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Originally Posted by Retiree
(Post 7185473)
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.”
Jan in VA Great comment, Jan! My mantra.....why do we want to attract customers with no money to purchase? Some of us bring this on ourselves and then we are dissappointed and feel taken advantage of. One big reason that I don't sew or quilt for others, they can't afford me! Besides, it would suck the life out of me. sandy |
It goes with that saying, No good deed goes unpunished. When you go to the fabric store with your client, be sure to have a pattern with exact fabric measurements and don't underestimate the fabric amounts. Two twins is a tall order. You are good to attempt it.
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I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.” Jan in VA |
[QUOTE=Jan in VA;7185268]Hindsight is definitely 20/20, isn't it. I'm sorry for your predicament!
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.” Jan in VA |
I just don't do commission work. If I were in the business they would pay business prices. If they give you a discount for any of their services then you could reciprocate but business is business.
Originally Posted by mamagrande
(Post 7185251)
So, I was giving a quilting class and someone mentioned that I had a longarm. One lady asked me how much would I make a twin size quilt for her..since have not made many for others I said $150. She said ok, I want bright colors.
So I made it this weekend, I actually finish binding it on the way to church this morning.(my husband was to be preaching there this morning). She loved it! so what is the problem??? She wanted two (2) the same, natually.. She said make another just like this..well I had used my stash to make that one and I have about 1/4 yard of each fabric. I had used Moda Marbles, RJR, Free Spriit and other quality fabrics that I had purchased about 7 -10 years ago when they were $7-9 but now I have to try to find quality fabrics at prices I can afford to make two the same... So now I have ONE twin that I will have to try and sell or maybe just donate.. I should have listened and taken a written, signed order. |
I used to be a hairdresser and family and friends thought I should do their hair for free. One family member owned an appliance shop. I needed a new tv and a new stove. I had just finished doing their daughters hair for her wedding and her bridal party. I received no payment and it wasn't a gift. The whole day was devoted to her party. They wanted me to take a tv not on sale and no discount and pay $60.00 in shipping and delivery. I walked but not before giving them the bill for the bridal party. I still have yet to be compensated. Went to another shop a customer owned bought both appliances, tv and stove and received a 35% discount and free delivery. [QUOTE=KalamaQuilts;7185671]
Originally Posted by Jan in VA
(Post 7185268)
Hindsight is definitely 20/20, isn't it. I'm sorry for your predicament!
Hairdressers often say the same thing...charge family and friends. Otherwise they complain long and hard about their free haircut until they come back for the next free cut. |
The bottom line is always state the charge and service in writing for everyone including relatives and friends. If you don't then deal with the mess that usually comes from being too nice. LOL
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Originally Posted by Jan in VA
(Post 7185268)
Hindsight is definitely 20/20, isn't it. I'm sorry for your predicament!
There have been so many conversations here on the Board about this subject that I admit to being surprised when someone else has been burned. Most of us advise at least THREE 'absolute' rules: ALWAYS get a written contract. Always get a deposit for the fabric/supplies. Always charge appropriately for YOURSELF - even if you lose the job. I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.” Jan in VA |
I have been asked many times how much I would charge to make a quilt, and I always say somewhere around $500 to $750, depending on the size of the quilt, and I will choose the pattern and take you to the LQS so that you can pick out and pay for all the fabrics (top, backing, binding, batting), which will run somewhere around $350 to $400. Then they ask if the cost of the fabrics decreases the $500 to $750, and I say NO, that is for the thread, wear and tear on my tools and my labor. Then I ask when they want to meet at the LQS. I have not yet had a taker. If someone agreed to those terms, I would get a written contract that specified a non-refundable 50% deposit on the fee (they are paying for the fabrics), a deadline for their benefit, and a deadline for them to pick up the quilt and pay for it; if they don't meet the deadline, the quilt becomes mine.
The Good Book says a laborer is worthy of her hire. Do not hesitate to ask for what your time, talent and experience are worth. |
I think it is more difficult to ask for reasonable compensation from family and friends than from strangers.
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