kobblers Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 that's an excellent idea, there's only one major snag we get a lot of fashion bags in where we just can't get the accessories for and the customers, rightly so, always want them to be exact. we do quite a lot of the cheaper bags where they're not bothered as long as you fix it and it's near as dammit to the original rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest downsarf Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 that's an excellent idea, there's only one major snag we get a lot of fashion bags in where we just can't get the accessories for and the customers, rightly so, always want them to be exact. we do quite a lot of the cheaper bags where they're not bothered as long as you fix it and it's near as dammit to the original rick. The way to overcome this is to write or contact the major bag suppliers explaining your service and see if they can supply you with the parts.This may also put you into a position of being their official repairer making another useful contact for the work. The person that overcomes the major snags will be the one that makes the money.Anything easy everybody does because its easy, thats why this could be a potential moneyspinner. The domain www.handbagrepairs.co.uk is available for anyone up for the challenge and only 5.95 for 2 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh-Candoit (ENG) Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 The domain http://www.handbagrepairs.co.uk is available for anyone up for the challenge and only 5.95 for 2 years. I do hope that this is not an advert!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest downsarf Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 The domain http://www.handbagrepairs.co.uk is available for anyone up for the challenge and only 5.95 for 2 years. I do hope that this is not an advert!!!! ????? The domain is available to buy hardly an advert as im not selling it as i don't own it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted May 23, 2008 Report Share Posted May 23, 2008 For me its £4.00 for this job & about 2 days. WHY? because I want to leave time to cut 1/2 a dozen cyclinder keys for the same £4 in the time I might be doing this stitching.Stitchings not the most profitable use of time, so I only do stitching at times like the tail end of the day when there's not more profitable jobs on the go. Lee Way to go Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Just a top on this thread, I had a quiet day today, as far as cash sales, But I had just over £200 worth of stitching jobs collected from a horse riding club, Patching, stitching, new zips ,linings & Elastics. I started getting all there work because the previous guy liked to pick and choose what he did and didn't do. I also took in 2 handbags for new Zips at £30 each, told them I'd call them when they are ready, as this type of work takes time. Customers happy as larry & gratefull that I'd do the work for them. I'm quite happy to knock the nails in the competitions coffin lids if they don't want the work. Its like taking candy from a baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh-Candoit (ENG) Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Very good reading Planet, nice to see someone with logic and common sence. Far too many disregard this work as unprofitable, turn these customers away and you loose them forever to the one who will do the job. Do it but make it pay and you win on both counts. So many times do I see and hear remarks to the contrary, only to hear that the ones in question end up complaining about dimminishing Repairs.If every member learned from this example then the trade as a whole would benefit tremenously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I had always adopted the policy of taking a max of two-three days to do ANY job, stitching became a real thorn in my side I begun to hate it. Recently I to have begun to take phone numbers on more complex jobs, fitting them in as & when I have a quite spell, some times 2 days sometime 2 weeks but no one has complained & I have begun to enjoy such jobs again. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I always think if you put yourself under pressure all the time by promising work within an unrealistic timescale we would all start to hate these kind of jobs. But if you know your business and explain to your customers about timescales, they not only understand, they appreciate your honesty and your need for time to do the job to a good standard. Another thing, Patching and stitching is the finest and quickest way to getting yourself a good reputation Example, We charge around £20/30 for boot zips, and normally ask for about a week to turn the job around. If the customer wants them quickly I explain that the price could double if you want us to sit down now and do the job from start to finish. Most of us would be looking to turn over at least £50 per hour during a day, so if we're going to have to dedicate an hour of the day, then the price has to go up to £50. I know there is always an exception to the rule, and we will always bend the rules alittle to please, but thats my theory into these types of jobs. thoughts................