Why I'm Refusing Certain Clients//Longarm Work with a RANT
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Why I'm Refusing Certain Clients//Longarm Work with a RANT
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Working in another field- one of the Engineers in our office had a sign on their office “Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine”
❤ yes!
So true!
Exactly that!
Amen.🫶🏾
We used that same “notice” in our alterations business!
As much as I love to sew, an acquaintance who makes metal jewelry warned me that anything custom is not worth the aggravation. Not to mention, it can make the hobby you love into the job you hate. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
The quote that changed my life was that saying "no" to difficult people is saying "yes" to protecting your peace❤
I used to teach sewing classes in my home as a business. Many of my clients treated me as though this was just a hobby, that it didn’t matter if they were late to class or just didn’t show up, despite my providing a list of class rules ahead of time and despite our agreement that they attend class at least once a week. I started out letting people pay as they came to class, but many students would skip a week, or two, or three. They don’t up, I don’t make any money. Plus, I had a waiting list of people who wanted to take my classes and I couldn’t fill those spots bc I didn’t know when that person was coming back. So, I sent a group text to all my clients and told them that starting the following month payment would be paid in advance for the whole month and payment was nonrefundable, and I told them why. Most of them threw a fit about it. Regardless of them agreeing to come to class weekly, and bc I let them pay when they got here, they felt it was perfectly OK for them to skip class whenever they felt like it and I was supposed to just hold their place until they decided to come back. You can’t take any kind of class anywhere without paying in advance. People think that bc you run a business out of your home, you’re not really a business and you don’t really need the money. People are just rude and inconsiderate. I changed the rules and ran my business my way, take it or leave it. The people who were serious about learning to sew, paid in advance and showed up. Took a lot of stress off me.
Yep,when I taught quilting they paid up front and it was their loss if they didn’t come. Just made less people for me to deal with.
Yep. My mom taught piano for years and years and it was always pay in advance a month at a time
Wish I could do that. I teach religious education for free in my church (non-salaried). You quickly find out who is serious about faith and who is not.
I think that people assume that because the embroidery is computerized and the longarm is computerized that we just push a button and bam! It’s magically done
Hmm, if it was that easy they could do it themselves. 🤣
And even if you don't have a computerized system.... they still don't seem to believe you when you tell them that it's all your own manual quilting and they still expect their quilts yesterday!!
Guilty
Actually had a woman (worked in a bank) that said that to me. 'Why's it take you so long; all you have to do is push a button?' I handed her her crap and said goodbye, don't come back. Boss was not happy...
I learned a long time ago a 2 letter word. It's "no". That's it. I thought if I told someone no it would hurt their feelings. I'm 68 now. No one cares about hurting my feelings. So I use no quite a bit.
Shop motto - Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.
I fully understand where you are coming from. I used to quilt for the public. Customers at times are truly ungrateful for the services that you provide. After years of quilting I decided that enough was enough and I retired from the stress. Can you believe that after 10 years of not doing for the public they still call with the I can’t have anyone but you finish my work. I say sorry. I’ve been retired for some time. I’m sure you can find a new quilter just as talented. Give them a chance. Thank you for remembering me though. I always giggle after that. Embroidering was the same thing. Save you sanity and stick to your guns. I’m rooting for you.
I made Xmas stockings one year & brought them to work to sell. You would have thought it was a Kmart blue-light special sale (do they still do those?). They were grabbing so fast & my cubby was so swarmed with co-workers that I felt sick. How do people in retail do it? They have my sympathies.
I work in bridal alterations. I can’t tell you how many times last week alone I had brides come in asking if we can do full blown bridal gown alterations in just a week or less. We turned them all down because not only did they immediately get mad that they had to pay rush fees and of course the expensive alterations themselves but we also have a lot of work already due that we can’t just drop for a bunch of brides who waited the WEEK before their wedding, to buy a wedding gown that sorta fits.
