To be hesitant to do this favour for DH again (no, not THAT favour)...

[CallMeExhausted]

DH, after a very long period of unemployment, is finally in a position with a little stability and responsibility.

In taking over his new position, he noticed some deficiencies that he has corrected quickly (uniform issues, mostly) but the uniforms that were sent out lack the patches that are required by regulation.

He told the operations manager just to send out the patches and he'd get me to sew them on - this is for his entire crew, not just one or two items.

Now, I don't mind doing it, but if I didn't, it would have to be contracted out at a fairly significant cost.

However, I am worried that I might have set myself up to be walked over in the future.

Would I be out of line to send the uniforms in with a letter explaining that I was happy to help, and outlining what my rates are for future jobs?

This is a tricky one but I think you would risk coming across as arsey if you did what you have suggested. I would do it as a favour to him (he'd do the same for you, right?) but would also make it clear that it won't be a regular occurrence.

If you don't mind a one time deal, make it clear to DH that this is the only time you'll be doing it. No need to write a letter, unless sewing is your typical day job.

Surely just tell your DH since he was the one who volunteered you originally?

That was what I did do - I let DH know that I was fine with it, but wasn't planning to make it a regular occurrence.

I actually do run a custom sewing business from home, which is what makes it particularly awkward.

How big is the crew?

I would do it as a favour to DH to back him up while he is new to the job (as long as it's not dozens of uniforms!), but would refuse to do any more than this job.

Even less awkward if you run a business sewing I think. You can tell the co that you've done this lot as a one off and any future will be at mates rates. and then charge them commercially anyway

Oh, I totally thought this thread was about Center Parcs issues. As it's not - I have no advice, sorry, as you were.

I wouldn't write a letter, but perhaps just include a business card with the uniforms when you return them. If they call up asking for anything else, treat them as you would any other client. And DH, knowing this was a one time thing, can do the same. "Callme's DH, can your wife do this other sewing job for us?" "Here's her business number, I can't quote you her availability and rates myself."

By all means make it clear future charges for this but in the meantime maybe ask for a testimonial?

I agree with letter - pop a business card in with the uniforms and then train DP to not offer your services again.

It was sweet of you to help out though. Do you fancy doing DS cubs jumper for me? Have 6 badges, tried to wundaweb them in a hurry and now they've all fallen off in the wash

I have pitched in a business card with them (he just left for work). It wasn't a small job - shirts, jumpers, jackets, raincoats and safety vests for 8, but if nothing else hopefully it'll endear him with the boss. After almost 2 years of unemployment/underemployment I am happy do what it takes to help him out. Fortunately, it didn't interfere with any of my current projects.

In the future, I will do it for mates' rates.

Lonny I would be happy to do it, but shipping it to me might kill your time savings. There are some great wash-proof fabric glues out there

Waiting that is a great idea, thank you. I will definitely ask for a testimonial - it is a little branch office of a big multinational company, so their name as a satisfied customer might be a good thing indeed.

Ooh glue...