I've been in business before, mainly selling for home party plans. Then my husband was in business for 18 yrs self employed with a steel building construction company. And we ran it from a home office.
I registered my trade name...what do you ladies think of this "Stitchabilities"? Hoped it would cover custom embroidery stitch work, and finish quilting stitch work.
Then I do have to have licenses and I can buy wholesale, got that part covered. Thank you.
And I do know about Vistaprint, used them for years, great place.
I have a daughter who went to college for photography who can take "professional" pictures for a brochure.
And a daughter who went to college as a marketing major, works for a major natl. firm, but can do things for 'mom' without conflict, she'll help me design marketing.
I'm hoping the quilt shops I've bought from before help by allowing a demo piece, I'll do one made from fabric from their store, maybe that will help get one 'hung' in their store with my info.
I plan to do a lot of charity projects to also get my name out there, from the Cancer walk to humane society, etc.
Then I have some friends, I said I'd do a quilt for them for cost of batting/backing only, then they can refer my work...word of mouth is the best advert.
Insurance was something I thought of for my home, machines, but I'll add for my customer's quilts, good idea.
I also was told to do a customer contract, firm pricing, firm decision by customer to design (pantos, computerized) I won't be doing free style except my own competition quilts, that's too time consuming and eats profit, and risky if they like your work or not. If they enter a contest and don't win because of my quilt work, they'll be very upset, so just won't even go there.
I've heard to hang the quilt where the customer can see it coming in, on display. To always compliment something sincerely, even with really poor workmanship on their part.
And to turn down any job I'm not comfortable with..very off square that I can't fix, just turn it away.
Thank you for the ideas on wholesale and threads you use.
NOW, if I can only make up my mind on machines and both or one business idea. I have a full scale business plan, but hubby said in 3 yrs, waiting to see how the economy goes. Then out of the blue he suggests I buy before end of this year, and start at least this part (machines)and see what can build before we decide to jump into a full store business. So, I'm not prepared, and don't want to make mistakes with a short notice here.
Do you ladies buy lots of patterns? Do computer designed quilts or free motion? Can I ask you to PM me about your prices and state your in? I know not to undercut, and not to be the highest, but to be the upper half on pricing. Make the customer believe you'll do a step better than the bottom dollar. Even a beginner's first quilt, they take pride in all their work and want a nice job done on quilting it also. Never downgrade my work because I don't feel a quilt is 'nice enough', but treat each quilt special and do my best work.
I've been a volunteer of 40-60 hrs/wk for 24 yrs. I think I'm pretty dedicated to work those hours for free, and I feel I'm pretty good with people, very friendly. I've also worked a Natl. & County Gov jobs along with home party shows for many yrs, again, have to be good with people.
And then my husband's business taught us a lot. He got out when we lost our son (father/son business dream). But our worst trial was good employee's and getting paid final on jobs. They always have to make the down payment, then instalments at stages of the job, but final payment, often they have a new pick up or boat, and we got stiffed and placed a lean which don't do any good until they go out of business or sell the building, so we're screwed.
Do you ladies get paid upfront? Half down? Or only upon finish? Guess you have a quilt if they don't pay to get it.
Have you ever had anyone cause a major fit about your work?
Ever have any legal problems?
Can you share your worst nightmare with a customer?
I know there are good and bad, lots of dedicated hours, and self discipline.
How many quilts do you produce a week or month or year?
Are there any other tips you could share with me?
I sincerely thank you all for all your support and help.