When I make a quilt for a paying customer, the first thing I do is have a conversation with the customer about all pertinent facts. First off we determine actual size needed, not in bed size - but width by length. Next we talk about fabrics and what customer wants and what will work - and that includes batting and thread. Then I do the calculations for materials cost and ask for that amount up front before I ever go to the first store. When I determine the amount of labor, I also take into consideration the pattern and how difficult, the amount of quilting, and how quickly the customer needs the quilt. 2-3 times the cost of materials is pretty standard, but a quilt I have to get done very quickly will cost customer more. The same goes for a difficult pattern. The finished quilt never leaves my possession until completely paid for and I never take anything but cash (eliminates all possible problems).