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Posted by ama1 on May 26, 2007, 10:02 am
As a long long time lurker of this group I have picked up many tips and
tricks as I read. Thank you for sharing!!
I am writing now because I could use a little advice.
I was recently offered the opportunity to do some sewing for a local bridal
shoe & veil shop.
(They carry all the extras for the bride and bridal party not the actual
dresses.)
It seems that they need someone to do just about everything from custom
embroidery, to sewing
special order capelets, boleros and other bridal extras, as well as basic
alterations to stocked items like gloves and things.
I have been sewing for as far back as I can remember, first for myself and
then my children and then for the past 15+ years custom
one of a kind clothing for high end fashion doll collectors.
I should note that I have had to cut way back on my sewing the last 5 years
since my first grandson was born as I am his primary caregiver.
But he is getting older and will be starting school in the fall. So, this
could be an added client source for me as I get "back to work".
My question is what to do now? If I want the work, I can start with orders
for 6 faux fur bolero jackets and 12 capelets also faux fur.
Also unlimited machine embroidery work.
Any suggestions relating to pricing, fabric sources, standard sizing tips
will be forever appreciated!
Thank you so much!
Mary
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Posted by Pogonip on May 26, 2007, 11:40 am
ama1 wrote:
>
> My question is what to do now? If I want the work, I can start with orders
> for 6 faux fur bolero jackets and 12 capelets also faux fur.
> Also unlimited machine embroidery work.
> Any suggestions relating to pricing, fabric sources, standard sizing tips
> will be forever appreciated!
>
> Thank you so much!
> Mary
>
>
I found this on another group - you may wish to adopt/edit as a start:
My hourly rates:
$45 per hour.
$65 per hour if you want to watch.
$95 per hour if you want to help.
$125 per hour if you tried to fix it and failed.
--
Joanne
stitches @ singerlady.reno.nv.us.earth.milky-way.com
http://members.tripod.com/~bernardschopen/
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Posted by on May 26, 2007, 1:54 pm
Pogonip wrote:
> ama1 wrote:
>>
>> My question is what to do now? If I want the work, I can start with
>> orders
>> for 6 faux fur bolero jackets and 12 capelets also faux fur.
>> Also unlimited machine embroidery work.
>> Any suggestions relating to pricing, fabric sources, standard sizing tips
>> will be forever appreciated!
>>
>> Thank you so much!
>> Mary
>>
>>
>
> I found this on another group - you may wish to adopt/edit as a start:
>
> My hourly rates:
> $45 per hour.
> $65 per hour if you want to watch.
> $95 per hour if you want to help.
> $125 per hour if you tried to fix it and failed.
And that's pretty good advice. :) The three things you have to think
about:
1. Ask yourself, and answer Very Honestly: Are my skills really up to this
level? (I'm betting they probably are, but only you can answer that
question for yourself.)
2. Am I willing to give up my hobby? Once sewing becomes work, it tends to
stay that way. Trust me, you won't have a lot of spare time you will want
to spend in the sewing room.
3. What is a fair price (to myself and my clients) for my work?
I have always based my charges on a per hour rate. Going rate around here
is anywhere from $20 - $60 per hour depending on the type of work and the
skill set involved. Pricing is tricky. You have to find a level that
meets all of your needs (covers overhead which yes you do have if you are
working at home.) You also have to find a level that gives you a profit.
And you have price so that you have just the right amount of work. That's
the easiest part to figure out. If you have too much work, your prices are
too low. If you don't have any work at all, your prices are too high. If
you get swamped, raise your prices. Yes, some business will fall off, but
what you still have will earn you more profit per project. Make sense?
Email me off list if you have other questions. I'm happy to help in anyway
I can.
Sharon
--
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and just annoys the
pig.
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Posted by Pogonip on May 26, 2007, 2:19 pm
mamahays@cox.net wrote:
>
> 3. What is a fair price (to myself and my clients) for my work?
>
> I have always based my charges on a per hour rate. Going rate around here
> is anywhere from $20 - $60 per hour depending on the type of work and the
> skill set involved. Pricing is tricky. You have to find a level that
> meets all of your needs (covers overhead which yes you do have if you are
> working at home.) You also have to find a level that gives you a profit.
> And you have price so that you have just the right amount of work. That's
> the easiest part to figure out. If you have too much work, your prices are
> too low. If you don't have any work at all, your prices are too high. If
> you get swamped, raise your prices. Yes, some business will fall off, but
> what you still have will earn you more profit per project. Make sense?
>
> Email me off list if you have other questions. I'm happy to help in anyway
> I can.
>
> Sharon
>
The biggest problem I see is people undercharging. They don't take into
account that they are covering 100% of their own "payroll" expenses -
should be paying income tax, full social security since there's no
employer to split it with, worker's comp, unemployment, health insurance
-- plus rent and utilities and the ever-necessary janitorial services.
If you sell yourself short, you will eventually feel used and
undervalued. Your time, expertise, and production is valuable.
Customers will try to tell you that you have no expenses since you work
at home, and you wouldn't be making anything at all if it weren't for
them bringing you their sewing. Don't listen to them.
--
Joanne
stitches @ singerlady.reno.nv.us.earth.milky-way.com
http://members.tripod.com/~bernardschopen/
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Posted by on May 28, 2007, 10:49 am
Pogonip wrote:
>
> The biggest problem I see is people undercharging. They don't take into
> account that they are covering 100% of their own "payroll" expenses -
> should be paying income tax, full social security since there's no
> employer to split it with, worker's comp, unemployment, health insurance
> -- plus rent and utilities and the ever-necessary janitorial services.
Yeah that's true. There's also business insurance that needs to cover: the
client's property temporarily stored on the business' grounds; possible
injury to clients (if they fall on the front steps or something,); business
equipment; etc. Homeowner's insurance will not cover those things most of
the time if you are operating a business out of your home. Always good to
have a discussion with 3 people when starting a business: an accountant,
an insurance agent and a lawyer. I know sounds like a bad joke, but it
isn't. ;)
>
> If you sell yourself short, you will eventually feel used and
> undervalued. Your time, expertise, and production is valuable.
>
> Customers will try to tell you that you have no expenses since you work
> at home, and you wouldn't be making anything at all if it weren't for
> them bringing you their sewing. Don't listen to them.
Not only don't listen to them, don't work for them. The nicest part of
working in a business you own is deciding what work you will and won't
take. And y'know what?? You don't even have to justify or excuse it. You
can just say "No." Feels really good to do that too.
Sharon
---
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and just annoys the
pig.
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