Pricing
So how much is all this bling going to cost?
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Most pricing is done on a project-by-project basis depending on several factors:
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Time spent on consultation and concept development
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Materials cost subject to variance depending on choice of stones, base item to be custom embellished (for shoes, cups, etc.), specialty additions (movement, sound, structures, models, etc.)
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Estimated amount of construction and engineering required to realize your project's vision
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Estimated number of hours it will take to source and complete the project
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Requested turnaround time and any additional rush shipping fees for materials incurred because of turnaround time requested
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For embroidery, number of stitches, size of design, whether scratch design and digitization services are required, how many thread colors are involved.
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That being said, here are some common projects and guidelines:
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RHINESTONING: As a general rule, for apparel and costume rhinestoning services I charge by the labor hour ranging from $50-$65 per hour depending on the level of detail work being performed during that hour (i.e. fine detail outlining or specialty large stone sewing, will fall on the higher end of that scale while general space filling will fall on the lower end) plus project materials. For supply costs, I try to charge a flat fee for rhinestones--depending on how many we use--whenever possible, but if specialty large sew-on stones are required, those will incur a per-stone cost as will rhinestones that are unusual colors, larger sizes, or require ordering for a higher-cost source than my usual suppliers.
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For shoes, the same general per-hour charge guidelines apply; however, complicated 3-D shoes with working movement elements, or multimedia embellishments, etc., will incur a higher per-hour charge for the time spent fabricating and constructing these elements. Usually these shoes require special supplies that are not standard in nature (hinges and mechanical components, epoxies and putties, hardware, coatings, unusual paints, etc.). Hourly labor pricing does not include charges for those elements. If I buy the shoes for you, that charge will be passed along as well--I do ask that when you work with me on shoes, you consult with me before buying your base shoe so we can make sure what you want as far as design is concerned is doable on the shoe you are contemplating. I also ask that all shoes be new so that I can better ensure adhesives, glues, paints, etc. will be able to properly adhere.
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For jackets, the same hourly pricing and stone considerations apply, as well as consideration of the base cost of the apparel piece desired if you source it from me. Chenille patches will incur high-detail hour labor charges in addition to a patch cost for non-standard size/letter patches.
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For "All About Me" apparel, the same rates apply. These items are a little different because such a large amount of time is spent sourcing and designing the individual art elements that go into these pieces. As such, separate design time charges will be incurred; fabrication charges for pre-rhinestoning work (application of icons to the garment) will be charged at the hourly rate commensurate with the level of detail on the icon.
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EMBROIDERY SERVICES: Pricing starts at $1.50 per 1000 stitches for designs with 1-5 colors; $2.00 per 1000 stitches for designs with 6-10 colors, $2.50 per 1000 stitches for designs with 11-15 colors, and for 16+ colors, pricing is TBD by how detailed the design is, how many colors total, etc. For all projects, larger-sized designs may be priced slightly higher (larger means anything bigger than about 4 x 4 inches, but I am flexible on this depending on the factors above.). In addition to per-stitch pricing, I charge $50 for design & digitation services, and $25 for just digitation if you come to me with an already-finalized design. The digitation fee is subject to adjustment depending on the level of detail in your design. (Digitation is the detailed process of converting your art piece or image into a computerized file that the embroidery machine can read.)
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SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS: Shirts will range anywhere from $20-$60 depending on the desired base shirt, whether or not multiple colors or glitter heat transfers are used, and whether or not rhinestoning is involved. Rhinestoning will incur the hourly and materials rate in addition to the basic shirt cost. Sweatshirts will range anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the same factors; an additional consideration is if chenille patches are used. Specialty patches beyond standard letters/sizes will incur a per-patch charge in addition to the usual base shirt, materials, and labor overall cost. Those patches are no joke to sew on! :) When rhinestoning is involved much past an hour(ish) on shirts, a per-hour rhinestone charge will kick in.
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INSULATED CUPS, STRAW CUPS, BOTTLES, GLASSWARE: Again, cost will generally range anywhere between $15-$80 depending on the base cup requested and whether or not permanent vinyl or powdercoat etching is desired. Etched glassware will also range based on the base glass requested and how involved the etching design is. I try to find the most economical base glassware possible for you so that you are spending most of your money on my design and fabrication time.
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STICKERS: I price my stickers per sheet ranging from $13-$15 depending on if you want matte, glossy, holographic, translucent, or waterproofed stickers. This reflects the amount of time I spend custom designing your stickers, which takes a minimum of an hour to two hours, and I also make sure to maximize your sheet by creating designs that use up space between the larger ones. For larger-quantity orders, I will outsource your order to find you the most cost-effective bulk manufacturer. Pricing in those circumstances will depend on the size and finish (glossy, matte, etc.) you want in your stickers.
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DRESSING SHIRTS AND ROBES, APRONS: This is very project-specific depending on the style of robe or apron you are looking for, whether or not you want a sublimated (ink-impregnated finish rather than a heat transfer vinyl product) style, sewn embellishments, or rhinestoning. As a result they can range between $25-hundreds in the event a "show item" with heavy rhinestoning is desired. Dressing shirts will vary depending on if you want multiple colors or interior/exterior cuff embellishment in addition to pocket designs; they will range from $25-$50.
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ATHLEISURE JACKETS: Again, these can run higher or lower depending on the amount of colors, degree of custom design elements, if rhinestoning is desired, (see above for rhinestone pricing) etc. Generally speaking a titleholder jacket with front placket and back design, no rhinestoning, will range $65-$85 depending on sizing and number of colors used, assuming the base jacket is not a specific brand.
CHARCUTERIE BOARDS: These will range from $85-$125 depending on the amount of design involved, size of recipe, and whether or not standard fonts are used or we do an original handwriting adaptation.
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BALLOON INSTALLATIONS: All balloon installations are constructed and installed on-site (with as much inflation and pre-construction done prior to arrival). Pricing is based on linear foot and density of the installation, whether or not specialty balloons (confetti, mylar shapes, extra-large, sculptures, etc.) are used (additional charges for extremely unusual balloons, mylars, etc. may apply), whether or not florals or other mixed media are incorporated, whether or not neon roping is included, and whether or not frames or forms (with or without cover) are used. Pricing may be higher if double-stuffed balloons are desired in order to get a truly opaque/matte finish (versus a more traditional translucent finish). I require a minimum of 2 hours for installation but prefer 3 whenever possible; larger multi-location or corporate installations will potentially require longer install time and/or pre-event balloon storage. If the venue involved has a significant parking fee associated with accessing the venue and the amount of time required for setup, that will be an additional charge.
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MORE SPECIFIC PRICING GUIDELINES FOR BALLOON INSTALLATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.
I prefer to meet with you or be allowed access at the venue when planning your balloon installation if at all possible. In the absence of that, I will need photos of the location and measurements/dimensions of the area involved to give you the most accurate plan and quote. I try to work with all my clients to achieve the look they want while being budget-minded and giving you the best bang for your buck.
FOR ALL MY PROJECTS, MY GOAL IS FOR YOU TO BE HAPPY AND TO LOVE YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT! I DO MY BEST TO EXECUTE EXACTLY WHAT YOUR VISION IS BUT I ALSO ASK THAT YOU PLACE SOME TRUST IN ME TO MAKE DESIGN AND FABRICATION CHOICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS, WHERE APPLICABLE, THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT!
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Contact me today to see how we can make your project's vision, big or small, come to life!
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