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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: grandma C
Date: 07-16-2007, 10:29 AM (1 of 15)
I have 5 lab coats to shorten the sleeves. It will be a simple. Cut off the extra lengths. Serge the edge and turn up the hem. Is 20$ ( 2$ per sleeve) a fair price. They didn't ask the price?
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 07-16-2007, 11:42 AM (2 of 15)
According to my price list my charge would be $50.00. If you aren't comfortable with that perhaps you should do one coat and time yourself, then work out the price for all five. Remember, it isn't just your actual time that you are charging for, but the maintainence of your machines and threads also. If you have spent time on the fitting of the coat, that time should be taken into account as well.
sewhappy
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003
Total posts: 69
From: lendube
Date: 07-16-2007, 12:19 PM (3 of 15)
The two lists I work from for alterations suggest $10.00 and $10.00 and up for shirt sleeve alterations since these lab coats would be more shirts than coats in my opinion.

If it were someone I knew I would probably charge $7.50 per coat. If I knew I'd never see the person again I'd probably charge $10.00 per coat.

I always consider the probability that they'll recommend me for work. It's a small town.

Let us know what you decide.

Lennie
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006
Total posts: 1548
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 07-16-2007, 01:22 PM (4 of 15)
I agree with $50 for the total job. You do have to consider your time, use of machine, and cost of thread. Even though hemming is not very hard you are spending your quality time on it. It's great to see you are getting some business. Goodluck to you.
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007
Total posts: 133
From: SandyGirl
Date: 07-16-2007, 03:00 PM (5 of 15)
$5.00 per sleeve makes sense to me too!! ($50.00). Why, oh why, give your time and talent away!

Hey, I pay $10 for a car wash and darnit if someone doesn't splash a mud puddle on the car before I get home! A car wash takes 3-4 minutes!! Not sure if this is a good analogy but hey, why not! Time is money!
sandygirl
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005
Total posts: 97
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-16-2007, 10:16 PM (6 of 15)
My DH just had some sleeves shortened at Men's Wearhouse. They charged $20 per garment. I would expect that $15 per coat would be reasonable. Not only are your machines, thread, and time valuable BUT SO ARE YOUR SKILLS. Don't short-change yourself.
Marty:cool: :love:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: grandma C
Date: 07-18-2007, 11:30 PM (7 of 15)
You ladies are great. I'll let you know what I decide to do. I have not recieved the jackets yet. I work a different shift than the Doctor/customer and the exchange will be made at work aqt break time. I think I will print this thread and keep it for future reference.
Thanks again!!!!
Belinda
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: lendube
Date: 07-19-2007, 12:01 PM (8 of 15)
Belinda,

Here's one list I use.

www.naturalcleaners.com/pricelistalt.html

The other list I got by asking at a dry cleaners.

Good luck, Lennie
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006
Total posts: 1548
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 07-20-2007, 02:24 AM (9 of 15)
Your list is the one that I based my price list on too. I first checked my time doing these alterations to make sure I wasn't under charging, and they all worked out to be roughly based on $20.00 per hour. I do add extra to account for fitting time as well. I found it to be very helpful.
sewhappy
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003
Total posts: 69
From: grandma C
Date: 07-21-2007, 02:25 AM (10 of 15)
Thank You! I saved the url and intend to print out the pricelist. Thankyou!!!
I recieved the Lab Jackets today and they are 100% cotton and havn't been washed and the deliverer said to hem them about here and marked the spot with her fingernail. I took the jackets but will call and suggest they be taken back and washed in hotwater 3 times and tried on afterward to mark the needed length.
I bet they will not need to be hemed after shrinking.
I hate to have them think I shortened them too much because they shrunk.
Belinda
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-22-2007, 12:35 PM (11 of 15)
Yes, $20 per lab coat is a bit high, so drop it to $10 or $15 per lab coat.

You are correct in telling them to take the lab coats back and wash them BEFORE bringing them to you. Since they are all cotton, I can just imagine what might happen!

You are going to let us know what you decide, aren't you?
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000
Total posts: 102
From: grandma C
Date: 07-24-2007, 01:14 AM (12 of 15)
I'll let you know!! I gave the the coats back today and The doctors girlfriend said she tried to tell him they needed to be washed first. I told her to wash and dry them 3 times to make sure they were shrunk all they were going to. I will feel odd if they do not shrink but I didn't want The doctor to decide I shortened them too much when they shrank. I suspect they wont need to be hemed at all. An Inch shrinkege is not unusual with cotton fabric.
Belinda
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: VenusElaine
Date: 08-11-2007, 06:24 PM (13 of 15)
ITA they need to be washed several times first. At my shop the charge would be $12.00 per coat. This includes fitting and final pressing after the hems are complete.

VenusElaine
"Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005
Total posts: 126
From: grandma C
Date: 08-13-2007, 12:56 AM (14 of 15)
Ladies thanks so much for the advice, I hope you all are going to the new site. I am having withdrawal already. I have grown to admire you all.
Oh what did I decide? I decided that since I am not yet an alteration specialist that this one time I will do the job for 5$ per coat but never again. That is because the alterations lady ,at church, I asked the same question suggested 2.50 per sleeve.

I will print out my list and have it ready from now on.

Belinda/ Grandma C
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: grandma C
Date: 08-13-2007, 02:52 PM (15 of 15)
5 sleeves done and 5 to go!
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
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