Replies

1. 
   jatman | Mar 20, 2007 07:59am | #1

   Hi Dionna!  You don't tell us where you live - is it a big city, small town, are you working out of your home or do you have a store front?  That could make a difference.  But my suggestions are if you have a small neighborhood publication you might advertise in that, or put a flyer up in the local JoAnn's or Hancock's or any other fabric store you may be close to (sometimes they have a bulletin board as you walk in the store).  Also try the bulletin board that is inside the local grocery store.  My other suggestion is if you have any affiliation with a school or daycare (do you have children?) they may let you advertise on their board.  Do you do alterations?  If so, maybe an affiliation with a local bridal salon or dry cleaners could help you.  Hope these suggestions help and keep us posted!

   JT

1. 
   dionna | Mar 20, 2007 07:46pm | #2

   SORRY I FOR GOT TO AD I LIVE IN CHICAGO THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN MY AREA DOING THIS.I SOMETIMES GET CLIENTS AT THE VERY LAST MIN. A WEEK OR TWO BEFORE PROM.YES I HAVE CHILDREN BUT THEY ARE IN GRADES 2ND AND 7TH.I ALSO LET THEM GIVE OUT FLYERS ON THE PUBLIC TRANSIT AND I ALSO DO THE SAME. I HAVENT HAD ANY LUCK SO FAR I ALSO HAVE PICTURES OF MY WORK ON MY FLYER YOU THINK THIS WILL HELP.                  THANKS  FOR YOUR HELP

1. 
   jatman | Mar 20, 2007 08:23pm | #3

   If you're already getting some clients (even if they are at the last minute) you might possibly get the benefit of them telling their friends about you.  It may just take some time to build up your business.  Since you do children's wear, I would make sure that every time you have a school event that your children are wearing something incredibly cute that you've made - they don't mind being walking advertisements, do they?  Good luck to you!

   JT

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 21, 2007 05:20am | #4

   Many years ago when I was just starting out in interior design a very successful designer took me under her wing and taught me a lot. One of the most important things she taught was to pick one client that #1 I got along with famously and #2 that the client had a lot of friends and influence. She told me to do that clients work for almost cost, to let her know it, and in return she was to refer paying clients to me. This worked like a charm and I kept that practice thru several different work situations over the years and it always paid off. It was a win win situation all the way around. I second the fact that your children are your best advertising. Make their clothes different, eyecatching, and perfectly. Visit the boutique shoppes on ebay for some great ideas. Google JournalModiste for some awesome ideas on garments as well as links to better ways to market yourself. Good luck. And most important of all, don't commit the biggest mistake of all, underselling your skills and time. Perception is 90% of sales and if your prices are too low and you are too quick to do last minute work for someone you don't know, you will be percieved with work and time that only merits a low unfair price. I wish you the best.

   Edited 3/20/2007 10:23 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   Cherrypops | Mar 21, 2007 05:45am | #6

   this company is a short distance away from my home: they have beautiful gowns. They stock Australian designers bridal wear from interstate. http://www.melbourneavenue.com/ named after the street. they are in New South Wales not Melbourne.

   there is also a link to http://www.hillsinhollywood.com/ australia's number 1 importer of american evening wear.

   Home Sewing business in this area is possible. Anything is possible with determination and willingness to learn.

   Let us know how you go.

   CherryPops

2. 
   Cherrypops | Mar 21, 2007 05:45am | #7

   Thank you both solosmocker and jatman for your ideas, this is an area i am considering, alterations from my home in new south wales. there aren't many of us, home sewers around, most is done through the local drycleaners.

   CherryPops

3. 
   ricstew | Mar 21, 2007 09:39am | #8

   funny this topic should come up cause this is what I am planning on doing as well!  We ahd one dressmaker here but she has sold up and shot thru so I am hoping I can fill the gap!

   cheers

   Jan

4. 
   spicegirl | Mar 22, 2007 05:45pm | #10

   I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavor!

