Taylor
What will I be doing ?
There are about 12,000 full-time tailors in the U.S. A tailor makes, alters and enhances clothing for others. If you have the skills and experience to offer these services, consider starting your own tailor service.
What will I need to start ?
Besides skills in alterations and clothing making, tailors also need to know how to work with customers. One tailor specializes in helping executives. She goes to the executive’s office for the fitting and, once done, delivers the custom-tailored clothing to the office.
If you have experience in this trade, you probably already have the tools you’ll need. Many tailors have a second set of basic tools they use on the road.
Who will my customers be ?
Customers for your tailor service include individuals, clothing resellers and alteration shops. You can specialize in suits, for example, and offer your services to alteration shops that may not have anyone on staff to do the work.
How much should I charge ?
The typical rate for tailor is $25 to $60 an hour, depending on skills, experience and name value. Many tailors price by service or by a percent of garment value. The percent will depend on the complexity of the garment and the skills needed for the tailoring. Alterations will earn a lower rate, while clothing design earns a higher fee.
How much will I make ?
An established tailor will spend just 10 to 20 percent of his or her time marketing the business. Overhead expenses are lower than many businesses, ranging from 10 to 25 percent. Being able to work from your home gives you an advantage over tailor shops that must pay rent on a retail store.
How can I get started ?
Contact local clothiers and alteration shops, letting them know of your experience and rates. Some may already have a tailor, but may need to call another one for rush jobs or overload work. Give them your business card and flier.
Find ways to publicize your business in local newspapers and other media. If you have tailored clothing for the rich and famous or for people in another country, turn this interesting information into a feature story that can help you build local credentials and get you noticed.
The SIC code for tailors is 5699-19.
From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
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