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Subject: I agree, I am new to this I have made 6 to 7 dresses and still going strong I charge less because I am new and want to get established.. Its how it works.. Author: new dressmaker in maine [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: Thursday, July 03, 08:43:37am In reply to: just an observation 's message, "Increasing prices from smaller dressmakers" on Wednesday, July 02, 07:25:42am [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

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Subject Author Date part of the reason I was drawn to smaller dressmakers was both the uniqueness of the dress designs and the more affordable prices-now that it's clear they all aim to get into the price range of the BNDMs then I guess I'll have to find other sources (NT) OP Thursday, July 03, 10:09:50am I would not say "they all aim to get into the price range of the BNDM." I would say, they all aim to make a fair wage for the hours of work they put into those uniquely designed and well made dresses that you like. Losing money is not something anyone can sustain over a long period. Would you work for free? (NT) hpyswr Thursday, July 03, 10:19:01am You can't imagine how degrading it is to put in so many hours, chg a low price for the dress, & see majority of people willing to pay 3 times price for same thing. You can't do it for long w/o losing all motivation, let me tell you. (NT) none Thursday, July 03, 10:59:36am How true this is. People gasp at the $1100 you charge. They don't realize one third of that goes to taxes (in the U.S.) and at least $200 goes for materials. That leaves the dressmaker $534 for her 80 hours of work. Almost $7 an hour. Wow. (NT) -- people need to be educated, Thursday, July 03, 06:42:55pm yep, and sometimes that $200 is a modest figure. I had to import a specially chosen sequin fabric for sleeves at $90/yd. Imagine nearly $100 just for your sleeves! (NT) -- the extras add up!, Thursday, July 03, 06:50:29pm I spend 200 just on fabric. Stiffener, thread, rhinestones, zippers, snaps, needles, interfacing, etc. usually adds another $100 and that doesn't consider overhead costs - electric, wear & tear on equipment & car, etc. (NT) -- But still, I love my job!, Thursday, July 03, 10:48:11pm You may be an exception to the rule when you say you are drawn to non-BNDM designs.. When I ask clients to show me pictures of what they like, 98% of the time its Sopia Rince & Elevation dresses. They want the look for less. I charge 800-1200 less than BNDM, but it's still twice what I used to charge. (NT) wooo making $7 an hour! Thursday, July 03, 11:12:07am Also, since I'm anon. I don't feel so weird saying this, but I'm good at what I do. My dresses *are* the look for less. They aren't quite as detailed as the BN dresses, but they are very well styled and high quality. I could easily charge an extra 300 a dress, but I don't. Because I'm making enough for my needs right now, and this is my quiet way of trying to help out the less wealthy parents. I miss making more unique dresses though. The downsides of paying the bills. (NT) -- $7 an hour, Thursday, July 03, 11:16:45am I know what it is like to have no money to spend on your hobby. Heck, I even know what it is like to have no money for a decent meal. Hence, I started making my own dresses, and now I am a DM and pay my dance expenses of the money I make with these dresses. If I can do this... (NT) So can you. Thursday, July 03, 11:16:44am Why shouldn't they aim to make that much? It is a BUSINESS and they need to make money to continue to do it at all. I'm sorry that it costs so much, but that's what happens when you want a hand-made, custom-fitted garment. (NT) No name Thursday, July 03, 07:57:35pm