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From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-10-2006, 02:56 PM (1 of 17)
I have a customer that wants two bridesmaid dresses made. She is supplying the fabric. How much do I charge for the labour? I usually charge approx. $15 per hour for alterations. Does this seem like to much? Not enough? Help!
Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: esrun3
Date: 09-10-2006, 10:47 PM (2 of 17)
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I don't sew for income so can't tell you for sure but in my opinion $15/hr is probably on the low side especially if it's slippery fabric or a complicated pattern. Hopefully someone with more insight will be along soon to help you out.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-11-2006, 07:23 AM (3 of 17)
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I think you might be right, hard to know. I'd really hate to scare them away but don't want to under price.
Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-11-2006, 08:09 AM (4 of 17)
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Because of a backlog of work on this site, I have not been diligent in the advertising department. I will post this and appreciate everyone who co-operates. Please, if you have ANY sort of a business, post your web link in the Fabrics/Fabrics/Machines For Sale forum. This is the ONLY forum where you can advertise for free. If you have your website listed in your signature, please remove it. I do appreciate your comments and helpful tips and hints but the entire forum will turn into a billboard if everyone posts their site. Please post your website in the listed forum above. Remove your website link from your signature. Thanks everyone for your co-operation in this matter. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-11-2006, 08:24 AM (5 of 17)
Sorry Mary, I had no idea...removed 
Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-11-2006, 09:31 AM (6 of 17)
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No problem, I know you just joined. I think $15.00 would be minimum to charge. Do you have any idea what others in your area are charging for this type of work?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-11-2006, 09:55 AM (7 of 17)
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Hi Mary, I have asked around and they say $15 is low as well. I will go higher, I'll post again to let ya know how my customer feels  Thanks Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 09-11-2006, 10:21 PM (8 of 17)
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I don't know your area, but $15 is very low! I live in Phoenix and I get a minimum of $20 hour for labor alone and the rate goes up depending on the project and it's difficulty. Some of my clients supply the fabric, otherwise the cost of the fabric is added on. I do not mark-up on fabric but do include any shipping charges. The customer knows that well in advance.
Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: Bekka
Date: 09-11-2006, 10:46 PM (9 of 17)
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I charge 35.00 an hour. Bekka Bekka
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User: Bekka
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 79 |
From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-12-2006, 09:59 AM (10 of 17)
I told my customer that I charge $20 and she told me that she had found someone to do it for $12-$13 per hour. I feel great about saying $20 and will charge that from now on as I know nothing leaves my door without excellent quality checks!  15 minutes later another lady showed up with an arm load of pants to hem and taper! back to work! thank you again for all the great advice! Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-12-2006, 10:29 AM (11 of 17)
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That is great. Now you have your rate established.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-12-2006, 04:45 PM (12 of 17)
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I think it is _fabulous_ that you raised your rate and didn't bat an eye when they walked away. I can guarantee that the folks who quoted $12-13/hr are going to be cursing themselves for it as the project gets under way, and they won't make that mistake again. Better them than you.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-12-2006, 08:50 PM (13 of 17)
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I guess you can't make every one happy all the time. I wish there was a book of rates for us to go by! Thanks, I am happy with my decision take care Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: icansewit
Date: 09-23-2006, 07:40 PM (14 of 17)
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I guess you can't make every one happy all the time. I wish there was a book of rates for us to go by! Thanks, I am happy with my decision take care "Sewing as a Home Business" by Mary Roehr is a paper back book that has been helpful for me. Still you have to adjust for the area you live in. But it is a good guide. |
User: icansewit
Member since: 05-06-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 09-26-2006, 11:06 PM (15 of 17)
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I charge a minimum of $30.00 per "labor" hour for any custom work. I often do many hours of research for styles, patterns, and fabric for any project before actually beginning the work. Labor hours include drafting and fitting patterns, muslins, and all actual sewing of the finished garment. I also provide in-home service to my clients. This upcharges for mileage, travel time, etc. Any time a client or potential client comments that my prices are high, or they can get it somewhere else cheaper, I respond that I cannot judge the value of other's work, only my own. And it is well worth it. I have a very long list of extremely satisfied clients to attest to it. Never underestimate or undervalue yourself! VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Carol in ME
Date: 09-28-2006, 05:57 PM (16 of 17)
| If the $13 an hour seamstress isn't cursing her poor judgement, the customer later might do the same. I've worked in a variety of places, and got to correct a lot of other seamstresses' bad work. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: doublekgifts
Date: 09-28-2006, 08:35 PM (17 of 17)
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Thanks for the great advice. I will check out the book.
Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
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