Work on existing garments.
WHY IT IS WORTH DOING
Steady demand, fast turnaround, and it brings customers in.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Skill in working within existing construction Realistic assessment of what is possible
WHAT TO ASSESS BEFORE ACCEPTING
Whether the alteration is achievable Whether the fabric will tolerate it Whether marks will remain
WHY MARKS MATTER
Letting out garments reveals original stitch lines and fading.
WHAT TO TELL THE CUSTOMER
What the result will look like, honestly.
WHY BEFORE
Afterwards, it is your fault.
WHAT TO DECLINE
Alterations that cannot produce an acceptable result.
WHY DECLINING IS BETTER
An unhappy customer costs more than the fee.
WHAT TO RECORD ON RECEIPT
The garment and its condition Existing damage or marks What was agreed The price and date
WHY CONDITION
Disputes about pre-existing damage are common.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT VALUABLE GARMENTS
Whether you accept them, and what your liability is.
WHY
Damage to an expensive garment exceeds any fee earned.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CLEANING
Whether garments are cleaned before alteration.
WHY
Working on soiled garments is unpleasant and it transfers.
WHAT TO PRICE
By the operation, from standard times.
WHY
Alterations are quoted by impression and frequently lose money.
WHAT TO TRACK
Time actually taken, against what you charge.
