Why People Expect Tailors/Seamstress to Work Almost Free

1. Tailoring is seen as a luxury service.

Many people believe that tailoring is a luxury service that is only for the wealthy. This is because tailored clothing is often more expensive than off-the-rack clothing. However, tailored clothing can actually be a more cost-effective option in the long run. Tailored clothing will last longer and fit better than off-the-rack clothing, which means that you will not have to replace it as often.

2. People are unaware of the cost of tailoring.

Many people are unaware of the cost of tailoring.  They may think that it is a relatively inexpensive service, when in reality it can be quite costly. This is because the cost of tailoring varies depending on the complexity of the garment and the skill of the tailor.

3. People are willing to pay less for tailored clothing.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards fast fashion. Fast fashion is characterized by inexpensive, trendy clothing that is mass-produced. This has led to a decrease in the demand for tailored clothing, as people are more willing to pay less for clothing that is not custom-made.

4.  People have false perceptions.

Many people who have sewn in the past have the perception that it is easy and will only take a few minutes.  However, this is mostly a false perception.  To do the job right, one must be skilled and have the equipment.  It costs thousands of dollars for the different machines and supplies needed.  You can also see most appointments need to be pinned and this alone can take 30-60 minutes.  Tailors need to be paid for this work as well.  Another false perception is someone purchasing used clothing for a very inexpensive price and are reluctant to pay the tailor for thier time and effort, which is usually more than what they paid for the item used.  Just because someone buys a pair of pants for $5.00 does not mean the alterations will be less, after the tailor spends 30 minutes or so pinning the project, and another 30-90 minutes altering the pants, they should be paid for their service, its not free and shouldn’t be assumed that it is free.

5. Tailors are often immigrants.

Many tailors are immigrants who come to the United States in search of a better life. They often have a strong work ethic and are willing to work for lower wages than native-born Americans. This can lead to a perception that tailors are not worth paying a fair wage.

What can be done to change this perception?

There are a number of things that can be done to change the perception that tailors should work almost free.

1. Educate the public about the cost of tailoring.

People need to be made aware of the cost of tailoring in order to understand that it is a valuable service. This can be done through public awareness campaigns and educational materials.

2. Promote the benefits of tailored clothing.

Tailored clothing can offer a number of benefits, such as a better fit, increased durability, and a more professional appearance. These benefits should be highlighted in order to encourage people to invest in tailored clothing.

3. Support local tailors.

When you support local tailors, you are helping to keep a valuable tradition alive. You are also supporting small businesses and the local economy.

4. Pay tailors a fair wage.

Tailors deserve to be paid a fair wage for their skills and expertise. When you pay a fair wage, you are helping to ensure that tailors can earn a living wage and support their families.

5.  Ensuring Comfort and Mobility

By taking these steps, we can help to change the perception that tailors should work almost free. Tailors are skilled professionals who deserve to be paid a fair wage for their work and it’s a job that not many people can master and requires the job to be finished to perfection. It’s a slap in the face to assume they work for almost nothing. Why People Expect Tailors to Work Almost Free

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 134 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Joshua Gartner 
 
October 16, 2023
 
 
  
Very reasonably priced and finished my alterations ahead of schedule. Would definitely recommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Camille Schnier 
 
October 15, 2023
 
 
  
I’m very impressed with Ella’s business.  She’s very efficient and extremely easy to work with.  She’s also very warm, friendly & gracious.  Her work is perfection & I really couldn’t imagine anyone being dissatisfied.
She could do just about anything-and probably has!!  ?
I highly recommend Ella’s Alterations.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Mike L 
 
September 25, 2023
 
 
  
I love coming to her for all my alteration needs.  She does an excellent job on my police uniforms, something others struggle with.  Highly recommend!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Holly Singletary 
 
September 25, 2023
 
 
  
Ella did a great job on altering a bridesmaid dress for my daughter. However, when I inquired about another easy alteration, she turned me down. Please note that she does not do simple alterations (like fixing a broken zipper)... only formal wear and gowns.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Emily Salomon 
 
September 17, 2023
 
 
  
Would highly recommend Ella’s Alterations for any alteration needs! Ella did such an amazing job with my bridesmaid dress alterations and hemming my husband’s dress pants. She was so accommodating to our busy schedules and ensured that our items were ready exactly when we needed them! We will definitely be returning clients for any future alteration needs!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Gloribel Flores 
 
September 13, 2023
 
 
  
Ella is amazing! I brought her my wedding dress after my seamstress wasn't able to give me a pretty bustle. Not only did she redo my wedding dress bustle beautifully, but she also took my dress in a little more due to losing some weight the last two weeks before the wedding. She is very sweet and skilled. I would recommend her to anyone! She did my father's pant hem as well my husband's pant hem, my mom's dress alterations and my grandmother's dress length. Her prices are very reasonable, she is accommodating, and timely.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kristine G 
 
August 31, 2023
 
 
  
I’m so glad to have found Ella through FB recommendations! She fixed my wedding dress that I bought online since it was too long. The turn around time was quick and when I tried it on, it was perfect! Ella is very professional and very kind! I definitely will be coming back for future alterations! Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Olivia D 
 
August 14, 2023
 
 
  
Ella is absolutely amazing! I needed some alterations for a bridesmaid dress and not only were the alterations done perfectly, the price and turn around time was great as well. Ella was so lovely to work with and I look forward to having future alterations completed by her!