What I did when I first started out was I made up coupons for a Free quilting, edge to edge I choose the design, lap size or smaller, to be used within 3 months and handed them out to our sew group ladies. I also made sure my prices were very competitive ...in fact I was less than the norm when first starting out and then after my clientele was established I gradually increased my price. I do have another perk for loyal clients... 8 paid bed size quilts, gets a Free quilting for a lap size or smaller.
Doing this I was able to pay off my longarm within 10 months!