People can be SO rude and entitled when they want something from someone else! The ladies who always long-arm quilt my quilts have often lamented this same problem of some clients, who can get so rude, demanding and then get upset over how much it will cost! lol This is WHY I don't sew or paint for anyone because I don't want the joy I find in these activities to be sucked out of it by demanding ungrateful fools. I applaud you!!! ❤
I get it…100%… I longarm quilted for the public for seven years and it got so bad to the point I’ve basically pulled all of my advertisements from three local guilds and two area quilt shops because I could just not deal anymore with the clients calling me for jobs saying they were in no hurry but then after three or four days they would call me telling me that they needed their quilts yesterday. Not to mention I was getting complete strangers that would bring me the most horrible piecing jobs. And I’m not talking just bulky seams, I am talking cheap cheap see-through fabric, no sides were even, one and a half inch seams, people using felt or fusible fleece for the batting, it was just too much for me to handle. I haven’t quilted for the public since November 20 20 into this day I still have former clients and complete strangers calling me which I am happy to refer to a couple gals in my area who are either retired, or just getting started.
"Lack of preparation on you part does not necessitate an emergency on my part." I really love this quote, because I am a naturally helpful person, but I need to slow down, consider the situation and help if I can--and decline politely if not.
Hey, you are self employed that means you get to call the shots. You can pick who you work for, you can pick how you want to work, you can name your price. Tell yourself this when dealing with difficult and demanding people. Some of use don't have the same choices because we work for the public and in public health but if I had these choices I would send the entitled, belligerent, and impatient people packing. Best wishes as always, you have taught me so much and I am eternally grateful to you.
There is a saying you teach people how to treat you. So stand your ground, and your well being is worth more than dealing with demanding people. There are so many people that are entitled, take care of yourself. I just found your channel and I have a lot of respect for you. Stand strong ❤
I knew from the get-go that I was not going to use my longarm as a business. For the very reasons you mention. I have invited friends to use it. And I will help, but they must do it themselves. That way they know why I won't do it FOR them.
I am learning clothes sewing and do the same. I’m not doing everyone’s else’s project, I’m doing mine.
Yes! Both my husband and my 8 yr old son know how to sew a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine. When clothes need repaired its DIY.
I hear you.
No one needs pressure with something they love,especially if you have a choice.
The bad thing about working for people who don’t care about your time is that as a quilter you are telling them that’s it’s ok to take advantage of you. I had to put my foot down and start saying no to jobs that would make me miserable. As your Therapist, I accept PayPal, Zelle and Cash. 😂
🤣
It is never easy..NEVER easy.. working with the public, no matter the job. It is a blessing that you can pick and choose clients. Since you can, for your own peace of mind, let go of those who cause you high anxiety life is short.
Do what my sewing machine repair man does when you ask him to service your machine..he tells you there’s a two week wait time at the minimum, just so you’re not under any illusions that you’ll have it back all fixed by tomorrow. His garage is full of machines waiting for repair, and plus he has a day job going out to service industrial machines. So he’s not sitting around waiting for me to bring him something to do. He does a good job though.
Thanks for sharing your story..it was quite amusing
I considered doing this for a time and then I changed my mind.Glad I did!😊 I already have people asking me to make things like dog collars and curtains, just because I sew.
I work full time and sew as a hobby. When people ask me to make things for them (as a favor), I tell them I'm very, very slow and I don't think they could pay my hourly rate. They back off very quickly when they hear this.
Lorena, you have no idea how you have helped me as a beginner quilter.
You make things so fun, and I just LOVE your videos.
You crack me up .
Was having a bad day, got on one of your videos where you were being rushed by someone.
You are not only a very gifted quilter, but also a great comedian.
Thanks for the help, and thanks for being real. ❤
My favorite response for this (and for any other reason you might have for saying “no”) is: “I’m sorry. My personal resources are not sufficient to handle your request at this time.” Love to see their faces as they try to process all the “big” words 😜
First time seeing your channel - your creative space is amazing, and your work is stunning. No surprise ppl want you to do their quilting & embroidery! Sending positive karma your way!
I hear you and completelyunderstand!....I digitize my own designs for my art bags. I mean, if 2-d artists can have prints why shouldn't I have a repeatable embroidery design.
Unfortunately, many (many) people think all you have to do is push a button and go. Digitizing is an artwork and I try to educate whenever I can.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I was gonna like this video - but I loved it! Your mental health is priceless - and instead of saying yes to difficult clients you did the wise thing and said no, nothing is worth the mental and physical stress. Thanks for an entertaining and fun video ❤
Give em hell Friend. Thanks for featuring my quilt. I got a couple more for you. Will get with you soon. I love seeing one of your videos pop up.
I have two more videos with your quilts. 🥰😌😉
Beautiful quilt, Ingrid!❤
We love you. And, those of us who do longarm, and understand the embroidery process totally understand.