5. 
   Cherrypops | Mar 28, 2007 06:01am | #20

   I spoke with the School Shop today, and told them I am willing to do hems, sew on buttons, unpick. anything that needs done really, especially with the returned/seconds uniforms for new mums to purchase. I now just need to work out prices.

   How are you going?

   CherryPops

2. 
   Cherrypops | Mar 21, 2007 05:31am | #5

   hi jatman,

   depending on where you live, hancock's fabric stores will be no longer (for a while anyway, apparently). I have started a new topic about this under Fabrics and Trim.

   CherryPops

2. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Mar 22, 2007 04:27pm | #9

   Are you sure that you really want to make dresses?I also did them for years, but it's very difficult to compete with ready to wear.You almost never get the money you should from all of the hours of work put in . It just isn't cost effective. Not to mention opening your home to strangers . How many people do you need to see to make $100.00.It took me MANY years to figure this out. I now only sew home dec, drapes, some upholstery, and finally I am successful and happy doing creative things that are truly appreciated by my clients.A dress may only be worn one or two times and unless you sew for the very wealthy ,well you can get what I'm getting at. You might try working at some different sewing type jobs to pick up some different skills. I have sewn awnings, boat cushions, even worked at a window treatment place.And now I get to work at home, and happily. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but i wish someone had mentioned these things to me a long time ago. I was so proud, I tried to do alterations for years, but I couldn't pay my bills. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

1. 
   dionna | Mar 23, 2007 02:30am | #11

   THAT'S OKAY YOU DID NOT RAIN ON MY PARADE. I LOOK AT IT LIKE THIS IF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN MY AREA AND OUT OF MY AREA ARE WILLING TO PAY$200.00 AND UP FOR A HAIR DO THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY THE SAME FOR SOMETHING THEY WANT. THERE IS A SHOP NOT TO FAR FROM MY HOME  AND THIS LADY MAKES THE DRESSES HERSELF AND HER PRICES START AT $300.00 AND UP FOR PROM. SHE ONLY MAKES DRESSES I WILL DO THE GIRL AND FOR THE GUY. PS I WAS THINKING OF DOING IT A LITTLE DIF.I WILL TAKE A LOT OF PRECAUTIONS WELL THE FIRST ONE IS NO CASH I DEAL WITH MONEY ORDERS FROM THE POST OFFICE ONLY.AND I HAVE OTHER ONES IN PLACE. I PLAN TO BE VERY VERY CAREFUL AND WITH GOD ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. 

   Edited 3/22/2007 7:43 pm ET by dionna

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 23, 2007 04:47am | #12

   Dionna, is there a reason why you won't take cash? I am just curious. Credit cards are wonderful and you can work that into your pricing. You could do a discount for cash. Now checks I wouldn't take unless I really new for sure they were good for it.

1. 
   dionna | Mar 23, 2007 05:07am | #13

   THE REASON I DON'T TAKE CREDIT CARDS BECAUSE I'M JUST STARTING OUT THE MONEY ORDERS ARE GOOD FOR TAX PURPOSE I USE MY OWN C.C FOR PUR. AND IT'S NOT A GOOD IDIEA TO HAVE CASH ON YOUR PERSON WITH ALL THE CRIME GOING ON I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS AFTER THAN NICE 100PLUS LADY GOT HER PURSE TAKEN IN SOME PART OF NEW YORK AFTER THAT I RARLY CARRY MY PURSE.

1. 
   ineedaserger329 | Mar 23, 2007 06:44pm | #14

   I am finding that if you put something trendy on the flyer and hang it in schools on bulletins,(also let the local drama club directors know you are in the area and offer a discount on costumes for plays, you may not make anything as far as profit is concerned, but those will be the return customers come prom time. Plus the school might contract you for the amount you discounted or you can call it volunteer if you alter, ect.) you will get tons of business, just remember dealing with minors ALWAYS make sure parents sign the contract and are at ALL fittings and such.....then you minimize your risk....then put a clause in the contract that if the item has not been PICKED UP or DELIVERED (by their fault) within a 30-90 day period, then you are able to sell it for profit, even if it had been paid in full or part, remember, you are not a storage locker...you run a business and you are not making money with it sitting. I doubt you will run into this often, but better safe than sorry.
   I am not trying to be bossy, just trying to offer advice from someone in a similar situation.
   Good luck!!!!!

