Clothing alterations and tailoring costs - How are they determined

As you may know alterations depend on the type of work, skill set and how long a certain alteration/tailoring job is going to take to complete.  Alterations Inc has been in business for 26 years and employ 4 full time seamstresses.  

Alterations Inc prices are based on the difficulty of the work, hence needing the more experienced seamstress who makes more money and costs more for difficult tasks.  We also have to factor in the other costs relating to providing these services and just to do business, like sewing machines and maintenance, supplies (threads, zippers, snaps, needles, etc), electricity, rent, insurance and much more. 

Seamstress and tailor alterations pricing have to cover your costs.  In the current economy and with clothing made so cheaply overseas there are many people that do not want to spend more money on alterations then they spent on the garment in the first place.  And then there are others that buy from consignment stores for just a few dollars  and spend much money to alter and have that custom fit.  Pricing really needs to be determined by your own circumstances.

Alterations Inc like many other tailors and seamstresses have determined what we need to earn per hour to be profitable.  So if we say we need $30 per hour to make a profit, we determine how long it will take to complete an alteration and base the cost on that hourly rate.  You also have to include in that time and cost, the cost of any supplies needed like zippers, snaps and any prep time as well as the time needed to fit the garment to your body.  All this is factored into the cost of the alterations.  Most people don't realize that the fitting is part of the alterations, setting up the machines keeping them in good working condition, etc.

Compare tailoring and alterations with having your hair done at a salon or having your car repaired.  Most people don't question or think twice about spending hundreds of dollars for these services.

Does this make sense to you?  I hope it helps.

Creating your own style

Alterations Inc has so much fun working with creative people that are looking to create their signature style.  Just recently we were blessed with a creative Harley biker who wanted to create a unique jacket.  And when we were done it was amazing, unique and he just loved it.  He gets so many compliments on his jacket people are constantly asking where he got it.  Of course, it was his unique design and we were thrilled to make it happen for him. 

How did we do it?  We started with a standard denim jacket.  We used leather to embellish the sides, back and arms and of course the Harley patch on the back. 

Unleash your creative side and make something that is uniquely YOURS?

www.alterationsinc.com

alterationsinc@gmail.com

Alterations and tailoring - How much do they cost?

So many people wonder, why do alterations cost so much?  And having been in business for over 25 years this questions comes up at least once a day, usually more.  The simple answer is that it takes time, experience, supplies, electricity and you can't forget the time that is taken to have your garments fitted to your body. It is all about the time it takes to make the alterations, do the fittings, supplies like zippers, machines and skill of the tailor or seamstress.

Most tailors and seamstresses base their prices on time and add in cost of supplies. We base our price on an hourly rate.  We employ seamstresses with varying skill sets and experience.  Tailors that do the simpler tasks like hems and mending have a lower hourly rate and the cost of the alterations will be less money.   Tailors or seamstresses that work on more difficult items have a higher hourly rate so the cost will be more. 

If you are having your wedding gown altered wouldn't you want someone that specializes in this type of work?   Or would you prefer to take your chances with someone less experienced? Well, sometimes a bargain is not a bargain.  If they make a mistake it could be a disaster and ruin the gown or require the bride to find someone who can fix the mess and spend more money again.