Ooo! I love that green quilt. I have trouble doing "by request" quilts. I think you are making a good choice to keep your sanity and health.
Sounds like my 40 years working in law firms ;)
This was a good reminder of why I am delighted to be retired and my quilting is my own. I thought I would be broke, guess I am! But I don't stress spend anymore. I garden and eat better.
That good! Stress spend that is a thing.. your probability just healthier over all I’m sure!
@@ToniNov25 not to mention eating out every day $$$$$
I am much healthier. It took me a couple years to destress.
Let me guess, at 4 pm a brief would be dropped on your desk with a 4:30 filing deadline? 🙂
Yup, you did the right thing. The way things are going of late, they procrastinate. And then they don’t answer emails or the phone. And t hey can tell their boss, it is delayed, meaning….it is out of their hands. They are out of the hot seat. And you are in it. Those people are creating a nice pattern that will eventually lead them onto another job.
I have a rush job for you! ;) I know, I'm being bad. I get what your saying and I wish I had your strength. I love watching you! You kick a$$.
Preach it Sister.....you do have a right to charge extra for priority quilts.
I do taxes for a living and this is the same situation. Extensions for 6 months and then procrastination to the point where it puts pressure on me 2 weeks from the deadline x 15 or 2 clients. I also am working towards balance and less stress.
Oh wow.. I get it.. but you have to deal with the government.. that’s really stressful!
I get you. The rush jobs are surely stressful!
Lorena I appreciate watching how you set the quilt up, steaming, smoothing, measuring. I don't have a long arm, just a home machine on a smaller frame. But I do what I can. ♥
I love your honesty. And yes, the horned one loves to create chaos. Tell him, “Not Today”! Keep creating beauty and be true to yourself. Listening to your body and soul will serve you well. ❤
I totally get it. I'm setting up my Etsy shop, and sometimes people will tell me they like something and would I make one for them, obviously for free. They don't realize that it takes so many hours to make something...in my case knitting or crocheting, and that the yarn is expensive.
Client: I have a job for you. I need 50 jackets embroidered with a custom-digitized logo. I have the basic artwork that you'll have to clean up.
Business Owner: All right. I'm booked right now, but can fit you into the schedule in two weeks/ten business days. The cleanup of the artwork and the digitizing will take me three days, and the embroidery will take another three days. When do you need the finished product?
Client: I need it in four days! It's a rush job! Can't you squeeze me in? It won't take a minute for you to do!
Business Owner: You want me to stop work on current projects and manage six days' of work into four days? That will quadruple the normal price.
Client: You CAN'T do this to me!!! I'm important!!! I'm the customer! The customer is ALWAYS right!!! YOU HAVE TO DO THIS FOR ME!!!!!
Business Owner: I don't have to do anything that I don't want to do. Thank you for calling. Have a nice day.
I've had clients like this. "NO" is a complete sentence. No muss. No fuss. No ulcers.
It feels so good when you can fire a client.
Thank you for sharing!
I am glad you are not going to work for self absorbed, difficult customers, especially since you have wonderful, grateful customers waiting patiently. I learned that many years ago. I love my job and my customers. Each day is a good day even if some glitches come along because in the end you are doing the job for a grateful person. As you know there is so much work out there a good quilter or digitizer is always backed up, so no need to take the frustrating, demanding customer.
Yes! This is your business and you have every right to refuse service.
I owned a small marketing agency in a small town and everything you say is spot on!
OMG! I can totally relate! I refuse commissions for the same reason. You are an Artist! A Craftswomen! Glad to see you are not allowing your free-spirit to suffer. I'm with you 100%. Enjoying your sovereignty? Absolutely!❤
My husband services sewing machines. Many times clients are in a rush because they’re in a middle of a project. Well of course they are. So he’ll bump their machine in the order, call them when it’s ready, and they almost never pick up their machines right away. Sometimes weeks.
I only longarm and make T-shirt and memory quilts for people and for the most part, haven’t had any demanding clients. Guess I’ve been lucky!
Yes, I wouldn’t do work for those clients, especially if it’s a big stressor for you. Just tell them nicely that you would be happy to do those but you need 2 weeks or whatever time you want. I’m thinking you have plenty of work that doesn’t give you bad feelings.
Custom sewing seems to be a thankless career. I had a custom drapery room just me working and a family member part time. Very small. The decorator I worked for would push for overnight to be done. I finally gave it up when I had a child come into the picture. It was an experience. But I completely understand the rant. Nice machinery you have.
