Watson

I think this customer has had a bit too much Crown Royal....Your price was more than fair.
Some people are never happy.
Be prepared with a professional rebuttal if any other customers ask you about this incident. You were clear about the cost in the beginning, but she must have misunderstood because there was some confusion when you gave her the bill however the price was fair for the quilt presented in the less than ideal shape that it was and the customer did agree and pay the bill.
Stay professional no matter what you hear that she may have to say. I used to have a small business doing custom design work and sometimes customers can get some odd ideas about how a transaction went down if they aren't pleased for whatever reason.
Also, off topic, don't forget to take pictures of all your completed jobs for your portfolio!

Watson

galvestonangel

You were right to stand up to her. I also wonder why her sister didn't her quilt, maybe ahe treats her the same way. I agree to telling your guild, so if the story gets around they can head it off. Good luck on your endeavor.

MargeD

I don't think that you over-charged this customer because you were upfront with your costs. I imagine that she pushed the envelope with her complaining. I think I would have told her to go back to her sister, although as someone said, maybe the sister was tired of her complaints. I also think that dunster and tartan both gave excellent advice. My niece has started a LA quilting business with her hubby and she told me she charges .01 per inch, mainly because she is lives in a small community, also because she is just starting, but that was the going rate. I like the idea of mentioning it at a guild mtg. so others will be aware and could negate any negative feedback the customer may give. Good luck to you in starting your own LA quilting business.

IBQUILTIN

I think you were right, but, lesson learned, put it in writing. An invoice with things spelled out, is something the customer cannot argue with.

Scrappy Quilter

Wow. Sounds to me like your rates are very reasonable. I would expect to pay at least double that here in the UK. I don't think people realise just how much work there is in quilting a large quilt. it's like all things homemade - people really do not want to pay for your time and time is what goes into most quilts. I wish you lived near me!!!

LadyElisabeth

Too many non quilters want everything for nothing. Do not lower your prices, you were very reasonable, and told her up front. Keep on, keeping on.

Rosyhf

I charge the same prices you do and I also feehand. When I get a new customer, I measure the quilt in front of her, write it in the book, so she can see the charges and since I have a few quilts hanging around I show her what I do. If she is pleased with that, then we have a deal. Normally, I will tell the person, before they come, the measurement of the backing (four inches all around). I make a practice of never ever sewing anything on a quilt. If the backing is not big enough or they have missed seams on the quilt, they have to come and get it and fix it first. I have never had a complaint. Another thing, I will charge a minimum of 50.00 for a small quilt as it's not worth it for me to take out the machine and do all the set up for less....for instance 60x60 would be 36.00 dollars but I will charge 50.00.

beckyw

In Wisconsin we pay $150.00 to $200.00 for a king and $100.00 to $150.00 for a queen. I would sew for others but the problems with people that want to get something cheap is always there.

klswift

you put your estimate in writing and have your customer sign it. There are some costs that you can be specific about (per inch cost, batting costs, etc) but you should have preprinted on the form what could be additional costs (if extra fabric required, custom design costs, etc). This way there can be no argument afterwards about what it cost. This is double (or triple) important if you are dealing with a friend or family member. If you choose to give them a deal when it's done, go for it. But at least you have approached the project in a business manner.

JanieH

I definitely agree with the others about doing a contract. The long armer I have used in the past spells everything out - size of quilt, if additional borders are needed, binding if sewn on. what the quilting pattern is, the estimated cost, cost of thread, cost of batting, etc. She also includes an [B]estimated time of delivery. Then we both sign. I feel protected and also like knowing the cost up front. And she feels protected also. Oh, she also asks for a deposit down for the cost of everything. Mine is usually pretty low because I have dealt with her in the past but her usual deposit is half the amount. She told me she does this with good friends and even family members because this is her business - she cannot afford to do her work for free. She did admit that for close family members she does try to do a discount. I think this lets everyone know what is going on and makes for happy customers and a happy quilter!