sewjul Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I have had my machine for a year now and have been doing charity quilts for one of our local guilds an love doing them, however, in August of this year I started charging customers for my work. I recently stopped into one of our local shops in the area with a few samples of my work, thinking this would be a good way to get the word out that I was available. Much to my surprise she handed me a quilt with backing and batting and said, "Show me what you can do, so I can show my customers." My gut tells me to do this as a freebie in hopes that she will refer me in the future, but wanted to get everyon's opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Congratulations Julie on getting this quilt so you can showcase your talent. Post some pictures please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspingler Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Congratulations. I would do the first one as a freebie but discount all shop samples in the future. What discount is up to you and the store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Ditto what Sharon said. Do your best to knock her socks off, but stay with the feeling of the quilt. Don't do micro stitching on a Thimbleberries or elaborate designs on busy fabric where it won't show. I'm sure you get what I'm saying and congratulations on your foot-in-the-door opportunity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHuffman Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 If you do decide to do it for free make sure you write up an invoice showing the full price and the discount she got. It puts value on your work and lets her know you are in this as a BUSINESS, not a hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewjul Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I can't seem to post a picture of this quilt, but of all things it is pieced out of batiks..... to be specific a rainbow of pinks and purples....and you know how fussy they can be with needle marks. So I have chosen one of my favorite pantos, "Clematis". I do not want to do any frogging on this thing....but I wanat it to look noce. Anykind of quilting, in my opinion is not going to show up very well because of the fabric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I love quilting on batiks....I am sure it will be beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyLake Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 You did a good job of marketing your service. I agree with the others -- do the first free and then talk business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestieMom Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Julie, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get your business going even stronger. I love the clematis panto...it's a beautiful pattern. Post pictures when done...would love to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kisoto Posted December 10, 2011 Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 I am ready to order my long arm on the 16th and would like to know how long it will take to be delivered to London, Kentucky? Thanks for any information. Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cblevins Posted December 10, 2011 Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Hi Kim and welcome!!!!! Your best bet would be to call APQS and ask them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted December 10, 2011 Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Julie I'd follow Angela's advice. I always provide an invoice so that we're all clear what it costs to get the quilt done. If you're trying to drum up business one freebie for the shop is a good deal. If the shop is going to allow you to drop off and pick-up then you might want to consider a discount every so often or even a freebie to compensate for their time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted December 10, 2011 Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Originally posted by kisoto I am ready to order my long arm on the 16th and would like to know how long it will take to be delivered to London, Kentucky? Thanks for any information. Kim Hi Kim. As Cheri suggested, ask when you place your order and they can give you an idea of how long it will take. Sometimes you must wait a bit while you machine is being built and sometimes there are machines ready to ship right away. They will give you contact information for the freighting company and it's all up to them. Welcome to the forum and congrats on making a great choice of an APQS machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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