I hear ya sister!!! I state my approximate turnaround time. I stick to it. Who knows you might have to do a repair, there's a supply chain issue or you get sick. If they don't like it they can go elsewhere. Usually the bad apples fall off the cart on their own if you remain rigid.
If you don't value your time and stress levels, nobody else will. And your vacuum wants a vacation. 🤣
You might want to see if he has a blockage somewhere that needs a bit of assistance.
My favorite was always the ones who tried to talk your price down…generally to something that wasn’t worth the time. They’d use the line- so and so will do it for that. I took to telling them- wow! You should really use them then. That is a steal!
Nancy Reagan: "Just say no."
I appreciate you sharing and venting. Boundries are ok, limits are good too.
As a former RN, I can attest to the rudeness of people. A patient would take a turn for the worst, you would do your best to save the patient, while some visitor would come up and demand your undivided attention. Best not take those clients on.
I love that green lantern quilt. You have the most talented clients, whom trust in you to cheerish their labors.
Do you do a train quilt pattern?
No I don’t think so.
Ugh the visitors. They think nurses are waiters and counselors. (I'm not a nurse but spent a lot of time in hospitals with sick loved ones.)🤯
We have a craft shop and we sell fabric as well. Our name has Embroidery in it, so every once in a while we get clients wanting us to put word or names on garments for them. We just had a client come in yesterday that wanted a name and a saying embroidered on an apron. The first words out of my mouth was "You need it today?". We quoted the client a week turn around, as I was going to have to digitize what was asked for, and we had other items ahead of the requested job. The reply was priceless. Oh, I thought I would just go and get a coffee and be back in a half an hour. I can not and would not do anywork in that short turn around. When asked if there was someone else in town, that could do it, we recommended another company, but sadly, they're closed on the weekends. I hope that the client found an alternative.
We used to say procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.
I had an embroidery business for ten years. I closed when I got sick and pandemic started in 20! I do not regret this!! I miss the money but not the headache! I do stuff now just for friends. And I am happy!
Do what makes YOU happy. Say NO when you need to & don’t feel guilty!
I love to watch you, but I don't like the deep voice you implement. Use your own beautiful voice. You have the right not to accept clients who give you grief. That is the beauty of being your own boss.
Yes, I agree. Lorena's voice is wonderful to listen to.
Agree
That Satan voice creeps me out.
Yep. I agree. Only second video I’ve seen and she does it in both. I don’t enjoy it and if I see/hear it again, I will choose not to watch anymore. Just being honest.
Greetings! I too also quit sewing for other people 2 years ago. I sew/quilt for me, myself and I. Much happier and more successful than having 4 quilts a week to quilt. I document everyting customers told me and have them signed the documents. Nope will not sew for others! I go love your sewing room!
Thank you so much Glenda..
It happened to me when I ran a bakery deli!!! Why can't I pick items when you're closed??
I understand your frustrations. I so love your videos. Looking forward to your next ones.
Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part
The moment people find out you can sew they bombard you with projects. I told them I couldn't because I was too busy with my own projects. I had one woman ask me to hem some clothes & I gave my usual spiel (I wasn't lying). A week later she came in with a stack of 7-8 items & laid them on my desk & walked away. Sh**, what do you do? I really liked my co-worker & didn't want to alienate her so I did the work. I begged her not to tell anyone, though & thank God she didn't.
1. I would have thrown her clothes in the garbage.
2. Start learning to use the letters F and O and it doesn’t stand for fine organization.
When I went to get my quilt quilted, I had a 6 week wait for the quilt.
No person should ever put that stress on you. Also, clients have to understand you do have other clients who have given you enough time to do their quilts. You are correct in refusing those rush jobs m, especially when they have dragged their feet on decisions.
Totally agree with you. I do not do well if rushed
Don't hold back girl! Ha ha, I don't blame you for not wanting to deal with folks like that.
I work in healthcare. I am sure people think I am sitting in my office just waiting for them to call for something they could have organised at their last visit.
I don't see a reason for people wanting rush jobs. If you're giving the quilt as a gift for an occasion, plan to have a month turnaround.
I make tshirt quilts for other people, and I refuse to back down on the price. And I hate it when you think you have everything you need and the client calls to tell me they found more shirts. And I don 't understand why people call me after procrastinating for several years and want to know if I can make the quilt in a week!!! I feel you ma'am!! It's not worth the stress.
