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I get half up front to buy the materials. That way they have something invested. After I buy the materials that money is not refundable. I also make them sign a contract that the balance will be paid when the quilt is picked up, no longer than 14 days after completion.
It's unfortunate that I have to have everything in writing and signed, but I have not been burned since I started doing contracts. |
Originally Posted by plainjane
I think a $100 deposit would be very reasonable. If payments need to be made, they could be made during the time you are making the quilt, and when it is finished, you have full payment. Most business will require a full payment for a special order. You own your own business and you can make your own rules.
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Originally Posted by joan_quilts
Ok, I have 2 quilts people wanted. I told the one lady her quilt would be ready to ship the first of November. She saw it back in July, and she knew the price back then. She asked me last week if I would take payments. I said NO.
She has ordered from me before, but this quilt is a twin size, all hand quilted and won 3rd place at a quilt show. Her story is she has bills and just can't afford it all right now. I told her that was ok, because I would hold onto the quilt until December and then I would offer to sell it to someone else. Another lady, after seeing this quilt, asked me to make her a full sized quilt kind of like it. Her husband just loves John Deere and these quilts had a John Deere theme. So, I make this quilt, it also placed 3rd in the contest under its category, and I called the lady who wanted to come by and get it. She stopped by on Friday, said how much she loved it, but "just can't afford it" right now. Uh-huh, that meant she wanted me to lower my price, a price she agreed on BEFORE I made it. From now on, I am going to ask for a $100 deposit, non-refundable, on my quilts. I have close to that much in the fabric and other material needed alone. Why do people "ask" for things, offer to pay and then "change their minds"? If they can't afford a quilt, don't ask me to make one I guess this is another lesson well learned, sigh. I am glad to know this as I am just getting ready to advertise my services. I'll ask 1/2 up front. |
I think you right to ask for a deposit. I use to sew for people & quit, too much of a pain, & along this same line. If that lady ordered that quilt & wanted to make payments, she could have been putting aside a little each payday, towards paying for the quilt. Like making payments to herself. I have done that in our checking account, just subtract off the money each time & forget about. Then, when you go to pay for it, it's already there. I think it's sad, the ones who operate this way, they want a service, then, when it's done, ho hum around about paying for it. Get your big deposit upfront, & at least you will have that...
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Originally Posted by LaurieE
Another option would be to have a contract between you and the client. Basically the client would have to sign a piece of paper stating the price and whatever other conditions you have (i.e. a deposit or other payment arrangements, etc) before you begin the work. They would think twice before signing the contract because that's a legal document and you could then take them to court since they commissioned work from you. That would certainly stop the 'I can't afford this right now' hoping you would lower the price.
I think you're very wise to ask for a deposit up front. |
I think you are all right. I have never sold a quilt, but I believe you are right with the half up front and a contract.
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I had a woman order a half of a beef from us. She even went so far as to call in her cutting instruction to the butcher, then let me know that she couldn't afford the meat. By that point, her name was on every package (that's how the butcher keeps track of who's beef belongs where). It ended up being OUR beef that year, since I couldn't sell it to anyone else, I had to pay the butcher fees, and she had it cut different from how I have him cut and wrap our meat.
It doesn't happen just with quilts!! |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
I don't charge that much for my quilts. I am asking $350 for each of these quilts, mainly to cover the costs of material. Heck, trying to get paid for the hours upon hours of hand quilting, well, you never get it all back.
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions! I have learned the hard way, again, but will stick to my guns from now on. I love when people tell me "it can't cost THAT much for fabric". And, I can buy one for a lot less at Penney's. Sure you can, but mine is and orginal and will last years and years, and it is not going to fall apart after 3 washings. |
Good idea. Then you will know if they are really serious! So many do not appreciate all the time and effort that goes into these masterpieces!!
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I am so sorry to here this happened to you twice. I agree do ask for a deposit .At least for what all the materials cost you. I had this happen to me once and i was dumb enough( because she was a so called friend) to let her take it before paying for it and have yet to this day gotten paid for all the hard work that was put into the quilt.At least you still have the quilts and they sound like there beautiful and someone will want them and to pay for them. :)
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