the comment about the thread!
I have learned another useful phrase: "I need more information about what you want and I need to think about it" before making any sort of commitment.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: San Joaquin Valley, California
Posts: 829
Lesson Learned!
I am going to take her to the quilt shop so she can pay for the fabric she wants. Then I will make the quilts.
Lesson learned.. she said she liked my color choices so I will make suggestions but ultimately they will be her choice
I actually have a form that states cost of services I provide but being (church people) I didn't really want to make much profit but just cover the cost...
I am going to take her to the quilt shop so she can pay for the fabric she wants. Then I will make the quilts.
Lesson learned.. she said she liked my color choices so I will make suggestions but ultimately they will be her choice
I actually have a form that states cost of services I provide but being (church people) I didn't really want to make much profit but just cover the cost...
#7
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,559
"(church people)" aren't allowed to make money? Why not? Is their time less valuable?
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
#10
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.”
Jan in VA
Great comment, Jan!
Jan in VA
Great comment, Jan!
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