did trim with ribbon or fabric on the burp cloths. The ribbon wasn't cheap because it is "ALABAMA" ribbon. I didn't know ahead of time what designs I would use. I don't believe that I will get paid enough to pay me for my time and materials. Does anyone really make any money at this???

You never get your money's worth when you are making these like this. I just have a set rate and not per stitch, especially when some of the stitches come up to 30,000. There is no way someone will pay that much for something... I also go on ETSY and see what the going rate is for an item and I price them about that since locals don't have to pay for shipping. :) Hope this helps some.

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by designcrazy 23 Nov 2010

Thanks for your help, I need to check ETSY out, I haven't looked on there lately.Thanks again, *4U

After reading the total stitches, I see what you mean! It's so hard to price something. Sometimes I take into account the color changes, etc. I'd probably add up the costs of supplies & take a stab at what you want for the labor. THEN tell her you can't do anymore at that price. Make any money? I don't, I just do it for the satifaction of seeing my work being appreciated.

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by designcrazy 23 Nov 2010

Thanks Gerry, I still haven't came up with my final price. Gotta figure it out, she wants it by Thanksgiving.*4U

Hi there,
I let my customers come and see what designs and trim they want. Then give them a quote before doing the work.
If it is passed to me by someone other, I do it on my program and email a picture of what it will look like wit a quote up up front. They must confirm if I must then go ahead.

Hope this helps

Hugs Yvonne

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by designcrazy 23 Nov 2010

Thanks Yvonne, That's a good idea to send a picture and a price quote before stitching. I have the Florian Emb. Suite, so I use it to take out extra stitches or put in needed stitches and it wasn't cheap either!!! Thanks again, *4U

Don't sell yourself short - often you have to spend the time on digitizing (or pay someone to do it). Your machine needs servicing every so many stitches (nearly $60 a time for us), the machine was not cheap in the first place and you have to outlay a lot for supplies.

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by designcrazy 23 Nov 2010

Thanks for your advice, I use Florian software to get the designs ready for stitching, and I'm still paying on it!!! So I really can't just give my work away.*4U

by elizabethak 23 Nov 2010

I have a Bernina and know very little about design but pricing the software - V6 starts at $1000 for the first half -and more than 1200 for the second - It reminds me of people who want lifts everywhere but if they are not drivers never offer anything towards gas!

I am also shy to ask my price and have 'given' items away at less than my costs but I enjoy what I do so don't mind.
Sometimes a special price for the first leads to a whole lot of new customers.
Enjoy Stitching!
From Bev

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by nhsmith55 22 Nov 2010

I, too, often "give" stuff away. But sometimes that keeps people from coming back for more! It's hard to know what to charge.

by designcrazy 23 Nov 2010

Thanks for your comments, I find if you give your work away, they will come back for more!!!! I also enjoy what I do, but they get paid for what they do on their job. Thanks again, Jane *4U

I am in Dothan, AL and I do burp cloths with a mid to dense design, add ribbon, lace, etc. I sell them for $10 each, or $7.50 each for 6 or more. I usually let people know that special ribbons, etc. that I can't use on another project will up the price. I go to dollar stores, big lots, tuesday morning, etc. and get trims as cheap as possible. Where are you in Bama?
Linda

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by designcrazy 22 Nov 2010

Hi Linda, I live in Rainsville, Al. I wish we lived closer so we could get together. I did tell the lady that I had some Ala ribbon that was a bit pricey. She didn't see any of the designs or trims because she sent the blanket, onsie and 3 diapers to me by my Daughter.Hope she likes them!! Thanks for your help.*4U

I do it the other way around: First asking what the customer wants and how much he will pay for it and with that in mind I watch for the material and the designs. That's why I love redwork ;o)
The minimum has to be the material and a little money for your time. Best is if you get also some money for your creativity.
For myself I never discount on the stitchnumber but I know that your price is what most embroiderers take. Some designs have a very high stitchnumber and nobody will pay you later for that (like those wonderful fantasy-designs from emblibray with stitchnumbers of nearly 100.000!).
So you can make money when you have the price in mind that the customer is willing to pay. Don't know Alabama-ribbon but using expensive fittings is something that you could/ should only do when your customer knows the quality and will pay for that.
Greetings, Bettina

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by fannyfurkin 22 Nov 2010

Good answer Bettina.*4U

by designcrazy 22 Nov 2010

Thanks Bettina for taking the time to answer my questions. The problem with Redwork is there's no Alabama Football designs that I know of. These items are for a first Grandchild of a lady that works with my Daughter. I think maybe she'll pay what I ask, if your a "GM", you will know what I mean!!! But the total stitches are over 50,000 and then there's my time and supplies.I just can't bring myself to charge that much. I will try to post pictures of these items.*4U

by ansalu 23 Nov 2010

That's what I mean: First think about the design (stitchnumber, colorchanges= material + time) and wheter you would be paid for it. Should need some time until I will be a granny (my kids are 8+3) but I know what you mean ;o)
Greetings, Bettina

next time set a price first. You should not be out of pocket. You need a reply from a USA Cutie for this question but I would write out just how long it took for the work and threads used etc and let the person you have done the work for see. Good Luck with this and I look forward to others answers

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by fannyfurkin 22 Nov 2010

*4U

by designcrazy 22 Nov 2010

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm new at doing emb. for customers. And I'm kinda slow at it, so I know I will not really make anything until I get faster. It just takes awhile to find the right design and do lettering.*4U

I use a sliding scale to work out what to charge, and it is more than $1.00 Aud per 1000 stitches. If you are doing the same thing over and over and you don't have to keep setting the machine up then it is cheaper. You have to be careful not to sell yourself short. Remember, your customer can't do what you do, they don't have the skill or the equipment. You will be surprised what people will actually pay when they are buying personalized items. I have attached the guide I use for charging customers.
The second part of your question, I don't make a lot of money because I simply don't get a lot of customers. but he customers I do get will pay me what I ask for as long as I can justify it. If a customer is not happy to pay what it is worth then you don't need the customer.
I guess what I am saying is if you value your work by charging appropriately then others will too.
Hope this helps
Alice

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by devon 22 Nov 2010

Thank you. I also wanted to know. DeVon

by designcrazy 22 Nov 2010

Thanks Alice,I tend to be afraid to charge what I should because it seems to be too high. But I didn't get all this equipment for nothing!!! The supplies are rather pricey to, aren't they? Thanks for the chart. *4U, Jane