2. 
   dionna | Mar 24, 2007 03:39am | #16

   Thank you for your advise I will use it I'm working on a contract now and I also ask for a 50% deposit thats non refundable after I start on the item if I'm called before I start it will be refunded I had a bad experience by not taking a deposit I made a few items for someone after I was done this client called me and said the items were to expensive I made 2 set of pj's with robe and sippers now I ask for a deposit this was a phone order I was asked to make  the same items for my neice as a b-day gift.        Thank you for all of your help

   Edited 3/23/2007 8:43 pm ET by dionna

   Edited 3/27/2007 9:54 pm by dionna

2. 
   janlorraine | Mar 27, 2007 10:44pm | #18

   $200 for a hair-do is all very well; this can be done in an hour; an evening gown takes many hours (or days) to complete. Think about it.

1. 
   dionna | Mar 28, 2007 05:45am | #19

   when I make any dress, gown or evening wear I usually try to complete it within 24 to 72 hours the teenagers in my area are in rush for everything. I try to have a fast turn around but very good quality I use two irons and a digital quik press. To speed up the pressing. I also have three machines set up and one serger so I don't have to stop to rethread the machine. This helps me a lot. I  have 2 set up for straight stitch and one set up for button holes when I have to insert a zipper I just change one machine. This helps me a lot that's how I try to get done so fast or try to.

   Edited 3/27/2007 10:55 pm by dionna

1. 
   Sewdance | Mar 29, 2007 03:05am | #21

   How do you manage to do your fittings and produce a custom garment within 24-72 hours of the order?

2. 
   solosmocker | Mar 30, 2007 01:44am | #22

   I wonder that myself. I find it hard to think that a dress that turns around in 24-72 hours can warrant a 300.00 plus pricetag without several fittings. JMHO.

3. 
   dionna | Mar 30, 2007 05:58am | #24

   my work depends on how fast the need it I try to complete any garment as fast as possible I may have to do some minor adjustment while they wait 30min or less or they can come back to pick up the garment and I also have more than one machine this helps speed up the process when i'm sewing any garment I set each machine for something different and I only take small breaks for lunch and rest room breaks this helps me when i'm trying to lose weight and between meals I eat small peice of fruit or nuts or I just have some mints or gum.

4. 
   dionna | Mar 30, 2007 05:33am | #23

   Hello sewdance when the dress is very simple and I take very careful measurements and i ask the client to come wearing there bestfitting under garments and if the client has on the wrong size bra I will tell them what size they need to buy after that I measure them very carefully when I make any thing that has sleeves I take at least 8 measurement of the bodice and if they have very large bust I take even more to get a very accurate fit. After I have all of my measurements needed I start on the pattern alterations the same day I get the order I start taking new clients at 9:00am-7:00pm I have to make sure my clients  are on time I only give a 20 minutes when we have bad weather and if they can't come within the time frame I will make a new appointment I usually get my clients at the last minute and when I have them I try to finish asap the teens in my area are all in a rush. I'm usually out  of bed no later than 5:30am I start working on what ever garment or garments I have for the day and I try to be done by the same day that I start.I do not need any thing hanging around.

3. 
   dressed2atee | Mar 24, 2007 12:42am | #15

   Hello, I have been sewing for others since 1981---I have advertised in local newspapers and churches.  I also passed out flyers at schools.  I now don't advertise at all---all of my business is by word of mouth and from people I meet in fabric stores.  Find out where the bridal shows are and advertise there as well.  Fabric stores may also let you leave a flyer or business card.

   Good luck!

1. 
   dionna | Mar 24, 2007 03:42am | #17

   I have gotten a few with word of mouth but not to many.              Thank you for help