I love that you call your roomba Gary. I'm going to give mine a name now.😁
Yeah my son named it from sponge bob .. so it stuck
It great that you’re self employed and have that option. Seems no matter what business you’re in people can be extremely demanding. And then their missteps become your stress. Sometimes I have to tell myself this isn’t brain surgery it shouldn’t be so stressful 😊
I completely understand. I'm the same way
Honestly I'd have the clients bind their own quilts. Around where I live they do not bind quilts for you. Save you some time.
Please stop stressing, you don't need to feel bad. You are not responsible for a client that procrastination. Just tell them that you are already booked and tell them that you can't do their order for .....pick a time.
...pick a time. How about the 12th of never or the first blue moon in April?
Amen, their urgency isn't your emergency
Lorena when situations like that arise do you just tell them you are already booked and to book in advance moving forward or do you tell them "hey if you want a quality job I need more notice to book time for you and to prep"
I had an embroidery business for 10 years. I completely understand and throw Christmas in ….. don’t even get me started 😢😅
Yup you got yo do what gives peace in your life .
So true. I think this can be applied to pretty much every business.
I hear you and I quilt for others and always tell them 3 weeks or so and if you need it sooner I can give you the name of longarm rental facility. Usually works for me. Chill, have some tea and chocolate. Lol
That’s a great quilt.
I did machine quilting for years until I finally had enough and sold out. I now take my quilts to a friend in our little town. I’ve had quilts stacked up there for months waiting patiently, knowing how busy she is. Then another friend just finished a quilt and brought it over there to be quilted. She had it back within days😬. Very frustrating!
You work while you vent. That is good time management. (Better than some of your clients😉). I think I need a Gary.
You described a narcissist! They are very bad energy, avoid at all costs.
Agreed!
Totally understand this! I design fpp patterns, I get it.
PREACH!! 🤟 I'm no professional sewer by any means, but I do what I like. Someone once bought something from me and just about immediately after they had *suggestions* or what I should do next time...PLEASE! Everyone had opinions and that's great, and people have asked if I do alterations and I stop them right there, because I wouldn't be able to do what I want to do, what I enjoy to do. You can't please everyone. Go you! Set your limits and stick yo them, you're exactly right when people wo want rush jobs, they want you to read their minds ...and then when it all goes wrong you're still the bad person....so really you lose either way. 🤷♀️🙄
Gary needs to be reprimanded. Bad Gary! ;)
Lorena's Quilting - Where did you get your sewing chairs from? Are they super comfy?? Thanks
Wayfair
It’s call august task chair by Kelly Clarkson
Reminds me to behave like a human when I need something and I never try to order up a rush job... Thanks for the reminder...
Good morning ~ happy Sunday!
Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part! Stick to your guns and advise your lead time to those clients.
Lorena no job is that important to be so stressed out and unhappy at the end of the day 😮 I hope and pray that you think twice about taking a job that will give you a bad day 🙏🏼🙏🏼 for the lord knows we all need to earn money to make a living ❣️✂️🪡🧵💖❤️💕
Thinking they're the only client is so inconsiderate. Have your pricing clearly listed so there can't be any issues. Quilters Dream Black batting would allow that black border to not have all the white fuzzies from the bleached cotton but that's what lint rollers are for. Great video, new subscriber.
It's the artist in you that won't put up with it
Preach! Soooo much truth here ❤
If you choose to accept a rush order, you should absolutely be charging a rush order fee that makes it worth it.
Fast
Cheap
Good
You can only ever pick two. Fast and good = NOT cheap.
This is so my life at the moment. I offer sewing lessons and small repairs. They just feel entitled I have just stopped taking a job if they want it for a ridiculous time scale. I'm going to make a poster of that quote it's great. I have also had people not turn up for lessons even though I have T & C that says they must pay in advance. Rush jobs make me miserable too. I also need a Gary! 😄
Off topic but your lipstick is so pretty! What is it?
An idea…. Clearly post that URGENT projects have a $200 surcharge and it must be paid in advance. Help keep the bullies of your time at arm’s length by adjusting the surcharge: the bigger bullies pay a higher surcharge. Working under the tyranny of the urgent is soul crushing. Charge accordingly!
This exactly why I will not do embroidery. And I get asked a lot! I have enough trouble getting my sewing projects paid for and those I actually enjoy. lol
Long arm quilters who cannot deal with the public should not be in the business.