coffeegirl

Is it customary to add a tip for your long armer? When I first started quilting and sending tops out to be quilted, I just paid whatever the bill was and never thought anything about it. But over time, I started adding a tip, especially if they did a great job, or maybe finished it under a deadline, etc. Now, I feel bad if I Don't add extra. What does everyone else do? The quilting can be pretty expensive already, am I making it worse by paying more than is necessary, or is a tip appropriate and maybe even expected? Thank you for the advice!

stitch678

I think for a longarmer it's not normally expected. A quilt done under a tight deadline ( especially in a busy season, like holidays), or a show- level custom quilt would certainly warrant oneon occasion. Thing is, once you start tipping anyone , they come to expect they can earn one from you. Then if they do their level best for you and don't receive one, it could make them wonder what they did to dissappoint you. Best not to start at all...they set their price, you pay.

SusieQOH

Maybe some longarmers will chime in. I don't have an answer.
I've only sent quilts through the mail to be done and I make out a check for the total.

ckcowl

Being a longarm Quilter here’s my take- I Never expect a tip.
There have been times when a customer was very pleased and added a bit more to the bill, or when I did a rush job they showed their appreciation. One time I had someone say.....” I’m paying you more- it is so worth it, you don’t charge enough!”
all of this is very appreciated but never expected. Like you stated- it’s not cheap to have your quilt longarm quilted. If you feel that a little extra is warranted then by all means- give that tip. But don’t feel obligated. It’s not like a waitress working for $2.85 an hour and depending on tips. ( and yes, that is the normal pay for a waitress in Michigan)

Bobbielinks

Having been a longarm quilter for several years, I do not expect a tip from my customers. I charge them according to my prices and don't expect more. That being said, a few customers always add to my bill, even when I tell them it is not necessary. I have also had customers bring me patterns (of quilts I mentioned I would love to make sometime), quilting gadgets, framed quilty items to hang on my studio walls and flowers to plant or hang outside (as they know I also love flower gardening). I totally agreed with ckcowl, if you want to tip, by all means do.

SouthPStitches

I always tip my quilter. She does such lovely work and is very reasonable in what she charges. She takes my so-so quilts and turns them into something more special than I could achieve. If I went to someone that charges a lot more, I wouldn't be able to be quite as generous.

Jordan

I agree with "stitch678" that I don't tip and if you do then your longarm quilter will expect it.

ckcowl

ive been longarm quilting for customers for 15 years. I’ve Never Expected a tip. Even from customers who did once- I didn’t expect it a second time. I appreciate it when it happens but Never a expect it. And I don’t believe other longarm quilters do either. It’s a sweet gesture once in a while. Never expected.

dunster

I agree with ckcowl that a longarmer receiving a tip doesn't mean she will expect one in the future. I would think of it more as a gift of appreciation.

quiltingshorttimer

I'm a long arm quilter and don't expect a tip--I think I charge fair prices for the work I do (only custom stuff) and my customers will not be coming too me cause I'm the cheapest.