Tally Kathy

I agree it's low, but it is a "relative". . Set a price per square inch - and let her know what a good discount she is getting. My quilter sews on the binding, but I hand sew it to the front. Sometimes I buy the batting, sometimes she uses hers from a big roll. Many of mine are quilted with an all over meandering design which she says is easy. A few are more intricately quilted and the price reflects that. Maybe you could make up printed cards with your prices and hand her a few with the quilts.

mommamac

$65 for completed queen size hand quilted = low!

I suggest you establish a per/inch price for different types of quilting i.e. crosshatch, in the ditch, simple design, complex design etc. Ask other hand quilters what they charge as a guideline.
Also set a price for binding (future customers may choose to do their own) My quilter charges .15/inch
Then you will have a standard to follow & won't be in the same situation when the next person comes along.

Also offer a 'family' discount on total cost. 15-20% seems fair

StitchinJoy

In my area, it would cost about $90 for just the binding on a 90" square queen size quilt. The quilting would depend on the type, but that would probably be $160 and up here in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

GailG

IMHO-- There's family....and there's family. MIL of your SIL sounds pretty far to me. Everyone will be expecting those special prices. I would let it be known what your regular rate is and let them decide if they want it done. REmember this is your time, equipment, expertise, etc. Don't sell yourself short. Good luck.

crella boudon

you can tell her that you will do hers for a low price but not for anyone else that way she can tell that to other quilters. 65.00 is low

SueDor

I would charge more. If this person tells people how much it cost, then they will ecpect the same price.

carolaug

Maybe its just me...but there is no way I would ay 300.00 for a quilt...that is a car payment...though my cars are paid off...

my thought...It all depends on if its a job or a hobby. If you price low you will get more business...but if you get too much business it will seem like work and not a hobby. I am going to start doing it for free for raffles....so when I do walkathons I don't have to beg for money...I will use the raffle tickets. I also am donating to a animal thrift shop. all profit goes to the animals

Mkotch

How about setting an hourly rate? Tell them that, since you are just starting out with commission work, you will be using their projects to figure out a rate to charge in the future.

Lady-T

My quilter charges (for basic quilting design) .015 psi plus $13 (for a queen) for machine attaching the binding on front
Then I hand sew it to the back

kalady

I have altered clothes for years and sold various crafts and am a free lance Home Economist/Consultant- all work where I set my own prices.

This is my best advice- esp since this customer is NOT IMMEDIATE family, really she isn't. Charge more -think of what you would or have paid and charge at least that. I believe when you cheapen yourself and your skills you send a message to others and yourself that you are not worth it. Set a good price, a fair price but do not discount yourself. Tell the customer your price and make no apologies. If you are questioned, the answer is "frankly I am committed to great work and charge a price that makes me be able to devote the time and effort to give you the wonderful results you have a right to expect." IMHO It is better to lose those customers that want too low prices and get paid for the quality work you do.This family discount - and lets face it she is much removed- phooey- creates a bunch of extra layers. Are you going to keep doing more at a discount, even when it eats into your family, personal time?? Would she discount for you? How much are your lives entwined?

I also stress that I do not alter for just anyone- this is true- it weeds out bargain hunters that do not respect your skill and time and also creates a feeling of exclusivity. I only take referrals-keeps the payment problems down. This philosophy has worked for me- I can not handle all the work I am offered.

Do not cheapen or discount your talents! We women tend to do that, I believe because of the fact that so much of our life/family work we are not monetarily compensated or recognized for.

Now I relinquish my soap box to someone else...