| Subject: question for all smaller dms, no bashing please |
Author: another dm [Edit]
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Date Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 11:00:25am
Just curious, how many of you send design sketches before the dress is made?
How do you handle it if for some reason the design isn't translating well into a dress and you need to make minor (and I do mean extremely minor) changes?
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- I always send a sketch and fabric swatches. I want the TCRG to have a chance to look at it in case there needs to be changes. I don't mind changes as long as it doesn't involve a completely different design especially if it is a recommendation of the TCRG. I want the dancer and teacher to be happy with the dress. (NT) -- small dm, Tuesday, September 16, 11:42:22am
- I send a sketch, swatches and if it is a panelled dress, then I send a full size mock drawing of one panel. Helps to let client visualize the actual length of skirt and ratio to bodice. (NT) -- dm, Tuesday, September 16, 12:17:34pm
- Easy! I do only OTR's or semi-custom. With the semi-custom dresses I will agree to make the dress fit a certain dancer with their input of colors, style and design preferences. The final product is up to me. I have always given the buyers of my dresses a written service agreement that allows them to return the dress for a full refund provided it is returned as new within five days of receipt. I have never agreed to have a TC involved in all the details of a dress. Works like a charm! (NT) -- Small DM, Tuesday, September 16, 12:17:53pm
- I always send out swatches and full color designs. We usually settle on the design over email, and then I send out swatches with the mockup. It seems to work quite well! Everyone gets a chance to look things over, and we make changes until everyone's happy (NT) -- sometimes I veto things, but most clients/teachers have good taste, Tuesday, September 16, 12:30:06pm
- Only semi-custom. I take in the info desired, then offer the dress to them first. If they don't want it, I can sell it as an OTR. Never had one not want it when done though. (NT) -- Darlene, Tuesday, September 16, 07:01:45pm
- I only make OTR and semi-custom too. I welcome input for colours, style and measurements before I start, but then the rest is up to me. I usually (not always) send a photo when dress is laid out, and if someone wants a change (extremely rare) I charge extra according to time/fabric/work involved. I never insist on purchase, as dresses can always be sold as OTR, but nobody has ever refused a dress when complete! (NT) -- Works well for me too, Tuesday, September 16, 07:49:38pm
- Does it amaze anyone else that people are perfectly happy to just take what they get with BN, but with anyone else, regardless of how much they "love their previous work", they want to know every detail? and.... -- OP, Wednesday, September 17, 08:39:09am
- Yes, it's mind-boggling. I'd suggest you make sure to get pmts at various stages of work on dress, so that not more than $200 is due at completion. Provide an order form up front, allow input on main points, colors, skirt style perhaps...then be done w/it. Give em an inch and they'll take a mile otherwise. (NT) -- Retired DM, Wednesday, September 17, 09:08:22am
- Unfortunatly, they are the cause of many small dms switching to OTR only or quiting. I'm -- Karen, Wednesday, September 17, 09:16:01am
- You know, that's not fair. I've bought custom twice from a smallish dressmaker and have asked for only one change while still in the design stage. You denigrate all of us reasonable buyers and I'm tired of the sweeping generalizations. (NT) -- ., Wednesday, September 17, 12:46:18pm
- I can't speak for other buyers, but I'm not happy with the potluck offered by BNs. That's why I don't buy from them. I want some input, but realize there's art, balance and--admit it--ego involved. It is important to be up front at the beginning with a client. Set your limits and be willing to end a commission if your terms are violated. You can't be victimized in this relationship (NT) -- without some cooperation on your part, Wednesday, September 17, 05:34:49pm
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