question about how much to charge
01-02-2011, 09:29 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
I'm a nurse, with 15 yrs experience and specialty certifications, so thanks be to God, I earn a nice hourly wage. Sometimes, knowing that I sew and quilt, people, even coworkers, ask me to do alterations or make tshirt quilts for them. I do sometimes do simple shortening of garments for friends who don't sew and can't afford to have it done. But I tell my coworkers that I sew for pleasure on my off time. If they offer to pay, I say, "Oh, you know what I make, you can't afford me". I give them some resources for either doing it themselves or hiring it done. What makes folks think I'd like to spend my free time doing their mending? This must be a constant frustration for professional quilters and seamstresses and tailors.
01-02-2011, 10:31 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,771
Originally Posted by Maia B
I'm a nurse, with 15 yrs experience and specialty certifications, so thanks be to God, I earn a nice hourly wage. Sometimes, knowing that I sew and quilt, people, even coworkers, ask me to do alterations or make tshirt quilts for them. I do sometimes do simple shortening of garments for friends who don't sew and can't afford to have it done. But I tell my coworkers that I sew for pleasure on my off time. If they offer to pay, I say, "Oh, you know what I make, you can't afford me". I give them some resources for either doing it themselves or hiring it done. What makes folks think I'd like to spend my free time doing their mending? This must be a constant frustration for professional quilters and seamstresses and tailors.
01-02-2011, 11:00 AM
#13
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Clemmons, NC
Posts: 1,055
Originally Posted by deema
Because he is a collector, he should at least have some idea of the true scope of work and time that goes into one quilt. I would charge no less than double the cost of supplies, and I would request the first half of that up front so as not to be paying out of pocket for supplies.
I have a friend who asked me how much to make a quilt for her DD's toddler bed. I am charging her $150 +shipping, which is cost of just fabric x2, not including batting (because I have a lot in my stash and she is my friend). I did let her know that she's getting it cheaper than if I'd been making it for a random person. So if you feel inclined to not to charge what you *really* think it is worth, tell him he is getting a special "friend" discount, and not to "advertise" that price.
I have a friend who asked me how much to make a quilt for her DD's toddler bed. I am charging her $150 +shipping, which is cost of just fabric x2, not including batting (because I have a lot in my stash and she is my friend). I did let her know that she's getting it cheaper than if I'd been making it for a random person. So if you feel inclined to not to charge what you *really* think it is worth, tell him he is getting a special "friend" discount, and not to "advertise" that price.
01-02-2011, 11:22 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
have you ever used homespun fabric? I think it is harder to work with, and you should charge extra for that fabric. I think you should make sure the customer knows that you are doing a favor by not charging labor--the most expensive part--in my opinion. Hope they appreciate you.
Sue
Sue
01-02-2011, 11:53 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New England
Posts: 821
No matter the price, you know how much fluff a regular sizes rag quilt gives off when washed. IMHO, I would do the fluffing for a King size at the laundromat if they will let you. They are nice and comfy aren't they?
piney
piney
01-02-2011, 03:35 PM
#18
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Clemmons, NC
Posts: 1,055
Originally Posted by susie-susie-susie
have you ever used homespun fabric? I think it is harder to work with, and you should charge extra for that fabric. I think you should make sure the customer knows that you are doing a favor by not charging labor--the most expensive part--in my opinion. Hope they appreciate you.
Sue
Sue
01-02-2011, 03:36 PM
#19
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Clemmons, NC
Posts: 1,055
Originally Posted by pinecone
No matter the price, you know how much fluff a regular sizes rag quilt gives off when washed. IMHO, I would do the fluffing for a King size at the laundromat if they will let you. They are nice and comfy aren't they?
piney
piney
01-02-2011, 03:43 PM
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 114
If you triple the cost of fabric, that's still not enough to charge. I let the lady at the quilt shop where I sold mine help set the price. I sold queen size that cost me around $50.00 for $250.00, other quilts that I made from pillow panels for $450.00. Check with shops that sell quilts and use that for a guide line. Good luck, always amazed me how much someone would pay.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
