by mimisews2 03 Dec 2008

a hole in it. Not where I monogrammed it, just in the middle of the blanket. My question is, do I charge her for the work anyway? It was not my fault, the blanket is just defective, but I know that she probably will not be able to use it as a gift, with a hole in it. What do you think? Ever have anything like that happen? Oh, and by the way, if I had ruined the blanket I would replace it, naturally.

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by peggy 04 Dec 2008

I would not charge for the embroidery unless we could settle on a way to "fit" the hole by place applique print or something in a few place to disquise the problem. But...no fit...no charge..
Even though not your fault, just consider it another pratice embroidery design.
Peggy

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Thanks Peggy!*

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by brendaleas 04 Dec 2008

What a problem to have, I'd call her and tell her about the hole and then tell her how you can fix it with a embro. flower or some small design. and not charge her for the smaller one. I'd ask her if the person the blanket is for, if that person has a favorite flower, or if she collects anything, that you can put over the hold. Let her make the call to what is to be done.
I'd be sure to tell her that it you did not see the hole until after you were done monogramming
and that it is not what you did to the blanket
Good Luck. Brenda Lea

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Thanks Brenda Lea!

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by gerryvb 04 Dec 2008

perhaps you can make a pillow cover of this one, that combines with the other blankets. or make use of the hole by another embroidery as some cuties suggested, gr.gerry

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Hmmmmm.. interesting. Thanks

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by eggyannie 04 Dec 2008

why not be crafty? lay down stitch and tear in the hoop then put the blanket so that the hole is central. baste aropund first to hold it all on place and then simply embroider a small design that will cover and fill the hole do another five or six randomly on the blanket and look a new look that will not show up that hole. if you explain to the women why you have done it then i think you will both be happy bunnies and yep just charge for the original work as it was up to her to have checked the blanket first for defects. but then how many of us actually do that. mot got a machine that sews in the hoop then ok buy some braid with flowers on it and cut them out and sew them on with a few central stitches this will give a 3D look, you can darn the hole and put one over it to hide it
hope that will help you both. annie in the UK

2 comments
toet by toet 04 Dec 2008

what a great idea *4U

mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Thanks annie! Very crafty!

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by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

I wouldn't charge her... but I agree with the ladies, point out the problem with it and suggest a quick fix. She will come back for more work... guaranteed. :-) You'll have a pleased and happy customer. Good question Mimi.

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

You're right, thanks!

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by elaine45 03 Dec 2008

No doubt you would have replaced it...but what a pickle to be in...I don't know just what I would do. Surely she will still pay you it was not your fault..Good luck.

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Thanks Elaine!

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by silver 03 Dec 2008

Doing a 'good deed' and explaining the situation to her and not charging for the work will do more for your reputation than recouping the bit of money you spent for thread and stabilizer.. Reputation can make a big difference when you do this sort of work. The time you spent was certainly not wasted... it was a learning experience. You may yet be able to salvage the project by embroidering a small design over the hole as well.

It certainly was not your fault nor hers. This sort of thing just happens sometimes ... that's why I look things over really close before I even hoop them up. You may be out a bit of time and a bit of money for thread and stabilizer but the cost of an angry/disappointed customer could far out weigh that cost in the end...

It's the holiday season... poor lady is already out the price of the blanket she was going to be kind enough to give someone as personalized gift...

'Tis the Season.... :)

2 comments
mandor64 by mandor64 03 Dec 2008

Dear mimi, silver is right. Did I understand it right, you have to embr more than one? Just charge her for the other ones, but not for the damaged one. All the best, Mary

mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Thanks silver. You're right, reputation means more than what I would have made on this little bit of work. She's a first time customer and I'd like to have her return business. I did learn an invaluable lesson! Thanks for your help!

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by lbrow 03 Dec 2008

If it was me I would tell & point it out to her with a suggestion on what could be done to fix it & if it was very small requiring few stitches do it 4 free, there's nothing like a gesture of goodwill to make a friend 4 life. *4U

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 04 Dec 2008

Yes, that's what I thought. Thanks

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by jrob Moderator 03 Dec 2008

I would phone her immediately and tell her exactly what you said. You could offer to put a matching or other square over the hole and make it usable. The store will not take it back with the monogram on it already I wouldn't think. It wasn't your fault and it isn't really your place to inspect the products brought to you, but I can tell you your customer may not see it that way. If she is a good customer who returns frequently, I might not charge her. It's your call.

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 03 Dec 2008

Thanks Jerilyn. This is the first time I've worked for her, a friend brought her to me. I'll just have to see how it goes, I guess! Thanks for your answer.

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by mysew1325 03 Dec 2008

you didn't put the hole in it and yes you should still charge her but you could suggest a design over the hole.. and she can still use it as a gift.. just a thought..

1 comment
mimisews2 by mimisews2 03 Dec 2008

Perhaps it could be covered. Thanks mysew. :)

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