BluegrassGurl

I agree. Before I touch any quilt, everything is written down and signed. That protects you and the customer. Expectations are understood by both parties.

quiltingshorttimer

In my area, those of us that long arm are also like Rosyhf--we have a minimum charge even if the quilt job is smaller--it takes time to load it and prepare to quilt regardless of size.

Speaking of size, a long arming friend of mine had a customer accuse her of "reducing the size of her quilt"! She actually thought the long armer had cut part of the quilt off and kept it! There's an instance where having the measurements written down would have been helpful!

MarleneC

I've only had one quilt quilted but I was told beforehand how much larger the backing and batting should be. I met with the quilter and we discussed what she would do and she had a written statement of her charges and I signed that. The only problem she had with the quilt is that I like to press my seams open and she wants to tell everyone that we should press them to one side. I kindly told her that I had a woman who quilts for Quilts of Valor that she wants them pressed open and I follow her advice. I probably won't use her again because of that. She did do a very good job.

Jeanette Frantz

Any time you're in business, at some point you're going to run into someone who wants something for nothing. My DH (who died in 2004) was a cabinet maker, really skilled in woodworking. He was frequently approached by building contractors who wanted him to make cabinets for a price that was less than the cost of the materials alone. We always refused those jobs -- what good is it to work yourself silly for a job that's a "lose-lose" situation from beginning to end. Yes, you were in business, but you're in business to make money, not give your labor away! I think I would probably would have suggested she go elsewhere, particularly after seeing the quilt top with all the cords, etc.

Jeanette

justflyingin

Sigh...................some people are just crazy!

rj.neihart

I'm with all the others - you gave her the price, and even discounted the additional edging - if her sister didn't quilt it for her, there were reasons! My guess is she's a difficult person no matter where she goes, and expects to be rewarded by her pushy behavior. I think you did right - small town or not - this woman sounds like a walking time bomb for discounts she hasn't earned!

reginalovesfabric

I think you're too cheap with your prices. I would have charged her $100 plus the extra

vickig626

When I had my son's quilt done professionally (my avatar), I signed a contract with her. I think I paid around $80 and she did an awesome job. Since you're starting out, maybe the written price and signed contract is done, everyone is in agreement. Don't let customers tell you what you should charge. You know what your time and talent is worth.
Good Luck in the future.

2manyhobbies

Your price is very reasonable. In the big city, we pay much more. Don't blame you for being a bit on the snippy side. If she has a sister who is willing to do for less, than she should have gone there in the first place. Something tells me her sister was too busy, or didn't want to do it. I try to spin what
I say to people so as to soften things, but she opened the door by mentioning her sister.

Clmay

I agree with you all, keep your price you quoted. Do not give her a break, which you all ready did. I feel you were up front and honest. She will most likely be back when she realizes what you told her to begin with. Do not feel bad.

You did a good job.