Thanks for your thoughts.

To answer the question someone mention, yes, I did get a receipt, with my name, phone #, size of quilt, quilting pattern, color of thread, price and due date.

I only have her do the quilting, provide my own batting and backing cut to size (she requests 4" larger all around) and when I get it back I square it up and add the binding.

I'm going to wait a day or so and give her a call again, hopefully all will be resolved. May in Jersey

May, you're a very patient person. If I'd made a call and had not heard back in 24 hours, I wouldn't be happy.

Not only is a call in order if the due date won't be met, the call should be made as soon as it's apparent that the commitment won't be met in case the owner needs to find someone else in order to meet a date.

JMHO.

Cathy

some times life does happen- but a turn around date should be settled upon- or the quilter should at least keep in touch and let you know if there will be a hold up-
i used to always get them out within 2 weeks- i've had alot of (life and death) happening this year- when it looked like i just couldnt' get to quilts i called people and let them know what was happening- and when i expected to get them done- and asked if there was a need by date---i always- always stay in touch if i have someone elses master piece in my home- i really don't like having them around too long- worried about something happening to them---would rather get them done and gone again...but communication is essential to run a business

This x 100. Communication is the key.

The only reasonable excuse for not communicating with your customers, ESPECIALLY when it seems like you won't have something completed by the agreed-upon date, is because you're in a coma or dead! Well perhaps I exaggerate a bit but you know what I mean.

Things happen that are sometimes beyond our control- or we make mistakes (we're only human). I don't get upset when a business makes a mistake or when something unexpected happens, unless they refuse to make it right and/or never give me a courtesy call. The business that goes out of their way to make sure I know what's going on (customer service 101!) is the business that I'll go back to.

You might want to voice your concerns to her politely. I am wondering how she keeps track of when these quilts are due. At the very least I would have a calendar with due dates on it so I could refer to it and see what needs to be finished asap or who needs to receive a phone call!

I do most of my customer quilts in 2-3 weeks depending on if its custom work or not. That explains why some of my quilts have been waiting for over 2 yrs!
I always ask when they need it for...... I think its the only way

If there was an agreed upon time she should honor that time frame. If there were problems she should have called you to let you know there would be a delay and make sure you were o.k with waiting longer. I stay in touch with my customers throughout the process and even send pics of the work in progress at times.
Good luck, you are being very patient!

Phyllis
QuiltingGranni

I think you should call her and explain that you expected your quilt to be done around July 23, and were wondering if there is a problem. Tell her it is for a gift and you need it next week.

I'm a longarmer, and I give scheduled due dates, typed in black and white on the first line of my workorder.

If my machine needs a part, or I am injured and out of commission, the quilt is going to be late. I usually know it long before the quilt is due, because I don't cut it close with my schedule.

I have had several situations where quilting was delayed. once my stepmom was very ill and I needed to take care of her. Once I was on crutches. Once my machine needed a part and they sent the wrong one--it was down a week that time--grrr!

Life happens. But when it does, I can look at my project plan,see what's next and know what will be delayed.I ALWAYS call my clients and explain, and give the option of coming to get their quilt without it being quilted. I haven't had anyone take me upon it. But I know 3 good local longarmers who I admire and trust, and I will refer clients to them if necessary.

Good luck to you with this situation. I hope you get your quilt in time for the anniversary!

I know that things can cause a delay in the completion, but a committment IS a committment. My feeling is that the completion date is part of the contract and should be respected. If the date cannot be met to get your quilt done, you should get a phone call explaining the reason why the work isn't done. Just my thoughts.

I agree. Things can come that are out of their control that cause delays, but it's just good courtesy and good business sense to call the customer and let them know.

Usually a month with mine