How much should I charge to alter curtains?

[lizzi]

Hi all, I'm thinking of advertising my sewing services and altering (shortening) curtains. I was going to post a few leaflets and put some up in local shops. The idea was for me to collect the curtains, alter them, then return them to the customers house. I'm not sure how much to charge. I've got a few prices from dry cleaners, but I will be collecting and returning the curtains so I need to consider travel time and petrol. I was thinking of about �30 to shorten a lined pair, each curtain measuring about 200cm (which in fabric terms is about 1.5 widths). What do you think?

[Maypole]

Hello Lizzi, hard to tell without knowing how long it will take you to do.

My view would be that for �30 you shouldnt be spending more than 2hours on the whole expercise including collection, altering and delivering.

[CheekyChops]

Are you telling me that there are people out there that can't so there own? It is hardly difficult is it?

I think if you are offering that type of service they should bring the curtains to you, you shouldn't need to collect them!

[bednobs]

hmm, also dont people buy curtains that are the right size fr their windows? i can honestly say ive never needed a pair of curtains altering!
anyway, i think you shoul dbe charging about a tenner an hour

[lizzi]

Thanks all for your help! x

[mrs_overall]

Most people can manage to shorten curtains. My 18 year old son is at Uni and is useless at practical jobs but even he managed to alter some curtains using Wundaweb. I think a curtain altering business is a non starter.

However, there is a good market out there for anyone who can alter clothes, fit new zips etc. One of my relatives owns a launderette and is forever being asked if she can do alterations & zips. A neighbour of mine makes a small fortune on the side making dance costumes for all the small girls who go for dancing lessons locally.
Good luck.

[Velvetee]

Yes I agree, you shouldn't spend more than two hours doing this. Alter a pair of curtains and time yourself, making sure your quality of work is good.

I guess to work out your costs you need to decide if you will collect and return the curtains to the customer, if so, you need to factor in fuel costs and your traveling time. You also need to decide how much you will charge for your labour, per hour. Also factor in your electricity costs, costs for sewing threads and machine needles.

I recall a friend of mine started doing this about 10 years ago and she was charging more than �30 back then. Perhaps you should ring around a few other people (under the pretence of being a customer) who provide this service and find out what they charge. Whatever you do, don't try to undercut anyone, as you will lose out in the end.

[Velvetee]

Regarding most people being able to shorten curtains, well yes they can if they are not concerned about quality. But if you have expensive curtains, which many people do, you certainly won't want to use Wonderweb.

They will want mitred edges and blind hems. I think it is a viable service and doesn't just have to stop at shortening curtains.

If you do decide to do this seriously, getting in with a local furniture removals company may be an idea, you could get them to include your flyer in their service packs for customers moving home.

[lizzi]

Hi, thanks for your replys, they were all helpful. I've been making curtains, cushions, bedding and all sorts of other things for friends and family for years, (for a bit of money and for presents) and I have actually been on a city and guilds soft furnishing course a few years ago, so when I make or alter curtains, it's 'professionally' done, as learnt on the course. This is first time I have thought about working for 'strangers', as it were, which is why I'm a bit nervous about pricing. I was actually thinking about making flyers and popping them through doors that had sold signs, so hopefully get a bit of business that way. I can only give it a go anyway, and see what happens!