MOOLOO'S Muddling on into 2013

Savvy_sewing

Alas they have only moved them in same small part of town. The girl is only a street away from where the parents used to live, and only 10 min walk from Twin1 so not far enough away by a long chalk. Oh well.

Will email the social worker.
Today was sewing the clothes from door knock sales but alas both machines have now rebelled and will have to go for servicing in Kettering tomorrow. Man said take them at 9. Well it will be bit later as got to get DGD to school first, and DS to Biggests house. Another sewing job was booked in at 9as well. All I needed. Not. At least with the Food Bank they don't have to be paid back like the social loans. Just one thing less for Twins to borrow from at least that's a good thing.
So I am unable to finish three projects ear marked for today. Hand sewing would just not be strong enough for the zips etc. possible do but not professional enough.
Going to indulge in an hours reading before I do anything else around the house.

Savvy_Sue

On the subject of charging, can I suggest you practice saying aloud things like "oh, that would be at least an hour's work, so I'd have to charge £30, maybe £50 if it took 2 hours, I'd need to take a proper look first."

I say this, because I spotted a new dry-cleaners today advertising alterations, and a lady working in the window on her machine. I went in and asked how much to re-line a skirt, and was told "£45-£60, hard to say without seeing it", no hesitation at all!

Savvy_sewing

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

On the subject of charging, can I suggest you practice saying aloud things like "oh, that would be at least an hour's work, so I'd have to charge £30, maybe £50 if it took 2 hours, I'd need to take a proper look first."

I say this, because I spotted a new dry-cleaners today advertising alterations, and a lady working in the window on her machine. I went in and asked how much to re-line a skirt, and was told "£45-£60, hard to say without seeing it", no hesitation at all!

Good grief! I am piddling around with £6 and £8's! Old prices from about 20 years ago now I come to think about it! My prices were supposed to be based on earning my £10 an hour. But think I better get the updated prices printed NOW or I will be snowed under and far too cheap!

Hard_Up_Hester

Problems with pricing/payments were the reason I gave up doing alterations for people. I quoted £3 for a very small repair, when the person collected the item she gave me £1 and said 'it's such a small repair, I'm sure this will cover it'
Stopped me every doing any sewing for anyone other than family,
Hester

MatyMoo

The lady that does my alterations has a price list that states from....

So take up trousers from £8 which means she can charge extra if they are lined or difficult to take up like a pair of my evening trousers with a pleated bit at the side.

Savvy_sewing

Well I have managed to get the machines sorted out so I should be able to get back on track with it all soon. However I am just babysitting for DGD2 while DS helps Biggest with more of her clean up now the furniture has been moved out.
So I get the easy job this time, especially as she fell asleep in the car bringing her back. Alas am at her house not mine so limited to what I can do.

Savvy_Sue

Even if someone was doing a repair or alteration for a favour, I wouldn't give them LESS than £10 for it! So yes, your prices are definitely on the low side.

Think of other services where you pay an hourly rate: car mechanic, massage therapist, even your hairdresser if you work out how long it takes to do your hair.

I pay £45 for an hour's massage. £12 for a simple wet cut which takes less than half an hour. Why should you value your skills any less?

Actually, the hairdresser is a good comparison IMO. You have to provide the right tools and some materials. I don't know if anyone has a home hairdresser, but that would be well worth investigating.

Errata

Mobile hairdresser - wash and blow dry, takes 30 minutes = £15+tip in West Yorkshire.
Gardener - mows lawn, takes 30 minutes = as above (plus tea!)
Window cleaner - 5 windows and two doors, takes 15 minutes = £5

Would I use someone who only charges £6 - £8 for a repair or alteration - nope!

Savvy_sewing

Errata wrote: »

Mobile hairdresser - wash and blow dry, takes 30 minutes = £15+tip in West Yorkshire.
Gardener - mows lawn, takes 30 minutes = as above (plus tea!)
Window cleaner - 5 windows and two doors, takes 15 minutes = £5

Would I use someone who only charges £6 - £8 for a repair or alteration - nope!

Why would you not use someone who didn't charge much? Would you think that they were not qualified enough? I suppose.
I think that where I am people are still not very willing to pay for sewing skills. They don't always understand the complexities of some jobs that seem easy but are infant complicated.
I have found a price list that I picked up in town last year from an alterations shop and I will re type it up with my Mooloo information and base myself on their prices. And just have to be brave and ask what I am worth. I suppose I just take it for granted that I can do something and that what takes me 20 minutes can take someone else an age! Or is totally beyond them in the first place. I think it comes from what prices people will pay for my handmade bags etc compared to the cost of the materials plus my time. Rarely do they cover my time properly at all.
I think I am going to have to get tougher with friends and acquaintances who expect a couple of quid for a hem or like the guy at work Nothing at all in the end! Won't be doing that again in a hurry that's for sure.

minimoneysaver

Yes, I think I would assume that you were not as qualified to do a good job if the charges were not what I would expect them to be. Your time and energy is worth money. Do not undersell yourself.