Each commission is different depending on what the client would like done.  Here are the basic rules:

1.      The client will pay for all bought material used in the garment.  I will not charge you for something I did not need to use.

2.      Once I speak with you I will give you an educated guess as to how long it will take to complete your order.  I usually charge $10 an hour for simple constructions and $15-20 for hand sewn construction.

3.      When the order is completed I tally up the total time spent on the garment and multiply by the agreed amount, and then add that up with material costs.  This is your total price.  There will be a complete break down of everything on your receipt.

What?!  I thought I could just order a shirt in my size!

You can, however, as I have stated previously, I do not have ready made garments lying around at this time.  For example, if you provide me with the material I need to make the garment and it will only take me one hour to work on your shirt it would only cost you $10.  If for some reason I needed to hand sew the shirt it would probably take double the time and cost $25 (-(one hour regular price the second at the hand sewn price)-).

Oh, that makes more sense!  So, how does this whole thing work?

Well, first, I’d like to meet you and see what it is that you’re wanting done.  I subscribe to the belief that a garment is not just something thrown together idly.  If you’re going to the trouble to commission me I want to get it right for you.  I’d like to know every detail of what you envision your final garment to look like, what kind of fit you’d like it to have, and if you have a picture or a drawing of it already.  If you don’t have a reference, that’s okay!  I can work with you to make sure the garment is to your liking.

Okay, sounds good.  Is there anything else I would need to bring with me to the consultation?

Yes, your body.  I would need to measure you in order to have the garment fit you properly.

Wait, didn’t you say there was a free design sketch thing first?

Yes.  Any garments that I construct I need to draw first.  I will usually sketch this out at the consultation and then e-mail you a copy of the sketch when I get home.  If for some reason you are unhappy with the sketch then I will work on it at home until you are pleased with it.  Also, if you are hesitant to do a fitting at the consultation, that is perfectly fine.  We can set up a meeting at a different time at your home or mine if it would make you more comfortable.

Okay, that sounds good.  Now, didn’t you also say that I had to pay money upfront?

Before I start working on a project I need to buy the material and any other items I may need to construct the garment.  I ask that a third of the estimated price be paid before I begin construction on a garment.  For example, if you were commissioning a surcoat and I quoted the price at $75, I would require that you give me $25 for materials.

Do I need to pay that fee at the consultation?

No.  However if you do not pay the set amount of money within 4 days of the consultation I will consider the sale canceled and you will owe me nothing.

What if the garment doesn’t fit?

Then I fix it at no charge until it’s done.  However this can be avoided by at least two required fittings, one at the beginning and one at the end of the project.  Depending on the complexity of the garment more fittings may be required.

More fittings?  Scary!

I understand, however with a garment I need to make sure that the piece is tailored to you.  If you cannot commit to at least the two fittings then I will not be able to work with you.

But, but, I don’t live by you!  Can I still order a garment?

Certainly.  I will give you instructions and a worksheet to follow if this is the case.  Please remember that I need accurate measurements, not just what you think your measurements are.  In short, no downsizing, please!  This will result in an ill fitting garment.  Also, as an internet order, you will probably be outside of driving distance for me to come and fix the error.  As such, your only two options are to return the garment or keep the garment; I will be unable to correct the garment without you here in person.

What if you make the piece and I don’t like it?

That’s fine too.  Just give me the garment back and I’ll give you half your money back.  As with the previous example, if you did not like the surcoat I would give you $37.50 back.

You said earlier that you don’t have stock available, but then why do you have a stock page?

Because in rare instances I have scrap material and need to do something with it before it gets faded or musty.  In this case I will put it to use in a garment or item of some sort.  If my family, friends or me cannot use the item then it will be put in the stock section.  At times I will be offering these items directly from me, however most times they will be available at storefronts.  Please contact me for details.

Wow, you’ve answered most of my questions except two.  Are you available for a commission and how can I get into contact with you?

You can contact me with any questions or concerns by going to a store that my wares are in or you can contact me here.