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: MaryW
Date: 10-25-2004, 12:43 PM (1 of 14)
|
Have you ever had a customer approach you and while she described what she wanted you to do, you got a bad feeling about the whole thing. Like, a sinking into the pit of your stomach type of feeling. Something that just said "run, don't walk away from this job." I had a lady come to me with a dress to make. Why I don't know because she had a relative who could sew just fine. At any rate, I made the dress, everything went fine. At the end she paid without a problem, happy as a clam. But a couple of days later I heard her and the relative telling people what problems she had with the dress. When I approached her and inquired into it all, she brushed me off without much of an answer. Come to find out, there were no problems. She had worn the dress and looked fine. So why did she tell everyone different? I had a feeling about this woman from the start. I should have followed my instinct. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: paroper
Date: 10-25-2004, 02:45 PM (2 of 14)
|
It is amazing how our instincts are usually right! Sometimes it is just hard to trust our instincts!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-25-2004, 03:59 PM (3 of 14)
|
I always trust my instincts...I know I'm in trouble if I don't...she might be one of those who likes to bad mouth people for the heck of it, but won't say anything to you. Sneakie people like that should be slapped....
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 10-25-2004, 06:15 PM (4 of 14)
|
Chrysantha, AMEN TO THAT!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Saydee
Date: 10-25-2004, 06:17 PM (5 of 14)
|
I would have to agree with Chrys. There are those people out there that are not happy unless they are pulling others to pieces. These types can't do anything constructive themselves. This makes them very jealous of anyone who has a talent, so they pull everything to pieces to make themselves feel better and appear talented. Nevermind, next time you get that feeling you will know what action to take. |
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68 
|
From: MaryW
Date: 10-26-2004, 12:09 PM (6 of 14)
|
I don't sew for others any longer. Now I sew just for family, mainly grandsons. Myself occasionally and my two daughters. Always trust your gut instinct. Lesson learned. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Melanie T
Date: 10-26-2004, 03:10 PM (7 of 14)
|
I occasionally sew for others, and have learned that lesson the hard way also. Every once in a while I forget and learn it again. I have found that I enjoy teaching sewing lessons to children much more than sewing for others. My students don't complain and as long as I make sure that they are working on a project and fabric that they love it is a lot of fun, even on their 'off' days. As for sewing for my sons, if the project has a tractor or forklift on it somewhere, my boys think it is prefect! Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: luisatusen
Date: 10-26-2004, 11:58 PM (8 of 14)
|
That happened to me several time. Actually I start a job for a designer and I feel this people are very strange, they never answer the telephone even if they are near the phone. I went last week to probe the pattern because they gave me an appointment, I ring the bell for 10 minutes and they never open the door, after waiting 10 more minutes I saw their employee opening the door and he told me they were there, when they saw me they excuse telling the bell was not good. I have the feeling that if they are so difficult now that they need the garment I will never see them when they have to pay Luisa |
User: luisatusen
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-27-2004, 01:18 PM (9 of 14)
|
Hi Luisa and welcome to Sew Whats New. I think you are right. My experience is when people hesitate to answer phones and doorbells, they are the ones who OWE everyone money. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: paroper
Date: 10-27-2004, 01:21 PM (10 of 14)
|
Just remember, no pay, no garment! That is your only security.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: dyna
Date: 12-05-2004, 08:21 PM (11 of 14)
|
I've been sewing as a business for the lasts couple of years and I've been very lucky with people's responses. I've never asked for a deposit when I start a job (although it has been offered). Since I have their fabric as collateral I figure they have a vested interest in getting it back. After reading your stories maybe I should ask for a deposit. What do you think? 50% upfront would definitely motivate people to get their project back. 
|
User: dyna
Member since: 11-08-2004 Total posts: 21 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-05-2004, 11:52 PM (12 of 14)
|
Although people didn't always pick up their project when they said most of my experiences were pretty positive. I never asked for any money up front. One of my weddings fell through and it was about a year before they picked up their dresses (but they did and they paid me in full at the time of pickup). (They were finished and ready to go when it happened.) I was glad that one fell through. My customers picked their own patterns and material. That one was bright red satin with a full skirt, and fitted (round neck, pointed waisted) bodice. The top was black lace over the bright lace satin with black lace fitted sleeves. Everytime I saw it I thought of an old west saloon. I hated those dresses. I'm glad they were never worn in a wedding. The other thing I had happen was because I told a teacher not to use some colors/fabrics for some choir dresses that she insisted upon using. It turned out badly (and terribly expensive for me in terms of money and reputation.) When she didn't listen to me, I should have walked away. Instead, I was stupid enough to stay involved. The lesson I learned is a valuable one!!!! If your gut tells you "No", you'd better listen. What was worse, she had really messed me up the year before (and I ended up taking the blame) so I should have known better than to work for her again. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Martha
Date: 12-06-2004, 06:48 PM (13 of 14)
|
My hubby is great for "reading" clients. He will tell me if someone will be "trouble" even before we get working on treatments. Thing is, he is usually right! Dyna - Even though you have their fabric for "collateral", you still have your electricity and other notions that have to be paid. Another I learned through out our 37 years in business, if you call it a "deposit", there can be problems if the client changes her mind and wants to cancel. If you call it a "down payment", that means the client is paying for part of the order, which usually can't be cancelled, especially on anything custom. We require a 50% down payment. www.mar-csinteriors.com Martha
|
User: Martha
Member since: 12-30-2000 Total posts: 44 |
From: dyna
Date: 12-06-2004, 09:38 PM (14 of 14)
|
Martha, I will definitely be asking for a down payment from now on. Thanks, Janice |
User: dyna
Member since: 11-08-2004 Total posts: 21 |
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-14021.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft