How Much Do You Charge To Replace a Zipper?

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I get this question all the time.

“How much do you charge to replace a zipper?”

The short answer is: “It depends.”

The long answer:  “It depends, and here’s why….”

First, make sure the zipper needs replacing.

You wouldn’t believe how many customers I’ve had over the years,  who just need a new zipper slide (also called a pull).

So, ask a few key questions while you have them on the phone before you take on the job.

Otherwise, you schedule them in, they come over and you figure out that may not be what they needed.

It’s a waste of their time and yours.

If the zipper slide is broken, they can go to JoAnn’s and buy a new one. They can also buy them online.

The customer can do the replacement themselves and it saves them alot of money and you alot of time.

I’ve found that my customers really appreciate the honesty and the fact that they didn’t have to replace a zipper (which is much more costly than replacing the slide). I find they’ll come back to you in the future for other alterations and they’ll recommend you to others. Win-win!

If your customer doesn’t want to replace the slide, you could do that for a small fee.

But, let’s say that the customer really does need a new zipper….

Rule #1…always, always, have the customer go and buy the replacement zipper for you and bring it to you.

(Have I preached that lesson too many times?!!)

Two reasons why: first, they get what they like (You don’t have to guess) and second, you don’t have to spend that time shopping. Remember, time is money (or lost money).

Now, are you sitting down?

For the most part, I don’t replace zippers anymore!

Yes, you heard me right.

Crazy, huh?

Generally, and I repeat, generally, the cost to replace them is more than the customer wants to spend on the replacement.

However, if they love their jacket or coat, (or pants), they are willing to spend the money to get it replaced.

There are several things to consider.

First, is your sewing machine tough enough to handle the thickness of the jacket and/or jeans?

If so, here is a post on how to replace a zipper on a jacket..the jacket pictured above.

And here is a post on how to replace a jean or pant zipper.

There are so many facets to zippers and zipper replacement that it is difficult to give you a flat rate without explaining each of them to you.

In fact, there are many considerations when setting your rate for doing all sorts of sewing and alterations. That is why I’ve written a comprehensive e-book with all those details. I help you develop the perfect pricing strategy, no matter where you live, no matter what the economy, and no matter when you are looking at this post. The strategy ensures that your customers are happy and you are making the maximum profit in a business you love, while working at home or in a shop.

It is packed full of every kind of pricing scenario you can think of for any type of sewing business you have…

and it’s only $4.99!

I think you’ll agree its the best $4.99 you’ll ever spend!

You’ll get your money’s worth in the first half hour you use it!

To learn more about the Pricing e-book, click on this link:

Pricing Strategies for Your Sewing or Alterations Business

If you’d like to know all the ins and outs of starting your own sewing business, check out this e-book:

A Jump Start Guide to Starting Your Own Sewing or Alteration Business

Many readers buy both books even if they are already in business.

I want you to succeed in your area of expertise. These books can make the difference between surviving in business and thriving!