What to charge for replacing zips because zips are one of the most time consuming alterations, and therefore can be an expensive exercise for a person who has broken their zipper. Let me explain about what I charge to replace a zip and why. Keeping in mind that what I charge is not necessarily what you will charge, because I can not legally tell anyone what to charge. However if I let you know what I do it may help you make a decision.
To replace a jean zip or trouser zip, I charge AUD$25.00. Most clothing alteration shops in my area charge AUD$35.00 to replace a jean zip. If the jeans are a designer brand like Versace then a person is not going to complain about the price I charge. Even if they cost around $60+ it would be worth replacing, because replacing the zip is cheaper than buying a new pair of jeans or trousers, particularly if the jeans are worth $150.00. But here is the kicker!! What if the jeans cost $20.00 to buy? Then to pay $25.00 to replace a zip is going to seem extreme. It’s all relative!!!!
So this is where you need to do some talking to the person you are doing the zip for. Most people have a little understanding of time and how long it takes to do things. I explain that I have to unpick the zip which takes me around 10 - 15 minutes. Then I have to put the new one in. That takes me around 10 - 15 minutes - give or take a minute or two. I work on AUD$44.00 per hour. That means I have to unpick and replace the zip in around 30 minutes - give or take a minute or two.
Once you explain this to the person, they have a better understanding of how you work. A seamstress should be earning around the same rate as your local plumber, carpenter or lawn mower man, because they run their own business and they usually work from home. A seamstress is not someone who should be undercharged because people perceive them as doing a job that has not talent. We are in the services industry, and that means we need to let the world know that we have a value just like the local plumber, carpenter or lawn mower man.
A zip that is broken in a lined jacket is going to take me around 1 hour or so to unpick and replace. I charge from $55.00 to replace a zip in a lined jacket.
The Clothing Alteration Home Business Package is a business package that covers everything from What you need, How much to charge, Marketing, Promotion and more. My passion is to have seamstresses around the world charging a reasonable amount to perform professional clothing alterations. A lot of people are not charging enough and this leads them to be depressed and despondent with their own sewing skills.
We can unit if we first begin to believe in ourselves and to know that what we do has a value which means that the work we do has a value.
You can work for less if you want, but you will become resentful in the end.
That is why I have started up the "Genies work magic on clothes" slogan. It unites us as a group.
Happy sewing
Judith aka genie