Hi all,
I'm new to this site and have a question. I would like to start a business where I would piece tops for fabric manufacturers to test out a pattern or for quilt shops for display. I have no idea how much to charge for this. Should I charge by the project or by the hour. If anyone has done or paid for this I would appreciate and pricing advice.

Thank you, Carolyn

I am envious. What a great job.

i would price boy product, i don't think you would make much or get customers charging by the hour

i would be interested in the same type of sewing tops forfabric manufacturers. How do I go about finding information on making money this way.

Welcome aboard carolynp and katherinep!

I would try going to a LQS or a sewing center and ask what they charge or how they charge. I am sure that they will share their knowledge with you. They would have a better idea, too! IMHO They are nice fabrics!!!!

DeeDee

Thanks for the reply's all.

I'm just starting at this and I supposed it would be by the job, but as you know, some tops take much longer and are much harder than others - lol. I will ask around the few shops I go to and also at MQX or something. I'll let you all know when I get some pricing.

I have a friend that works for RJR and they pay her by the hour.

Do you already have samples to show? How much experience do you have? Have you made any tops and kept track of exactly how much time it took you to be able to tell prospective customers how long it takes you? If you can't tell them how long it's going to take to make a sample then you can't give them a price estimate.

Don't most quilt shops make their own samples? All the ones I've been in make their own or just give the sample to the person that makes it for them.

in my area, the quilt stores, including joann's (phtoot!) "hire" people to make up their samples. they supply the fabric, the patterns, and the notions, and they pay a pittance. after it's finished being displayed, the maker has the opportunity to buy it at cost, or some stores give it to the maker in exchange for the work. if a display quilt has $350. worth of fabric and batting in it, and you like the quilt, you may feel it's worth it to you. you would have to make your own deal with the store. there are no rules.

EDITED: some stores only use people they know from classes that they offer.
the idea of bringing a sample or a portfolio is a good one, especially if
you've been shopping the same store for a while and they know you.

Thank you for the advice.

Yes, I have plenty of samples. I have been quilting a lot for about 4 years now (retired) and usually try to make a quilt using a new technique each time. I would consider myself an intermediate/advanced piecer. I've done a lot of paper piecing and a lot of rough edge applique and some turned applique. I'm going to have to ask around some of the shops as I'm always in there spending a lot of money - lol.