From Don-isewman--?? for everyone
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,061
Unfortunately most people think you quilt for "fun" and so don't need to charge much for your products. I decided a long time ago that I would not do any "custom" work for anyone, just make quilts and projects for family, friends, and charity. Then we have no misunderstanding. Non quilters have no idea what fabric costs, or the hours you you spend on the work you do and get huffy when you ask a fair price for your work. It's one thing to quilt because you want to and quite another to quilt because someone wants you to do it and doesn't understand the process at all.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
Excuse me, am I nuts, or did you not specify that the person wanting this quilt made had purchased the fabric herself? If that was the case, I think $150 was a bit high for a lap/throw quilt construction.
#24
I give a number high enough they never ask again. Made my daughter a purse. Her MIL loved it and asked how much, without blinking an eye, I said$300. She never brought it up again. A lot depends if you sew for fun, family or income.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haverhill, MA
Posts: 498
That is what i do as well, I have had people ask about my celtic knot french braid quilts and how much it would cost. I tell them it starts at $1500 and goes up from there depending on various factors
The one I did for my brother took the following:
$250 materials cost
took me:
2hrs to pick fabric (french braids are very time consuming on selection stage)
2hrs to wash and prep fabric
3hrs to cut
10hrs to embroider
4hrs to piece
2hrs for quilt prepping (ironing backing/top, squaring up etc)
5hrs to stencil
10hrs to quilt
4hrs to bind
That is 42hrs @ $20/hr = $840 labor costs
so now we are at $1100 for just labor/materials.......and that is if I dont want any profit.
I use $20/hr because this is a skilled "job" and when I tutored I got paid $20/hr, so when I quilt I get $20/hr
Most people when told how long it takes to get from "idea" to finished product and how many steps, are ok with the prices, but most cant pay. I refuse to undercut my skill by charging pennies for quality work. I dont get many commissions, but that is ok with me. People want walmart prices and Designer quality.
I would break it down like that, labor + materials and then add a little for profit, show the people what they are paying for, they may surprise you.
I also agree with those who say if she is hemming/hawing about design, walk away....she will never be happy and is hoping you will drop your price to what she feels she wants to pay. You dont need that stress. YOU deserve to get paid a fair price for quality work, She cant buy a Mercedes for $2000, she shouldnt expect to get a quality hand made item for less than a fair price either
#26
If people are going to under-value my time and skill that much, they don't deserve a handmade quilt and I point them to Walmart.
Don (isewman) - For a lap-sized quilt, you should charge at least $200 for pattern choice, cutting, piecing, and quilting. Even though they gave you the fabric for it, it still represents a lot of your time and your effort, not to mention time lost making quilts for family or yourself. If they truly value handmade quilts, they will think that's a fair offer.
#27
Thank you lady's to have answered my ???. I made 2 blocks with another color I had here at home. Took the 2 blocks down the other day or so. to have her get a ideal. She wasnt sure when I showed her what I thought, of at the time. Brought, back 1 block, and pinned the neutral color she wanted, on to a pattern, I'm useing,(ellens star). Pinned rectangle, triangles, and sq's on a quilt block. Took it to her this morning, before I posted this note, and said this is what you will get.Make a long story short, she(we). wasnt sure yet. I told her another day-another time. Thanks again lady's. Don
Dina
#28
I made a red white and blue star quilt for a fund raiser someone came up to me and asked me if I would make a king size one for her. I said sure minimum of 500.00 plus material. He never brought it up again. :-) Would love to make some for money but you know we don't make quilts for money.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 1,964
In my area, people just drop their jaws when you quote them a price - I recently was asked to make a table runner. When I figured in all the costs of materials, time, etc., I came up with a price of $75. This was to be all custom to match her fancy dining room. Her answer? "I could just pick one up at Home Goods for $12.99." My thoughts are unprintable!! lol!! I won't take any orders from anyone - just not worth the aggravation!
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Centerville, WA
Posts: 1,254
Don, you said she bought the fabric for the quilt? Did she also buy for the backing, batting & thread? I have sold several quilts, but my prices are low for this area. The way I figure it is the total cost of supplies & double that plus add 20% to that. I also require non refundable half down before I even start it. That way, at least the supplies are covered if they try to back out. I have never had anyone back out so far. If someone ever brought me the fabric, what I would do them was to figure the cost of that fabric & go from there. I don't think the $150.00 is to much. I would be on guard, though, since she is already showing signs of not being satisfied with what you have already shown her. It would be best, if you decide to go ahead with this project, to make her chose the pattern too. That way, if she is not happy with how it turned out, you will be able to say you picked the pattern & fabric. Since you have already made a few samples & she is not happy so far, require at least half down before even starting her quilt & be firm about it. You have already spent valuable time making the samples for her.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post