Hi Bev. I have been sewing for others for many many years. When I started doing "jobs" for other than family, I too found that pricing was the hardest part of getting started. What I did and still works for me is to place a minimum fee of then $15, now $25.00 plus a then $7.00 now $9.00 hourly fee. The minimal fee of $25.00 includes my consultation with customer on what there wants are and fabric selections, as well as what I call a "set up". I have found that you simply must charge a fee for this time. I charge full price for all parts and pieces, including fabrics, threads and bobbins, buttons, snaps, trims, elastic, patterns and any other notions that are needed for each project. I have these prices set at actual cost, even though you do not use a full package or spool in every instance. Your supply stash is important, therefore replacement is necessary before the next job is consigned. I start each project with a paper at my sewing machine, I note a start time and go to work. If I break I mark the stop time and the start again. During the process everything is written down ie how many bobbins, spools of thread yards of ribbon etc. When finished I simply add up all the time and charge that fee, then all the supplies and mark them. Make out your invoice. If you want, give a return customer a discount, mostly I use 15% off my hourly time only.
I collect my $25.00 fee along with the cost of the fabrics, as soon as the fabric is chosen and agreed upon with the customer.
Other charges that are needed sometimes;
Fabric ready.. $10.00 (wash dry and press if needed)
Pattern usage fee. $2.00 (again you may need to buy new after a few uses)
Fabric shopping $10.00 (only if I must go to a special store not my local fabric havens)
I hope this has helped you. I so enjoy doing custom sewing and embroidery work.
Carylanne of Caryl'sCreations
Janome 10000, Janome 1110DX, Simplicity Fashion Plus & Easy lock