Question for those w/ Embroidery Machines

[HLAuburn]

So how do you handle monogramming for friends? I just got a new machine, and I have some people asking me to do monograms or applique letters on their stuff. I don't mind doing it, but I think you have to actually have done one to know how much time and cost goes into it. I mean embroidery thread is more expensive than regular thread and stabilizer isn't the cheapest stuff to buy.

Anyway, how much would you charge (if any) to do a simple appliqued letter for a friend? Or would you not charge anything at all if it were a one time deal?

 

[MontanaZoo]

If it's a one time thing or family, I don't charge. Since people don't really understand how long embroidery can take on an embroidery machine or how much the thread costs, I don't think I'd do more than one for someone. I'd tell them that I just don't have enough time (which is true). For quilting friends on the other hand (since I'm also a quilter), I'll embroider names on quilt blocks for them for a quilt since my friend was infinitely patient with me asking her to do it before I got my own embroidery machine.

Now she has a big quilting machine....hehehe...I've been wondering if I can ask if I can use it or if I have to wait for her to offer.

 

[SandraVB79]

I have made a business out of mine. Well, an illegal business, since I don't report profits, nor pay taxes, lol.

I have the expensive Disney Brother machine. I don't think I will ever embroider enough towels for myself to get the 4000 EUR worth out of it! And at the moment I (well, my parents) bought the machine, I didn't have a job. So, I made publicity with friends and family to embroider for them.
Now, 5 years later, I still do it.

I have a folder with all the designs I have (or at least a selection, I have 150k + designs) and how much it costs to have it embroidered. The lady from the store where I bought the machine told me that she charges about 50 cents/ minute of stitching (the machine shows how many minutes it'll be) for designs and to charge per letter for names/ dates/ ...
(btw, 50 cents => it's in euro)

If I stitch somethin occasionally for my brothers, if it is for them personally, I don't charge. If they need it as a gift for someone, I do charge. All the others know it's a business, so they expect to pay.
I usually stitch on towels. People can come with their own towels, or I can provide them. There is a store that has good towels that aren't too expensive. A small towel is 3.30 eur in store, if people order it from me, I charge 5 eur, because I have to go to the store and buy it (spend time doing that + pay for a train ticket to get there) (I do have a stock of the "standard" colours though)

This little business makes some nice money, to spend on things like Disney!