One of the things that I personally hate when I visit a business website is when it doesn’t give you the information you want. Hugely frustrating! This happens most around pricing, have you noticed this?
That is why we, at Alterology, have tried to put together a comprehensive pricelist on our website.
This blog is here to explain our pricing policy and hopefully answer some questions that come to mind when you are looking at our pricing.
Firstly some general principles to be aware of:
We aim to be, and believe we are, the premium clothing alterations and repair service in Essex. That means we DON’T aim to be the cheapest. We do aim to offer great value for money by delivering flawless alterations and repairs from welcoming, bright, clean and professional shop with friendly, helpful and fun service.
Having come into the clothing alterations and repairs business, knowing nothing about it, 10 years ago I have learnt so much. Specifically, how much talent, creativity and skill the seamstresses have. That is why we don’t pay our staff the national minimum wage, or even the Real Minimum Wage. They deserve and earn more than both these. That way we attract and keep the highest skilled people which allows us to offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with such confidence.
Quality of work is our No 1 obsession, closely followed by great customer service. Yes we want to be quick and productive but not at the cost of quality. Our team go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with the work done for you.
We are VAT registered. Please remember that 20% of everything you spend with us goes straight to the government. So, whilst you will pay £12.75 to shorten a pair of trousers we’re actually doing it for £10.63.
We don’t want our customers or staff to feel cramped. So we have a larger shop with plenty of space, a customer waiting area and spacious fitting rooms with proper doors, mirrors and great lighting. It cost us a little more but we think it’s the right thing we do if we want to be the best.
Right. So, with that said let’s talk pricing.
We have 3 pricing bands for each alteration that we do. We have our VIP price, Premium and standard. The quality of the work and alteration is exactly the same in all 3 bands.
Our VIP service obviously includes the alteration. After the work is completed, the garment is steamed, pressed and placed on a hanger with a dry cleaning cover ready for pick up. There is also an express element in the VIP package where we guarantee an express turnaround within 2 working days.
Our Premium Service is the same as the VIP service excluding the express turnaround guarantee.
Our Standard Service is our regular alteration service. The alteration is completed to the same high standard but the whole garment is not ironed. Is placed on a hanger for collection and will be placed in a bag when you collect.
How do you set your prices?
Prices for each alteration are based on the length of time the alteration takes the alterologist (seamstress) to do. We set the price so that after the VAT, labour cost, utilities, rent, rates, stock etc etc is taken out there is some profit, not a lot, trust me, but enough.
Why are all your prices listed as “from” on your price list?
For the items where we have listed a price 90% of the time that will be the price you are charged. It will only change if there is something in the way the garment is made that it will take a longer or short period of time of to do the work, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Not all alteration prices are listed, why is that?
There are certain alterations that really require the Alterologist (seamstress) to see the garment as there are too many “unknowns” to be able to give a guide price. These are mainly for dress alterations such as:
- Take in waist
- Let out waist
- Take in Shoulders
- Restyling dresses
- Wedding & Prom Dresses
You will be given a no obligation quote after the fitting so you can make an informed decision.
I hope this has been useful.