World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of May 17, 1999:

Our question this week comes from B. Lebeau

I have been asked to sell some of my quilts - can you offer suggestions as to how to price your quilts?

Sammy "G" :
Go to Frank Geeslin's web page. www.AmericanQuilts.com He seems to be one of the biggest purveyors of American made quilts. It is a big site and there is information about both hand quilted (Amish) work and machine quilted items. All sizes. If the quilts are constructed of all cotton, or have some cotton/poly it says so. In fact it should give you a pretty good idea about pricing. There are both antique quilts and ones made very recently and those interested can elect to have a quilt made up in their choice of colors. I think it will help you in your quest. It certainly is easier than chasing all over the countryside trying to make comparisons. Hope this helps.

Carolyn in NC :
I've not sold any of my quilts, but look
to do so in the future. I wonder if anyone
has ever priced by the number of pieces
in the quilt design.
Violet Newby Abuya :
Have your quilt appraised by an AQS certified appraiser, and then sell the quilt at the appraised price PLUS the cost of the appraisal. If your quilt has won awards or has received roecognition of any kind, be sure the appraiser is aware of this, as it increases the quilt's value. Most people seem to be afraid to charge an adequate amount of money. I always ask people if they would be willing to work for $1.00 an hour. If they look at me like I'm crazy, I ask them why they think quilters ought to work for such a low wage. Ask for what it is worth, and the buyer will value your work!
Caroline Iles :
Up here in Canada, our group gets $650 canadian for a 7 x 6 quilt. Which works out to be $23.00 US per quilt. We sell ours by silent auction at our bazaars, with a secret minimum bid
Karen in California :
I've always been told to start @ $25 per foot. Increase if applique &/or lots of quilting. If these are quilts passed down thru your family, try to find a relative who wants it first.
Krazkte@aol.com :
Are these quilts that you have made? How old are they? Who is doing the buying? Family, friends, antique dealers? First, get multiple answers to this question of selling your quilts. They are valuable and you need all the info you can get. I hate to see someone sell off family quilts and not get what they're worth. I especially hate to see them be sold at too low of a price, only to see someone else make a profit off of them. Get multiple opinions on their worth. Go look at antique stores and see what prices they have on their quilts. If new quilts, check out how much they are going for. Spend lots of time reviewing these things before you sell.
anne robinson :
I sell my quilts & I normally charge by the sq. foot based on $20.00 per ft. This is flexiable if I hand applique or have have tons of quilting in it. I got this idea from Libby Lehman who charges $40. per sq. ft. Hope this helps!

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