I do pantos for one and a half cents per square inch.
Custom for 2 cents if it is just in the ditch and meandering type of stuff.
I wont do the labor intensive ones with lots of feathers, etc. for money because it takes too long and hard on my back..and most cant afford it..
I charge for batting but not thread.
I would sure love to see your $500 quilting job.. any chance you could post pictures?