OK ~ first I will admit that I don't usually have customers. I'm a quilter who LOVES the art of quilting, the process of making something beautiful out of small bits of fabric.

With the economy the way it is ~ in the toilet ~ I decided to say YES. [FIRST mistake] When a 'friend' asked me to finish a quilt she had started. [are you kidding, to do something I love? AND get paid? Honey I was all over that like white on rice]

So, we talked a bit about cost, what is involved in completing a quilt, and how she would like it quilted. NOT having seen the quilt I gave her 'ball park' of 200-250 dollars. Remember I said 'friend'? Me personally, if someone was going to send me back a completed quilt for that price....well I'd sell all my fabric to get the cash for them. :)

NOW, when I told her 250, because I have to purchase backing for the QUEEN sized quilt.........

She says, and I'm quoting, "$250.00 it's just a F%@*ing blanket!!!"

Really? Really???? Great! Now I'm stuck with yet ANOTHER UFO!!!
:shock: UGH!

So, have any of you ever come across this problem? Nothing I can do about it now, but, I was just wondering how others have handled something similar to this.

Piece Girls & Boys!

Can't say that ever happened to me,but I'd not be a happy camper if it did!
Yrs ago, I had several ppl ask what I'd charge to make them a quilt.My reply was to point them in the direction of the LQS with a list of needs,from fabric to batting & backing & thread.Once I knew the size....we'd figure out my labor charge.Not one ever got back to me...thankfully!

rule #1 for the future: set a firm price and get the agreement in writing before you accept the commission.

rule #2: when it comes to business, friends are not friends. they are providers and customers. ;-)

do you still have the quilt? if so, finish it and sell it. if she demands a percentage, give her $15. i believe that's the going price of "just a bleeping blanket" these days at walmart. ;-)

if you already gave it back, then consider all the time you have now for quilting and for new friends since you don't have to waste that time on her anymore. ;-)

Ditto! If someone asks for a price, I tell them the total and provide a breakdown. It's not usually the labor part that they freak out over ... it's the cost of fabric! One guy thought he was going to get smart and buy the fabric himself, thinking he could get it a lot cheaper. (Keep in mind that I'm a big-time bargain hunter! ;) )

I waited and waited while he looked for fabric ... but never heard another word from him. :lol:

Even if they agree with the price, I won't start on anything without a deposit that's at least enough to pay for the materials. Been there, done that, got left holding the bag. :evil:

Woo! Patrice is spot on today!

And, ummmm....that speaks volumes that she called a quilt "just a bleepin blanket". Wonder why she didn't finish it? Too much work for a bleepin blanket?

I think if was a "real friend" she wouldn't have spoken to you that way. By the way, ask her (if she works) does she get paid? If you do it for a living she would understand - - - it is no different that ordering Pampered Chef or Avon or anything else, even if you do it on the side. Take her on shopping trip and let her buy fabric and supplies for your next quilt and maybe she will get an idea of what it costs to make a quality product. Pack it up and send it back to her before you get started on it.

She had started it, didn't want to finish it....I'm going to finish it. Not sure what I'll do with this one. She's not getting it back. May try to sell it at LQS or on ebay. I haven't got anything in it except for labor about 9 hours, and counting. It's gonna be beautiful and when it's done I'll post photos. Maybe one of you will need a quick gift. :)

Well, I am asked to do a quilt for someone, I have told them to go shopping at the mall or catalogs because they can find cheaper quilts there than what I would charge. But one person ask me to make a quilt and lap quilt and she did pay me.

I would have said"It not a @@##$$%% blanket, its a quilt and you pay more for quilts."

Years ago I was told to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying "NO" over and over again. I've had no problems since. Family and friends can be the worst to do business with.

Is this right?
A friend asks if you'd finish a quilt she started.
You give her an estimate, discuss what she wants, and start working on it.
You then give her a firm price of $250 because you will have to buy backing.
She balks and is rude to you, in your opinion (we cannot hear her tone of voice remember, it could easily have been sarcasm).
Now you are confiscating her quilt, plan to sell it and keep the proceeds for yourself.
Is that all a friendship is worth to you? Nine hours of doing something that you say you love to do anyway?

Return it to her, as is, and chalk it up to experience. All you have lost is time. Never again do business with someone before you have a written agreement in hand.