How do I charge?

The owner of my LNS has aked me to "finish" some of her stitched pieces into scissor fobs, pincushions, scissor cases, etc. She will provide the thread for making the cords and tassels. I will be providing the labor. What would a fair charge for my services be? Any thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated! Mary Ann

Reply to
crittercountry
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This sort of question has been asked many times. My general sort of reply is that you will never earn enough money, if you compare the compensation with minimum wages. However, if you enjoy doing the work, then you may "right off" some of your time on the basis you are having fun. The one thing people generally agree on is that it is very important to have a very clear agreement of what the compensation is to be ***BEFORE*** you do *any* stitching. If you can agree on a price that satisfies both parties, go for it. But dont expect to make a lot of money. HTH.

Reply to
F.James Cripwell

Since it's finishing work, not the embroidery/xs itself, I would charge a seamstress wage, or less. Last year, I paid $85 and $95, respectively, to have two dresses alterred. It involved hemming the skirt and taking in a little bit on the sides of both dresses. My wedding gown was over $100 for the alterations, and the only thing they had to do was take up the front hem 1 inch (included removing and replacing the lace border that was on the hem so they could take it up).

Barbara

Reply to
Barbara Hass

I agree with Jim, it can be hard to get paid what you and your time are worth.

At my store, I work with a person who does finishing (bellpulls, ornaments, fobs, pillow, stockings, door hangers, and just about anything else that can be done from cross stitch). She sets the rates, with me acting as the "middle woman" to the client. The smallest finishing job will start in the $20 range, and move up to $60 or so. I don't think that's particularly high, but I wouldn't say I've done much research on the matter.

I will say that clients never haggle for price. I don't give a price quote, just a ballpark range. I don't usually get any bad reactions or "sticker shock" when they pick up their finished piece. Usually they're so delighted, and realize that perfect finishing does come at a price. So don't undersell your value -- folks will be glad to take you up on a low price, but that doesn't mean they HAVE to.

Hope this helps! Good luck -- a good finisher is worth her weight in gold, chocolate, and fine linen. :^)

-Lucy

Lucy Boyer Cross Stitch Unlimited Arlington, MA USA

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Reply to
StitchStash

In my area, they get $50 and up for finishing.

Anna

Reply to
anna

I agree with Jim.

Also make sure they state up-front exactly what is expected. Don't go through a third person about whether or not you take the job on. I had this problem once. I got referred by a friend. All I was told ahead of time was that it was embroidery needing done. I set a price and accepted the job. Then after the work was done I was told they expected me to put it all together for them (I made a book cover for a Jewish prayer book - two in fact for twin boys) They had approved the design and everything, they then said they expected me to make the whole cover up. They they came back with changes, 2 times. I tell you my fee was WELL EARNED, but not nearly enough. When I told my friend, she was flabbergasted about what went on. She had been assured by these people that it was only embroidery, that's why she had recommended me. We both learned our lesson, don't set a price until you talk to the people yourself.

Lynne (in Ottawa)

Reply to
lynne_d_can

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