Simple issue: Time required to make custom decorator pillows?

[baileyuph]

The time factor is all needed to answer the question?

I spent over an hour making to custom pillows, corded, filled and completed.  There was a pattern that had to be centered and cording had to be cut on bias.

If one who does this doesn't mind, also include time when incorporating a zipper.

Bottom line, I did't realize it took me so much time just to do a decorator pillow with cording and the design details given?

I suppose Gene would have some good input to this question.

Custom work is very time consuming, there seems to be extraneous time spent that I guess I didn't take into account, like changing feet and thread in the process?  Then, additing a zipper, getting the top stitching the right color, the right stitch length and properly lined up to the one side with cording, well in a work, the time sort of ate me alive.  I made four as complimentary to some antique chairs I worked on.

I will find any input beneficial.

Doyle

[gene]

Howdy,

I bought a clear plastic template from Rowley's that shows pillow measurements from around 14" to 30" square. I do a lot of pillow covers so this is very time efficient. I lay it on the fabric and can see where to center the pattern. It has slits in the plastic template where I can mark the fabric with a marker or chalk.

This template takes into account the selvage edge and gives tapered corners. I believe they have one that does not taper the corners.

I use monofilament thread so I don't need to match the thread for the top stitching where the zipper is sewn onto the back panel.

I buy the big rolls of #4 nylon zippers in white and black only. I cut whatever length I need. Because I put a flange on the back panel that covers the zipper I don't need any other colored zippers.

I figure 30 to 45 minutes to do one pillow cover. My goal is 30 minutes.

I charge more for decorative cording or fringe or anything else that may slow me down.

gene

[Rich]

Time adds up quickly on stuff you have to think about!
Rich

[crosjn]

As soon as you say "custom", add a markup % to the cost/price .  Seriously, I think Gene's point is try to make pillows as cookie-cutter as possible (eliminate thread matching, get a flexible template, etc...)  And that will make the pillows less expensive to make and sell.  But when the model you set up doesn't fit (customer doesn't want clear thread, french welt instead of cording...)  I just immediately add 30% to the over-all cost.  And then I start adding-on bonus items (it takes a lot longer to work around beaded fringe for me, so I charge more for beaded trim than for french welt, for example.)

But my point is, as I have to stop and think too much about it, I'm losing money.

Having said that, you can't automatically get away with adding 30% to the overall cost.  That's why you have to also drive efficiency back into your business.  Gene's done a great job of telling you to get more efficient with some simple steps.  I don't have anything better to add (and I'm calling Rowley - thanks Gene!)

Another option, do a little comparison shopping around your area.  Call a competitor and tell them you want a few 20" throw pillows.  Then clarify that you really want custom pillows and add something like fringe around the edge.  See what the price difference is.  If there isn't one, you need to try to figure out how they do it (how do they make pillows - do they have a trick(s) like Gene to simplify custom options).  If there is one, you just need to be sure your pricing is somewhere competitive and your making money.

Just my $.02.  I think I know it all!  :)

Jeff