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Old 03-06-2013, 08:04 AM
  #11  
crashnquilt
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lebanon, Missouri
Posts: 602
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IMHO, your pricing is fair and even a bit low, IF you are only making the quilt top. But, I know the labor and time involved. You will find that most people have NO CLUE what is involved in making a quilt. I will tell you of the pitfalls I have come across when people (mostly family members) that want a quilt. First the mind set is "Geez it is just a little bit of sewing what's so hard with that?!" Oh if only we could explain! Then there is also the "Big deal, cut fabric sew it together. A monkey to do that!" Really? Then go hire a monkey! (don't forget bananas are expensive)
Now, regarding your particular situation. #1-the pattern. Find out from the customer what they have in mind or their idea of the finished quilt. If they have no idea, you find 4 or 5 patterns within your skill set and have the customer choose which one they like. I guarantee if you choose the pattern, the end customer will not like it! PERIOD. Oh they may appear to be elated with the top, but later down the road eventually it will be said, "Well, it really wasn't what I was wanting..." (don't believe me? Wanna see my tshirt!) I am not trying to discourage you and please don't take this post to be so. I am trying to help you AVOID pitfalls that I have experienced. (and I attended HARD KNOCK HIGH for many years)
People don't understand WHAT goes into making a quilt. They don't realize how long it takes too:
Prep the fabric
Organize fabric
Measure
Cut
PRESS
Square up blocks
Matching seams
etc, etc, etc
As I said at the beginning of the post, your pricing FOR THE TOP ONLY is fair if not a bit low. If your customer complains that the price is to high, DO NOT WAIVER from your price. Just say something to the effect of there is more work behind the seam lines than is realized and after consulting with others you have found your price to be a bit low but doable. If they still complain about pricing you can always say, "Well, I will be glad to discount the price IF you can come help me with some of the work involved." That is what I did with my nephew and he is now my biggest fan of my quilts. He had a friend of his ask about his quilt. The friend wanted one. My nephew very quickly popped up and said, "I know exactly how much work is in a quilt. Buddy, if you have $1,000 I'll take it to my aunt as your down payment!"
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