Pricing for a Commissioned work - need input!

Hello all!

I'm just about done with some Arts and Crafts style curtains for a friend of mine who lives in a beautiful A&C Bungalo but I have no idea how much to charge him! The materials were around $50 and I'll probably end up spending 10 hours making them once they're all done.

Any suggestions? I was thinking about charging a flat rate for each one (four panels) and not going into a whole bunch of detail on hours and materials.

I'd love to hear what you charge or have charged for your time in the past. Thanks!

georgia

I do this professionally, so my pricing may not be in line with how you feel about charging a friend...

I'm not sure what you mean by arts and crafts style curtains, but first let me just say that if everyone could do this they wouldn't need us and we deserve be paid well for our time, knowledge and talent!

Typically I will charge $35 - $50 per width (single panel) for simple rod pocket drapes, $45 - $65 for pinch pleat.. all drapes are lined unless it's sheer fabric.. Customer pays for fabric, lining, and any trim, pricing is strictly for labor.

Price varies according to:

Finished length - extra long drapes are always priced higher

Type of fabric - how fussy it is to work with

Embellishments - trims added at leading edges or at bottom

Any kind of bells and whistles that add to time and difficulty of job

This should give you an idea of what they should reasonably expect to pay. I'm in south Florida, there is a lot of custom work in this area and also quite a bit of competition.. My pricing is very competitive - not too high, not too low..

Another way to calculate your price, which I do for odd requests that don't have a set price, is to decide what your time is worth, on an hourly basis, and charge that for your estimated hours plus the expenses for supplies.  Only you know what your time is worth to you - will you work for $5 an hour, $10, $35, etc.

A few tips -

Never underestimate the value of your skill

Never assume it will be easy, you may estimate 10 hrs and run into snags which could double the time

If you price low and get referrals from the job to do others, it may be difficult to charge more appropriately the next time

Hope this helps!

Suzanne

http://sjonescustomdrapes.com

The person above has done a good job explaining pricing... And I just want to reiterate how important it is not to undersell yourself! People should understand the value of things. So many people have been conditioned to expect super low prices on goods and services.

Great, thanks so much!

Good evening;
I would charge the $12.50 for fabric and for 2.5 hours I would charge $25 so round up to $38/panel.  That is very fair.....
I am quite comfortable sewing for profit, at home, in my pajamas at whatever time of day I choose to sew for $10/hr. 
Good luck....
Louise

I have the same problem setting a price when sewing for friends.  I'm so happy to see others encouraging you not to undersell yourself.  My husband always tells me I'm giving my talents away!

that is funny that you say that kelli may husband says the same thing.  I have a big problem with setting prices because people say it's to high.  When you explain the whole process to them they still think that it should be cheaper rrrrhh............That really keeps me from sewing for people

I too sew for a few clients and friends.  I think the others are right in thinking at least $10 an hour even for friends.  Think of the tools you have to produce the goods.  It really adds up. 
I have dreams of being this blogger
http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/
Great for a laugh.  Really want some of the pieces she offers for sale. 

http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/

Hilarious!  Thanks for sharing

Suzanne

http://sjonescustomdrapes.com/category/more-window-treatment-ideas/

Glad to see this post.  I came here and was going to post something similar.  I'm making a playmat for a friend (36"x36") and didn't know how much to charge.  I think I tend to under charge and I probably should get out of that mentality.  Everyone tells me people love handmade stuff and will pay the money for it.  I still feel funny though.

Absolutely, positively, DO NOT undersell yourself - if anyone could do this, we would be out of a career.  I am a professional seamstress, and I would charge the cost of the materials plus no less than $20.00/hr for your labor.  You're worth it!