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From: blanken6
Date: 07-02-2005, 04:15 AM (1 of 5)
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I keep giving quotes that are to low. If they are just a little off, say $10-20 I adjust it and charge the customer. But some of my quotes have been way off and I can't make them pay for my lack of knowledge. Most things I already know how long it will take so I can just rattle it off, but when new things come up that I have never done, it tends to throw me off. So my question is - is it ok to tell the customer to let you look at the dress/pattern or do some research before you give them a quote? Does anyone already do this? Thanks ladies! Proverbs 31:10-31
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User: blanken6
Member since: 08-11-2004 Total posts: 41 
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From: toadusew
Date: 07-02-2005, 10:04 AM (2 of 5)
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Blanken6, I have asked people to allow me to see the project before I gave a price quote and also to see if I can actually do the job or if it would be better for them to take it to someone with more experience. No one has minded one bit! In my opinion, people would rather be told on the front end what to expect than to have any surprises after the job is done. If you see the dress/pattern and it looks like something you can tackle, then you can come up with a reasonable price quote. (I always asked them to give me a day or so to think about it and that seemed to be ok, too.) This has been my experience, but others may have a different opinion. I'm sure someone else will be along soon, who can give you more/better advice. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: missvickie125
Date: 07-02-2005, 10:22 AM (3 of 5)
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Absolutely! Make sure that you know all of the design details up front or it will not be profitable or satisfying work. I also like to look at the instructions and price out by each step. It all depends on your pricing system. That's just what I do. Good luck! Vickie |
User: missvickie125
Member since: 01-22-2005 Total posts: 7 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-02-2005, 11:39 AM (4 of 5)
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By all means, if you are having trouble coming up with a reasonable fee to charge "on the fly", then take your time to study the pattern, the fabrics, etc., and figure out what will be required of you. You can always tell your prospective client that you will call or send a written estimate within X number of days. Usually it should be no more than one or two days. Another approach would be to estimate very high. For instance, you think it will take you 8 hours to do a certan project, and your fees are $15.00 per hour. You could give your client an estimate of $150.00 (for 10 hours of work). Then, when it takes you only 8 hours to finish the project, you can bill them the $120.00 that it actually cost them. Clients like those kinds of surprises! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: blanken6
Date: 07-02-2005, 05:16 PM (5 of 5)
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I feel much better now. I will definately start asking for a little extra time, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't out of the ordinary. Thanks again ladies! Proverbs 31:10-31
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User: blanken6
Member since: 08-11-2004 Total posts: 41
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