How to Charge for Extra Fittings and Revisions

To charge for extra fittings, include a fixed number of fittings in the base price, then bill any further fitting as a flat fee and any design change as a quoted extra. Write the rule in your order agreement and explain it before you start cutting fabric.

This keeps your time paid for and stops small requests from turning into unpaid work. It is one part of running the business well, and the tailor tools from ZeDaq.ai help you record orders, measurements and invoices in one place.

Why do extra fittings cost you money?

Every fitting takes your time, a slot in your calendar and often a second pass of sewing. When those hours are not in the price, your real hourly rate falls.

The problem is "scope creep", where an order slowly grows beyond what was agreed. It usually starts with friendly requests such as "can we just try it once more?"

What counts as a fitting and what counts as a revision?

Keep the two apart, because you charge for them differently.

• A fitting is a session where the client tries the garment and you adjust it to match the agreed design.
• A revision is a change to the agreed design, such as a new neckline, a different length or added panels.
• A correction is fixing your own mistake. This is never charged.

Define each in your terms. Clients accept charges more easily when the difference is clear.

How many fittings should be included in the price?

Decide on a number you can deliver profitably and include it in every quote. The guide on how many fittings a bespoke order should include walks through the stages and helps you pick a default.

A common approach is to include the fittings your process needs, and to name them in the quote. When the number is fixed, anything beyond it is an add-on, not an argument.

How do you price an extra fitting?

You have three simple options.

1. Flat fee per extra fitting. Easy to explain and to invoice.
2. Hourly rate for fitting time. Fairer for long sessions, but harder to quote ahead.
3. Percentage of the order price. Suits high-value pieces such as wedding wear.

Pick the one that matches how you already price your work. For local price context, see what tailors charge in other markets, such as how much tailors charge in Kenya.

How do you price a revision?

Quote each revision separately, based on the extra fabric, labor and any remade parts. Do not quote from memory in a message thread.

A simple method:

1. Write down what changes.
2. Estimate the extra hours and materials.
3. Send the quote and wait for a yes before you start.
4. Add the line to the invoice.

If a revision pushes the delivery date, say so in the same message.

What should your policy say?

Put the policy in your order form or invoice terms. Include:

• The number of fittings in the base price.
• The fee for each extra fitting.
• That design changes are quoted separately.
• That corrections of your own errors are free.
• How a change affects the delivery date.

Read it out loud at the first consultation. A policy the client has seen before paying is much easier to apply later.

What does a worked example look like?

Say a client orders a fitted dress. Your quote includes two fittings. At the second fitting she asks for the sleeves to be removed and a third fitting to check the new neckline.

Removing the sleeves is a revision, because it changes the agreed design. You quote it as an extra line with the added labor. The third fitting is an extra fitting, so you add your flat fee.

You send both in one message, she says yes, and the invoice shows each line. Nothing is a surprise, and nothing is done for free by accident.

How do you say it kindly?

Keep your tone friendly and factual. A message such as this works well:

"Happy to fit it again. Our package includes the fittings we agreed, so an extra fitting is a flat fee. I'll add it to your invoice."

You are not being strict. You are repeating something already agreed.

How do you keep track of it all?

Track fittings and changes against each order, so you can see at a glance what was included and what was added. A spreadsheet can do this at first, though it gets harder as orders grow. The comparison of ZeDaq.ai and Excel for tailors explains when it makes sense to move.

ZeDaq.ai offers a client CRM, measurements through a link the client opens on their phone, orders and a delivery calendar, and invoicing in multiple currencies including NGN, GBP and USD.

FAQs

Should I charge for every extra fitting?

You can offer a goodwill exception for small tweaks, but have a clear rule so you stay consistent. Clients who know the policy rarely object.

Can I charge a deposit to cover revisions?

A deposit covers the work agreed at the start, not later changes. Quote revisions separately and invoice them when approved.

What if the client says the fit is wrong but it matches their measurements?

Compare the garment with the measurements you recorded and the design you agreed. If it matches, a further adjustment is a revision, and if it does not, it is your correction.

Where should I record the fitting policy?

On the order form and the invoice, so the client sees it twice. A written record also protects you if there is a disagreement.