Need to LISTEN!
 

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.

So she rejected the first quilt and now wants two new ones? I would give her a new quote (and require a deposit before work begins) that considers the price of the fabric + your labor. Quilting cotton now is more expensive than it was 7-10 years ago. The figure may cause her to pause and reconsider, or you may get fair compensation for your work after all. Though it's terrible you're having to eat the cost for the time you spent on the quilt you already made. With that in mind, I'd be very, very wary of starting these new quilts for her because she might reject these because she decides she wants something else.

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

so sorry you went thru this. Let her know upfront that you gave her a low quote b/c you had the lesser priced fabrics. New fabrics are 12-15 a yard, and your labor costs went up too, along with batting and thread. yes thread is very expensive now. without it, the quilt will fall apart. let them know all this up front.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.

Loved the comment about the thread!

I have learned another useful phrase: "I need more information about what you want and I need to think about it" before making any sort of commitment.

Lesson Learned!
I am going to take her to the quilt shop so she can pay for the fabric she wants. Then I will make the quilts.
Lesson learned.. she said she liked my color choices so I will make suggestions but ultimately they will be her choice
I actually have a form that states cost of services I provide but being (church people) I didn't really want to make much profit but just cover the cost...

Me too.

Totally agree.

"(church people)" aren't allowed to make money? Why not? Is their time less valuable?

I am reasonably sure that she meant SHE wouldn't make much money on them because they the clients are "church people". IOW, she was eating profit for the sake of comraderie.

It is so very hard dealing with people who do NOT understand the time and money it takes to make a quilt. There seeing only the cheap quilts coming in from China.

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!