My LAQ always asks if I want it trimmed. I don't have her do it because I think it protects the edges in case it takes me a while to get the binding on.

This is really a helpful discussion for me, as I have not sent one out before, but am about ready to. Had not thought about this issue!

I trim, only when asked.
Squaring up quilts, When I set them up, I'm working on squaring your quilt up, setting it up with a level line.
Then on each edge, so that your quilt will be squared when it is returned. My thought is, you wouldn't want to cut into your border, you cut it at the correct width.
Not all tops are created equal, so the best thing for me to do is to make it as even as possible.
I do run a line around the quilt, especially with pieced borders, sewing inside the quarter inch, so that it doesn't show when the binding is put on.
Enjoy The Art!
Sue

The LAQ I've used actually won't trim. And after receiving the finished quilt back I'm glad she did not. This allowed me some flexibility in how exactly it was trimmed and I had a lot of extra fabric around the quilt. My LAQ said that she prefers not to trim that way there can't be any issues about whether she squared sufficiently etc. I think it is one area where there can be issues.

I ask my customers if they want it trimmed and then I write it on the work order before they sign it. I feel it's up to the customer. I also ask them if they want the trimmed edges stay stitched or serged.

I wouldn't expect a longarmer to do the trimming unless it was agreed in advance, because the quilter doesn't necessarily want the batting and backing trimmed even with the top. (I usually trim mine 1/4" larger than the top.) And I would expect an additional charge for trimming.

Very interesting! Did not know all these things.

I don't want mine to be trimmed. I like that extra batting to use for wall hangings, etc. I use the fusible tape to piece them together for another use. Works like a charm.

I don't trim, unless asked, and then all the scraps are returned with the quilt. I staystitch around the quilt edges.

Both quilters I have used did the trim and stiching. I gives it a
finished and ready to complete product. That is what you pay
for. I also got the leftovers back.