The Upholster.com Forum

The Business Of Upholstery => The Business Of Upholstery => Topic started by: jojo on June 26, 2015, 08:42:49 am

Title: Would Anyone Be Willing To Share What They Charge
Post by: jojo on June 26, 2015, 08:42:49 am
For a bimini, another aft bimini, and enclosure for a 26 ft. boat? The frame already exists, so this is just a fabrication of canvas. Enclosure includes the windshield with rollup center, two side curtains, then the two side curtains that zip to the aft bimini (these have windows with screens), an aft curtain with a zippered door and a large smile window with screen.

Would appreciate any feedback. This is only my second one, and I feel like I grossly undercharged for it.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Would Anyone Be Willing To Share What They Charge
Post by: bobbin on June 27, 2015, 08:45:17 am
I work, "stock and time".  I have sewn professionally for 35 yrs. now and have a pretty good sense of how long it takes to accomplish the work requested, so I rarely "lose" money, even though I may "take it on the chin" with respect to the profit I generally make on work. 

I know how to pattern and construct biminis, dodgers, spray hoods, boom tents, etc., but I don't know how to bend frames for new projects, nor am I interested in learning at this stage of my career (too labor intensive). 

I get paid for my time and whatever materials must be used to accomplish the desired result.  If you follow that basic recipe you'll come out a winner.  Estimate your labor "high"... installation always takes up more time than too many think it will!  Be "brutal" in your estimate; the numbers don't lie.