Some advice needed

[Former_Member]

I had a phone call today from a friend asking about doing a t shirt quilt for him. He has about 30 t shirts from concerts that he would like to have made into a quilt. I am really excited for the opportunity to play around with a new design and to help make something memorable for him, but I am struggling with how to price it. How do you all deal with requests from friends and family to make items? When I did some research on etsy that size t shirt quilt is averaging a cost between $500 and $600. There is no way that I would feel comfortable charging that amount, but I also don't want to set up a standard where I am putting a lot of time into a product and not making any kind of profit. Input or thoughts would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I know exactly how you feel; I almost dread when very close friends or family wants some of my jewelry. Why not ask him if he was planning on some sort of re-embursment? (spell?) or what he feels he can pay after telling him what the going rate is and how much time you would put into the quilt.

Sounds like an awesome thing to do with the old t shirts!

[Former_Member]

I agree about asking him- I would start by saying taht the quilts generally for for about $500 and let him tell you what he was thinking- he might be thrilled for you to do it at $500, but he might be crushed and respond 'gee, I was thinking more like $50' It would at least give you some starting point and a way to negotiate a price that both of you feel is fair. I would ask, though, that he not disclose how much he paid for the quilt if somebody asks, and if he asks why just tell him that you're trying to start your business and grow it and cannot do a lot of special projects right now. :-)

[Former_Member]

Friends don't allow their friends to work for free. And real friends can discuss just about anything. So put it out on the table, haggle back and forth with laughter, and find a price you both feel is fair.

Good luck! :)

[Former_Member]

Real friends should and will understand that you cannot work for free. Think about it the other way around, had it been them would they give you a massive discount or still expect you to pay to cover their labour, expenses etc. That being said anytime I do orders for friends and family depending on how close we are I may charge ordinary prices for some and my close relatives and friends I leave out my profit and only charge to cover my materials, labour and expenses. But if you honestly don't feel like slashing prices just because it's a friend then don't do it, give them the price you want to charge and if they complain I wouldn't do it for them.

Remember these people are still technically your customer and how you respond to their requests sets a standard for how they can expect to be able to treat you

[ChristianaOdum]

When I first started making things for profit, I offered friends a special discount for their FIRST custom made item ONLY. Most of them were requesting hats at the time and I said something along the lines of "I usually sell these for $35-$40 depending on the style, but my friends get a discount on their first order, so it'll be $20 for you this time. Sound Fair?". Usually they jump on it and are excited, but it also gives them an opportunity to negotiate. :)

[Former_Member]

Make sure you get paid for you time. It's nice to do a favours for friends, but I certainly wouldn't go lower than wholesale (I'd probably choose a price between wholesale and retail). You have to consider that doing this job will take time that you could be spending making items to sell at full price to non-friends.

[Former_Member]

I like Christiana's advice but I'd definitely talk to him and do it via email so you have it in writing. If you need paid in advance to cover the cost of materials also let him know that.

[Former_Member]

Pretend it is a custom order request from a new customer you do not know. What would you charge. HONESLTY charge for your service and time to make this custom order. Then you can take that amount and tell your friend you offer a 25% discount to friends and family. (Or whatever percent discount you are comfortable with. I just used that as an example). If your friend doesn't respond well, then "sell" the quality and perfection to detail you will give the project and let them know the time and work involved. Once they hear this, they will understand your rate better! HTH