Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 10-17-2003, 12:38 PM (1 of 8)
|
Firstly let me express my thanks to you all for your help and inspiration. I am not currently charging my alterations clients for the time it take me to rip out - thinking that I can do that while watching TV or whatever. However, I'm now working 1/2 at my alterations business, so think I must start charging for at time. I'm concerned that my prices will not be competative, since I live in a small town, and my clients are not used to "Big City" pricing. Please share your experience in this area, I would be very grateful.
sewhappy
|
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-17-2003, 01:06 PM (2 of 8)
Hi Helen, welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: stitchmd
Date: 10-17-2003, 02:30 PM (3 of 8)
| This depends on why you're ripping out. Is it to take out an old seam before sewing a new one? Are you correcting mistakes you've made or changing fit after a customer is dissatisfied with what you did or hasn't given clear instructions about what they want? Considering what I pay the car mechanic and plumber I think every second of skilled time a sewist puts in should be covered and well paid. Then again if they can't figure out the problem they don't charge extra for head scratching. How's this for a non-answer? |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 10-17-2003, 04:09 PM (4 of 8)
|
You make a very good point. The ripping out is, eg. taking out lining out of a jacket before relining, taking out damaged zippers before replacing, removing old hems etc. The problem really became apparent when I had to replace one jacket zipper where there were two zippers sewn on together - it took ages to take it all apart. It was a very high quality jacket with lots of bar tacks. The actual sewing took me an hour, because I had to replace two zippers, so it wasn't a cheap job to begin with. I think I have to be more aware of what I'm quoting for a job, and not think of the ripping part as incidental. Thanks for the input.
sewhappy
|
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 10-17-2003, 07:22 PM (5 of 8)
| Absolutely charge for that! Happy sewing and I feel more encouraged about starting myself in a business knowing people are willing to pay to have things repaired rather than just throwing damaged things out and replacing them. Please let us know how the new prices are received. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 10-17-2003, 08:29 PM (6 of 8)
|
I agree unless it is my screw up then I charge for the time. Also if it is a mindless rip out. Like taking out a leg seam or one you can do in front of the TV then I charge my lower per hour rate. You know a mechanic has diagnosis time and then repair time ect. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
|
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 10-18-2003, 11:50 AM (7 of 8)
|
In my business the "rip out" time is included in my charges. If I am taking in a waist or shortening a hem, if there is enough of a difference between the old seamline and the new, ripping out is not a problem. The old seamline can simply be cut off or serged off. However, if I am replacing a zipper, for example, my time for riping out the old zipper is included in my charges for putting in the new zipper. I also charge the customer for the cost of the zipper, of course. I think we all have to come to whatever conclusion will work best for our area of the world. Things can be relly different in different places with different people. Only you can determine what will work for your particular clients. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 10-18-2003, 01:31 PM (8 of 8)
|
Many thanks to you all for your input. I'll let you know how my revised price list is received!
sewhappy
|
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-11172.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft