How much should I charge?
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive September 2006:
How much should I charge?
I made a blanket and nap mat cover for my dd in Kindergarten. A lady that I work with asked where I got it. I told her I made it and she wanted one. She offered to pay me but I declined. I just asked her to get a certain amount of material of whatever her dd likes and I'd whip it up. I really didn't mind doing it for her.
So since that the mat cover thing is catching on and I have made 3 more and each mother has offered to pay me. But each time I have declined.
But I'm beginning to get requests from people I don't know that think it is a great idea. I ask each person to get 4 feet of the material they want for their child and I sew it like a pillow case. If they want a blanket to match, it's another 4 feet. The blanket takes a little longer b/c I either have to hem all of the edges or fringe them which takes a little while.
So if I were (and I'm not sure I even want to) to charge for my time to make these 2 items, how much would you be willing to pay someone to do the sewing for you?
Can you post a pic of your work?
Sounds like a great business idea! You know, one of those little inventions that just takes off on its own! This is how they get started!
I would say, maybe, $8-$10 for the set, but that's without seeing them.
Well, I'd love to post a pic, but that would mean that I would have to learn how to do that as computer unsavvy as I am. And dh has gone to bed, so that's out for at least tonight.
But basically, you just pick out your fave material, cut it the right size and sew it. It comes out looking like a pillow case except it is the right size to cover a kindergarten nap mat. If the material is fleece and I want to take the time, I cut a square of material and cut fringe all the way around the outside. Then stretch the fringe pieces to make them curl. If the material is flannel, I have to put a little hem around it so it doesn't unravel. The nap mat cover takes about 20 minutes start to finish. The hemmed blanket takes about 30 to 35 minutes. The curly fringed blanket takes about an hour.
I don't mind making them for free for friends. But it does take time away from my dd. And dh thinks if I'm gonna make them for strangers I ought get something for it. He suggested $10 for my time. I don't know.
I would charge at least $20 to $25 even with them supplying the material, more if they don't. Never give away your time unless it is a gift, it's for family or a close friend. I think I would have started charging after the first one. It's hard to change, tho, once the precedent has been set.
I started doing that once. I hemmed a couple pair of slacks for a hair client of mine who didn't sew. She always tipped me well when I did her hair, so I didn't charge her. Well then, she asked me to hem pants for her DH. Then it was some co-workers of hers. It got really out of hand, so I had to lie and say that I was just too busy to do anymore sewing.
I had also gotten her some hair styling products at the supply house, using my professional discount. I only charged her what I paid. Well then, she started giving me lists from co-workers. I had to tell her "no more".
Time out of our life is one thing that we cannot get back. Your time and sewing expertise should not be given away. You COULD, as has been mentioned, start a little business. Those little "cozies" you put in the seat part of a shopping cart were invented by a Mom. She turned it into a business.
Easily $15 IF they provide the material. That's without seeing the work of course.
I paid $40 for my cart cover (possibly from the same business Hol mentioned) and I love it! We've been using it since Nat was about 7mths. old and still do. It was worth every penny, just as a Kdg. blanket and mat would be, IMO.
I'm making my dd a new one this afternoon. The old one is Care Bears from last year (preK) and she says it is too babyish. I'll take a pic of the new one when I'm done and TRY to post it. There's a first time for everything.
Check out these nap mat prices.
http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=boutique+nap+mat&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=84754&fis=2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
You could really make some $ off making these!
OMG!!!! I just decided to Google them. They are for sale on various sites for anywhere from $45 to $65. Not a new idea apparently.
Wow, those are cute!
Nap Mats on Ebay
I had no idea!
Cool! Go for it!
GO FOR IT!!!
I just made one for dd last year in preK b/c she was complaining about sticking to her mat. And I thought I can fix that! Had no idea.
There is a lady here in Tn that started out much like you,and she has been selling them to different states for over ten years and does real well.But I don't remember the name of her business or her name (and I used to work for her!).I say give it your best shot and go for it.Even if you just do it within your own circle of life style( family ,friends,their families,etc)you would probably make some good money for the upcoming holidays.
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