Sandygirl

Anyone ever get this request? You give a handmade gift to someone and they ask for another one for a friend??
It happened to me at Christmas but the second purse was for her daughter. But she insisted in buying it so I quoted a price and she agreed. Now she has friends who also want a purse like hers. I told her that I "might" have time to make some for her to show. the price will go up some. too much stress!

Another buddy makes those twirly crocheted scarves and she gave one to a mutual friend who asked for a second one in another color. Hmmm.

How do you handle this situation?
Sandy

sweetpea

PRICE IT TO HIGH [look three time to high]. If they still wont it. you can get something nice for your self for all the work, if it high and they so no thanks you will know that made the offer. by the way will you make me a purse????and maybe your buddy will make me a black and white a twirly scarve? HA HA sorry just had to light up the day.

WTxRed

It depends on how much $, time and effort have been involved in the gift, and how much you enjoy the process and the person!
If you're on the fence - yep, price it high (3 or 4 x your cost and more than you'd pay for it if you were buying) and if they bite - you've compensated yourself!
I've been approached and asked if I'd make one just like 'x' and I respond, yes I will but I'm not sure you'll go for the price!

winia

What it sounds to me like is you could be making a few extra bucks by making purses. If you don't want to do it, I would tell her I do it for a hobby and do not want to turn it into a business. I see this all the time. People get themselves involved in situations they don't want to get involved in because they didn't speak up and explain what is involved, and then get stressed out and resentful. Say something.

Sandygirl

Oh, I will keep it under control. The price will be higher than what I charged originally. She is a good friend who is so generous to others so I did not mind making her daughter a Purse and she did not mind paying for it...she insisted but for her buddies, they don't get the same deal.


I want to upgrade my sewing machine this year so maybe this is one way to fill the piggy .

Sandy

nanna-up-north

Most people don't have a clue about what goes into making a 'homemade' item. I just tell people that once I made an item, I don't want to make another just like it..... I have more things I want to make than I have a lifetime to do.... They've always accepted that answer.

AlienQuilter

I had a friend ask me to make her a sturdy tote bag. Others liked it and wanted one but I told her to tell them no. I'm not confident enough for that plus it will take time away from quilting.

And since I now own several machines, people think I can do alterations as well. I will not do that. I will only mend close family members clothing liking taking up a hem or sewing a pocket or buttons back on.

Sandygirl

When people complain about the cost of alterations I always reply.....PAY IT!

Sandy

lisalisa

I was asked how much to make one just like it. I told her first that it was impossible. Every piece was a found item. Every personal touch was just that. Personal. Even if I wanted too, I couldn't. Of course I could do it similar, and my rate would be the same as what I get paid for my day job plus materials. Needless to say, she never asked again.

My brother wanted a different one and I told him to get the fabric and no problem. Never heard from him again either.

BellaBoo

I learned my lesson making sock monkeys. Everyone wanted one. Now I just laugh when asked to make another anything and say you were lucky to get the first one.