My Godson asked me to digitise, then embroider, his company logo onto some business shirts for him.
Then he scared me with the promise of doing the same for all the company executives, nationwide, but I really don't handle the stress of doing embroidery jobs, especially when it is for Professionals/businesses, etc. as I'm too much of a perfectionist, so I passed on the additional offer.Then I did the first two and they stitched out so easily I'm wondering if I should change my mind about doing more for the rest of the company employees. But what to charge???
I know it should be $1.00 per 1,000 stitches but shouldn't there be a minimum charge for all the work it takes setting up and aligning the garment; the double stabiliser; the threads; the electricity; machine wear and tear; not to mention the anxiety??? $1.25 seems hardly worth the effort!
Any suggestions?
The ones below still have the WSS on them and they haven't been pressed out at all.
Thanks for looking.
122864Super job Meg. I think you should go for it. Have not a clue about price.
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255050Dang it girl ... Your on a roll. You do suprise me (not) Going with $5 , :+)
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42046I usually charge €3.50 which is about $4.50 (American) but am often paid a fiver instead. So I think I can safely assume my prices are too low. I have no idea what that means in Aussie dollars. But don't undercharge!
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
Thanks Martine. I think as long as we don't FEEL underpaid then we have charged the right amount. ???
Hugs, Meg
145302I think $10. a little high and $5. not quite enough , so go for $7. and split the difference. I do love the simplicity of the design. KIS keep it simple. Kay
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85867If you decide to do all the shirts ,I hope you have air conditioning which can handle this hot weather or you might be hot under the collar.
It was 40C at 11.30 am this morning & there is a few more months of summer left.
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
Yes, I agree with you, it isn't very pleasant sewing in this heat but my sewing area is downstairs and it's always cooler down there than it is upstairs. hugs n thanks, m
25212As ALWAYS your work is perfect. The embroidery shop I worked @ charges $10. min for under 1000 stitches.Since you have to recoup the $ time (for digitizing AND hooping AND stitching AND supplies) you should charge at least $10.
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
Yes Barb, you are probably right. I'm afraid we always tend to undervalue our work compared to the professionals, don't we. hugs n love, Meg
31942Great job Meg. Trev always wore Van Heusen shirts, which I'd buy from David Jones when he was at BHP. They are a beautiful shirt.
I reckon you should charge closer to $10.00 and I agree with everyone else you should be compensated for the time, electricity, your threads and needles etc. Good luck with it all. Love Chris
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
Thanks BFF, there aren't that many stitches in it, and I felt it would be overcharging when it stitches out so quickly, so I've quoted him $5 /shirt. It's not like I need the money but if it eventuates I won't knock it back again. :-) hugs n love, m
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66021You do have a terrific stitchout! I won't do comissioned work. It's too much stress for me. I end up making mistakes because of the stress. However, I understand why he wants some more! You could give him the file for the design so that he can take to a business to stitch out for him. He wouldn't have to pay the digitizing cost.
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
Yes precisely my problem Pennyhal. I lived on my nerves for years when I was working, I was always so stressed I was like a beanpole, now, since I retired I avoid stressful situations like they are a plague. Though I often find I am worried over nothing and it just comes down to self doubt. :-( hugs, M
33641BEAUTIFUL!!!! I won't do stuff for others for pay----I am too old to put up with the stress---I think it is wonderful that you are able to do things like you do--I love to do things and give them to people and love the reaction of surprise and appreciation when they get stuff----WOW, you made this for ME!!!!!!!!!! God bless you!!!!
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by meganne
02 Feb 2017
OH me too Osueo, I much rather giving than receiving and it always means so much more (to me) if I have made it myself. hugs, Meg
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63126Woo hoo, Meg, you go girl and I would definitely do the design for the exec's!! I charge $5 per hooping on simple logo's........so I encourage you to go for it!!!
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by missqueenbee47
edited 30 Jan 2017
That is what I charge too. It turned out beautiful. Never thought of using WSS but might try it sometime.
by meganne
30 Jan 2017
Thanks Vicki and missqueenbee. Hubby had suggested $5.00 as a minimum cost, but it's only 1265 stitches so I felt guilty charging more.
I guess you can tell I am really torn doing this sort of thing when I have digitised designs of over 130,000 stitches, then even stitched them out, and not charged anything for any of it.
OK, I'll tell him I'll do them and charge $5.00 each one.
hugs n roses, Meg
by basketkase
30 Jan 2017
Done that, too, Meg, but there comes a time and place to get paid for at least the materials we use......we never get our time paid for, that's for sure!
261163They look good. If you could get enough to make it worth your time, stabiliser, threads set up and other costs, I would give it a go. You would definitely get quicker with each shirt
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by meganne
30 Jan 2017
Thank you. Time isn't the issue sewmum, as they stitched out in less than 3 minutes once they were hooped.
I guess it really comes down to what it takes me to WANT to do them at all, as it has become quite a chore sewing anything these days, I much prefer to digitise than embroider.
I would do them but only because it's for my Godson.
Maybe $6.00 each like Jerrilyn suggested, then he wouldn't feel guilty for asking me, or think I was overcharging the company, and I wouldn't feel like I was being taken advantage of. (??? :-) )
hugs n roses, Meg
13243Check and see what commercial embroiderers charge in your area. That should give you a good idea.
Here in Georgia, that logo (2 colors) would be $6. each, but it may higher where you are. I wouldn't use WSS on the cotton blend shirts. I don't think you have to worry about the stitches sinking into it.
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by meganne
30 Jan 2017
Good advice Jerrilyn, I'll do some price checking.
I like to use WSS for all text as it keeps the finish much neater than without it. I will often use Dry Cover Up as it gives extra support to the text and really makes it pop. I know I am way too fussy and critical for my own good. :-)
158715I agree with Lidiad 10.00 seems like a fair price!
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