Outsourcing work for clients may come in the form of a stud that needs replacing or putting a thick metal zip into a heavy leather jacket that you do not want to do.  Find out what sources are in your area.

From time to time you will come across a job that you either don't want to do or can't do.  Some of the types of things could be replacing zips in bags or heavy leather jackets, re sewing seams in thick canvas items and other such jobs.

If you run your own clothing alteration business you could consider building a relationship with your local shoe repair man (or lady).  These guys have the most amazing stitching machine.  Most of them use a Sole Shoe Stitching machine which has an arm that comes out for the item to be placed onto and the stitching arm is above.  Take the time to go visit them and see how they sew items that are very difficult to get to.

Where you might have trouble getting something under your sewing machine foot, most shoe places have a machine that can oscillate in any direction.  Plus they can sew through very thick canvas and leather.

Instead of sending the customer there, you could take the job, and deliver the item to your shoe repair person, then you can charge your customer a little for the convenience.

Happy altering
Judith Turner