sewhappy Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Ok. with my empty nest thing going on I have finally given in to requests to take in quilts. I put an ad in the paper for inexpensive quick freehand quilting. (7 desgins to choose from - set prices for sizes.) I have been so busy with the overwhelming response! I have new customers that come from miles away to get the quilt done & not have to wait four + months. Customers are finding quilts they put aside to get quilted but did not want to spend too much on. Had an entire group finish the wall hangings they made in a class. I am enjoying it much more than I thought I would, BUT..... How can you stand the worry that they may not like it? So far everyone has been very happy with the results when they pick up but still how can you stand it?? Does that part get easier?? Please tell me it gets easier! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sylvia Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Hi Sewhappy It sounds as if you are off to a great start. Congratulations! I want to reassure you that the worry about whether or not customers will like your quilting will decrease and then go away. Keep doing a good job and being honest with your customers and all will be well. Wishing you all the best with your new venture. Sylvia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 I think the worry they might not like it begins to fade after you've had many people nearly jump on you with hugs because they love the quilt so much. I've even had a few burst into tears (I did panic, thinking they may have hated it, but it was all good). Eventually, you may get someone who is dissatisfied, but when all parties try to be reasonable, it usually works out. Sounds like you're off to a good start! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DL Semmens Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Take it from someone that knows......it will fade. Especially because the customer is picking the design before they leave. I use to worry, not so much anymore. Now I worry that I won't be able to keep up. I don't want a huge business....just enough to support my own habit. Last year I said I would be happy with 1 quilt a week, I'm on quilt 85 and took 10 calls this week. Make sure that you are being compensated for your time and materials. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie W. Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Sew Happy, I like your idea of the ad. Did you put it in a particular part of the paper or just an ad on any page and for how long?. Yes, I worry too, but so far the customers like my work. So far, I am my worst critic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Congratulations Patty on the great response to your business! I think the key words in your post that are drawing happy piecers are "inexpensive" and "quick". Your customers will soon find out that they can safely add "great" to the description of your offerings! Lots of longarmers stay with overalls and pantos which always make more money per hour than custom. And you have the option to add custom as the need arises, but don't have to if you don't want to. You have made a great decision and the doubt will soon fade with those hugs (as Linda S says) that your customers will be giving you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmillie2010 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 my own measuring stick is "Would I like this on MY quilt?" I think i'm pretty good at choosing the thread, quilting pattern/panto, so ... but when i feel a small lack of confidence I always go back to customer and go over how the quilt is going to be used/who the quilt is for/are florals, leaves, etc. ok or not, etc. This way i get back on track as to what the customer will like/not like. i've only had 1 customer who was trying her best to be a PITA - changing her mind several times before I even received the quilt. finally told her that I didn't think i was the quilter for her quilt, because it sounded like she could do the work herself on her dsm. pay attention to those red flag moments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seakitten Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Lots of good advice here. Your will continue to gain confidence from the positive response of your happy customers, & you will soon realize that the occasions=al tiny flaw (which usually only YOU see) is normal & does not detract from the beauty of the quilt. Enjoy your new business, & don't let it become a burden by taking on too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 I never worry, however I am thrilled when a customer is thrilled. For the short time I am quilting a quilt, it is my quilt and I quilt it as if it were- with the best I can do, fixing anything I would not be happy with and more- I get very picky. This attitude serves me well.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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