Re: I have made ball gowns for friends, but am now thinking about making it a business. -- **NEW** Social Dance

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Date Posted: 09:45:12 01/03/04 Sat
Author: Jaime Stephens
Subject: Re: I have made ball gowns for friends, but am now thinking about making it a business.
In reply to: Deborah Culler 's message, "Re: I have made ball gowns for friends, but am now thinking about making it a business." on 14:29:37 11/22/02 Fri

>>Can anyone help me to make up a contract? What other
>>things do i need to consider? How should I charge?
>>What do other people charge?
>
>Hi, firstly, if you are starting a business you will
>need insurance. Then you need an attorney to draw up a
>legal contract for your clients to read and sign. You
>should charge by the hour. You need to decide what
>amount for your valuable time. Remember ball gowns are
>expensive. For a custom made or replica of a photo,
>perhaps, a little more.Still even though it is custome
>made clients don't what to pay what they'd pay for a
>retail dress. Also special beading or details will
>cost a little more. You need a set amount for the
>amount of detailed beaded, ie. bust, v-back, etc. I,
>myself, would like a silk-satin, black, hourglass
>fitted gown with boning in the bust, low v back with
>beading. I could be your first client.
>
>Good luck! Debbie

Shona,
If you have the drive you will do just fine. I focused on clients first. I made dresses for pretty much dirt cheap at first, to get my name out there. Now I mostly work on referrals. I do about a hundred dresses a year and specialize mostly in custom Bridal.

You need to get a business license in your area for tax purposes and maybe even a fictitious business name.

To get your name out there marketing is key. Business cards, flyers and maybe even an ad in a local business distribution. Depending on where you live there are should be many options. Also small shops like the postal anix and nail salons will sometimes will display your business cards if you give theirs out in return. Work every connection you can think of. Good luck!

Jaime Stephens
www.elysereuben.com

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