At Chaos Works, our primary focus is on delivering custom, high-quality sewing. However, we understand that sometimes our clients need a bit more. That’s why we offer a range of additional services designed to enhance your experience and ensure your projects are a success. Here are a couple of stories that illustrate how these services can be invaluable.
Service 1: Consultation
I received a call from a lovely older lady who was referred to me by the staff at Joann Fabrics. She was looking to get four different chairs reupholstered, but couldn’t find the right material. She wanted a marine vinyl in white but was also considering other color choices and wanted my advice. She said she thought the room needed more color.
She told me that her kitchen currently had black white, silver, red, zebra stripes, and leopard print, but she possibly wanted to redo the 4 white chairs in a new color to really bring the space to life. I asked her to send me some photos of her kitchen so that I could have a visual before making any design suggestions. She sent me some photos of her kitchen and the chairs.
Service 2: In-Home Visits
To provide her with the best options, I suggested an in-home visit for $50 an hour. This would allow us to discuss her space and view the chairs in person. She was concerned about color options, and I wanted to ensure she felt confident in her choices.
Service 3: Fabric Sourcing
During our conversation, she mentioned that Joann’s didn’t have enough fabric in stock, and she had been directed to Fine Fabrics for marine vinyl. I informed her that I frequently work with marine vinyl and could source it for her. She was thrilled to learn that I had some white marine vinyl in stock, which perfectly aligned with her vision. She decided to purchase it directly from me, saving her another trip to the fabric store.
Service 4: Estimates
When she asked for an estimate to cover the four chairs, I explained that I’d need to see them in person to give a precise quote. However, I provided a ballpark figure of $85 to $100 per chair. After double-checking my math, I clarified that the total would range from $340 to $400, depending on the specifics, but that this was still just an estimate until I assessed the chairs.
Service 5: Pick up & Delivery
She expressed concern about transporting the chairs, unsure if they’d fit in her car. I offered to pick them up for a fee of $250, which covers my time and truck rental. She gladly accepted, and we scheduled a time for me to collect them.
Once I completed the reupholstering, I asked her if she had a way to pick up the chairs or if she needed my delivery service for $250. This time, she was able to find a friend with a truck to handle the pickup. She was thrilled with the results and promised to send me pictures of her newly vibrant kitchen.
Service 7: Art Setup & Frame Sourcing
In another instance, a repeat client requested a feather flag for their business but needed help with the art. So in addition to consulting with them to understand their wants, I communicated that I could set up an art file for them as long as they didn’t want anything very complex.
I told him my art setup fee is $75 per hour and that his file would probably take about an hour to make. He requested my assistance in building an art file based on an idea and provided me with the pieces they wanted to include. His logo, desired text, brand colors, and so on. I provided a proof later that day and he approved it.
I also asked him if he had the frame stand for the size feather flag he wanted. He said he did, but that he would probably want some more soon and said “You sell those?” I explained that I could source them from my wholesale vendors. He asked me to include a quote for a new flag stand, but separate from the flag he knew he wanted.
Service 8: Shipping and Delivery
In the past, this client has picked up his products from my store, but this time he asked if I could deliver them to his store. I told him I would be happy to and that my delivery fee is $75 per hour of travel and since he was about 25 minutes from me the fee would be just about $75. He asked if we could just ship it instead and I said of course.
Committed to Quality and Service
As the owner of Chaos Works, I strive to provide my clients with all the al a carte services they need, but I also try to be very clear about the costs associated with those services. I am learning more and more that I am in business to provide the highest quality sewing services around, not to price compete. My best clients recognize that the value I bring to their world may not be the lowest prices, but the least worry for their wear. I used to think that I wanted to be described in regard to my pricing( ie reasonable, fair, value, etc), but I have learned that I want my clients to be describing my expertise, precision, and skill.