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Most of us would be looking to turn over at least £50 per hour during a day, so if we're going to have to dedicate an hour of the day, then the price has to go up to £50. thoughts................. my brother and i were discussing the very same thing with regards to a hourly rate and shoe dyeing and the preparation involved. we've just upped our price, not too much as to scare them off and we'll probably up it again later on as we know we've been undervaluing ourselves in this department. rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I agree Rick, don't get me wrong I wouldn't tell everyone the job would take a week, and I may even just do the job straight away (depending how busy I was at the time), but deligating your precious time to maximise your profits not only eases stress but helps things run smoothly at busier times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I've been open 55 minutes & taken in a hand stitching job (phone when ready) £12.00 & a simple piece £4.00, BOTH where thrilled to have found someone to do the work! Is it really that hard to find a repairer to do stitching? or is this a preconceived conception from the public, or is it in fact an understanding that this work is time consuming & we may not do it? Also I have had one or two jobs which have been slightly to big for me & I have recommended an upholsterer, why is it the customer replies "they would be expensive" do they think I would be cheap? Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I just lurrrve stitching. I don't think we've ever refused a job. It's all very well too when some hot babe arrives with her designer bag falling to bits and she's tried everywhere else. Give me an hour love and i'll have it like new. Some of them treat me like a god when they see the job and even point me out if they see me out on the town. (he did my bag!) I don't mind being treated like a god from time to timem,I can tell ya!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 Patcher = £ fact. It took me many months to convince my shop staff that there was real money in patching, they accepted much easier when they realised it effected there bonus and paid for their Friday night beer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cortina 2000 Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 I treat customers stitching jobs with the same respect as any other job, and do the job as and when I can.If you can do the job, it isn't good practice to show the customer your not really up for it. Basically my philosophy as well, the amazing thing is how often that "annoying" handbag job leads to a decent repair job or key order, just because you took the time to care for your customer. I don't charge a lot and any bags not collected become patching material for future jobs. I'M RE-CYCLING. Customers before profit, leads to profit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 8, 2008 Report Share Posted July 8, 2008 Patcher = £ and paid for their Friday night beer True words Keith, Try totting up Monday to Saturday all your patching and stitching work, then decide whether you want the work or not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted July 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2008 There's no denying that stitching and patching are good easy money makers £40 for a boot zip, £10 for a bit of velcro or elastic, pair of back linings here or there. Does not mean you have to enjoy doing the job though, as long as you don't pass on the negativity to your customer of course. I do about 15 stitching jobs a day, and boy do I hate doing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted July 9, 2008 Report Share Posted July 9, 2008 What price do tou guys charge for the small elastics that hold buckles on sandals.I always do quite a few of these through the summer and was charging £4.50 per shoe but thought £9 for a pair was a bit steep after having a few moaners.I did the unforgiven and dropped the price to £2.80 per shoe but now think this is no where near enough. Is a good rule of thumb if everyones moaning about your prices there too high. No one moans, there too low and a couple of moaners here and there they must be about right? Sorry just realised a tad off topic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted July 9, 2008 Report Share Posted July 9, 2008 Is a good rule of thumb if everyones moaning about your prices there too high. £5.00 each £10 for two, few moan but how longs it going to take you? compare the time with that taken to cut a key. I always explain the time taken, Picking out the old stitches, stitching, if they are comfortable, cost of replacing them etc etc if you explain the work involved few say no in the end. I wouldn't want to be doing them for £5.60 as suggested Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Maybe a little more thought before setting prices Michael Tis better to take a little longer to amke the right decision than to rush a bad one One major advantage of having this Forum is that you can have these discussions with other like minded tradesman and make more informed commercial decisions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 You know what it's like, a day when 2 or 3 people moan and you start to wonder if it is your prices and as you say, make a bad decision. I will take a look through my price list and make a few adjustments....Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 You know what it's like, a day when 2 or 3 people moan and you start to wonder if it is your prices and as you say, make a bad decision. I will take a look through my price list and make a few adjustments....Thanks guys You know it makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algsoul Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 just put us four holes in this belt it wont cost nothing will it (whers me last gone sorrow love ave you got a bump on your head) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny King Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Off topic but Had a customer in on Saturday. Wanted elastics made smaller on a pair of sandals, Quoted my price £5 for the pair. She then told me I ain't paying that . As she stormed out the shop I could here her saying to her friend if he didn't have such a big shop he wouldn't be so expensive...WTF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Carry on regardless.....Moron mentality, not worth loosin sleep over....next please...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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