SELLING QUILTS?
03-16-2011, 12:39 PM
#71
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Ontario
Posts: 92
That's what I would do, send the money back. She obviously doesnt want to or cant afford to have it made. I had a neighbor ask me to do a photo quilt for her step mother. Sort of same deal wanted her to know up front how much for the size she wanted. She got back to me right away and said she wasnt willing to spend that much so we talked it over and I made her a smaller one on the agreed on price of $250. She didn't bat an eye, gave me halft right there and half when finished.
The only quilts I have made so far are photo quilts for my grandchildren's graduations. They are 2-sided with emproidered quotes on them and a lot of fancy stitching. I get huge compliments on them, but never planned on selling them. Then my DSL asked me if I would consider making one for her step-daughter's grad. I told her up front how much it would cost. I quoted her the price of fabric & $12 an hr. I said that a lot of people would think that is too much, but that I figure my time is worth that much and if she doesn't want to pay that much I understand. I said I wanted everything understood up front so there are no misunderstandings. I told her I would not charge for the time doing the machine embroidery. She talked it over with her husband and we decided on a one-sided quilt, which would cut the cost and she said they thought it would be totally worth it. This all took place last fall or maybe before. She was supposed to send me the pictures and the quotes from family members she wanted on it. She sent me a few quotes and then nothing. Kept giving me excuses for not sending them. Oh, she gave me money right away for the fabric and we picked it out. I ordered it and have it cut and ready to go. Anyway, I finally called her (abt. 2 months ago) to see what is up. I said if they have decided it is just too expensive and they don't want to do it, no hard feelings, I understand. I told her if they do want to it and need to pay me a little at a time, that's fine, as long as I get what I asked. She said fine, they do still want to do it and would send me the pics, etc. I have not heard a word since. I'm sorry this is so long, but I would really like your take on this situation. I'm thinking I will just send her money back, use the fabric for something else. Would love to know what you all think.
Originally Posted by JudeWill
Originally Posted by Sophie2
I just makes sure we agree on a price before starting. Learned my lesson by not telling the cost before hand.
03-16-2011, 01:32 PM
#73
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas area, Texas, USA
Posts: 3,042
Originally Posted by LindaJR
I used to do needlework and when you put a piece in a show, you had to figure out the cost for insurance purposes. You multiply the hours spent making the item times minimum wage plus the cost of the materials. I do not know how you figure out the cost for quilts as I am new to this, but I would guess it should be about the same as needlework. Maybe you should keep a little chart to show people where you get your prices.
03-16-2011, 02:17 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 413
As stated in another post I did, I had my crafts in a consignment shop at one time. The owner told me that $300.00 was too much to ask for a hand quilted, queen sized quilt. I told her that if I wanted to give the quilts away that I needed to take them home and give them to family and special friends...........so tha't what I did. I brought them home, gave some away and using the rest. Needless to say, I have not considered that route again. My girls can divide them up after my death.
03-16-2011, 02:21 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 413
Originally Posted by AnnieF
I think when you take your hobby and sell the products, you've just made it your job. I find when I'm making a quilt and have a time limit.....and all the rest, it just takes the joy of making it right out of me.
03-16-2011, 02:56 PM
#76
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 1,015
Originally Posted by Ms Elaine Va
Everywhere I go people ask me if I am still making quilts. Of course, the answer is yes. Then the next question is am I selling them. When I say no - I get this look and then the response "What are you going to do them all"? Some even try to get me to set up stands at the local farmers market, craft shows etc.
My husband has a fishing boat - he catches fish but noone expects him to start selling fish.
It is my hobby I do it for enjoyment. Am I the only one that gets these questions?
My quilts are given to people and charties and the rest I like to look at often. I use them on my bed to keep us warm. lol
My husband has a fishing boat - he catches fish but noone expects him to start selling fish.
It is my hobby I do it for enjoyment. Am I the only one that gets these questions?
My quilts are given to people and charties and the rest I like to look at often. I use them on my bed to keep us warm. lol
03-16-2011, 03:33 PM
#77
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Southern Ontario
Posts: 164
I brought a quilt to work - double size - blooming 9 patch. Was asked if I sell my quilts - said "yup for the right price I will". She asked how much - told her for the quilt I brought in $1800.00. Hoping she would tell me I'm crazy but nope - she ordered one!!!
03-16-2011, 03:54 PM
#79
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Under my machine!
Posts: 149
When I shop for a quilt. I keep ALL reciepts with it for EVERYTHING!! If I use anything that was left over from another quilt, I put that on the bottom of the sales slip and a guess at the amt. for that item. When I fill out my quilt journal, I always put the reciepts and samples block (it has the fabrics I have used). This was when I have been asked about making a quilt. I will pull out my journal and let them look at it, then I open my envelop on the back of the page with the TOTAL AMT. I have spent and the total of hours. Then I let them know that it will be more, due to the price of COTTON. Most of the time this stops them, they walk away thinking I'm a NUT for spending so much for a hobbie, but they don't ask for $10 quilts. DH says I'm not nice, but he doesn't have any hobbies (other than BACK SEAT QUILTING!!!) lol.
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