Making Curtains and Roman Blinds

[fruitbrewhaha]

Hi,
I'm starting a new business making curtains and blinds, plus soft furnishing and upholstery. I've put the 'word' out and I'm getting interest. I need to work out my charging/rates. Are there any curtain makers who'd like to share their formula? Is there a width x length of drop x £ way of calculating? Then plus 10% for heavier fabrics? Or is it a case of over the years you've got a good eye for knowing how long a job will take etc?

I'm based in an expensive part of the country near London so I don't need to be 'cheap' I just need to be competitive but not undersell myself.

I work in a similar field. I have a set hourly charge for each product, it is higher for the more complicated products. I have my materials, plus hourly pay, plus payment fees, plus an allowance for insurance, returns and errors, utilities like electricity, internet etc.
I have to question, if you do not know how long it will take you roughly to make some curtains or a blind, are you experienced enough to be making them for paying customers?

Thanks for your response delilahbucket. Returns and errors is something I hadn't yet factored in and utilities too.

I am experienced enough? I've made numerous Roman Blinds and curtains but never timed myself, it didn't really matter how long it took. That said, I altered some curtains yesterday and was 15 mins out from my estimation. I've ordered some more fabric to redo some for our house, to take photos in action ect, I'll set a clock and not dawdle. It's easier than dressmaking/pattern cutting etc.

It's very different going from "I've made some curtains and blinds in the past" to making a living from it when time counts. You can't charge for your time if it takes you double that of a professional and you aren't guaranteed to do as a good a job because you haven't got the experience.

Its not really though, is it?

I'm not trying to broker world peace or build a space station.

Fortunately I'm not as stupid as you think I am.

I hope one day if someone starting up in the industry asks me for any advice I will give it freely without being a nob about it.

It cuts both ways, OP. If someone is giving you the benefit of their experience, it's best not to be a nob about it when you don't like what they say...

I have run a similar business for over ten years and I've seen hundreds of people just like you come and go just as quickly. You asked for advice, you got it, you didn't like it and now you're being nasty. Good luck, I hope you are nicer to other business owners who take their time out of their day to help you, free of charge. Or don't ask for advice because you clearly know exactly what you are doing.

Oh and by the way OP, it's "knob". Better brush up on your spelling skills before you try your hand at any marketing.

DH and I run a business in the soft furnishings trade. It's relentless, you're always being undercut by someone working out of a shed in their garden but we have a ceiling that we never go below. We've got experienced seamstresses, and also have to factor in all the trade supplier accounts and pattern book schemes that we run to bring the work in.

We separate our spreadsheets in labour costs per hour which calculate wages, insurances, lighting, heating, machine wear and tear etc. Then a separate one for sundries, fabric quantity/widths, heading types, linings etc.

It's a very complex process that has taken a fair few years to perfect.

Crikey! I was just about to offer OP @fruitbrewhaha a few roman blinds to do to help get her started but after that little outburst, I'll take my business elsewhere..eek!