Why we don’t do custom work
One of our most frequently asked questions is: do you do custom and/or alterations? It’s a totally reasonable question. If everything with the Venus & Mars label is handmade in store then it only seems logical that we would be set up to do custom but the truth is we’re not. Back in the day we used to do custom but a steady increase in business and customers has made it impossible to continue. The following is why.
Custom is expensive
Custom work is expensive. In the time that it takes to make one custom jacket, we could probably make two dozen frock coats (more on that below). It’s difficult to justify charging the same amount for one custom jacket as it would be for one regular jacket that we could produce in a small run. And, to be frank, we're just not comfortable charging what we would need to to break even.
It is time consuming
Everything we make is made in small production runs. That means that Sanne uses a pattern (of her own design) to cut multiple items at the same time. She then bundles everything together for our sewer and we get shiny new awesome products once they are all put together. New design then Sanne will cut one and sew a sample for our sewer. Depending on what we are making, we generally have a turn around time of a week for a size run. Custom work requires a lot more time.We have to set up a consultation, make a new pattern, construct the garment, provide a fitting, and make any necessary alterations. In the time that it takes to do a consultation alone, Sanne would have time cut a run of cloaks.
We don’t want to
Sanne started Venus & Mars in 1993 because she wanted to make her own designs. People come to us with excellent suggestions and incredibly creative ideas that we love to hear about. Sometimes these ideas even inspire us to make new things but that’s on our own terms and in our own designs. What has made the store successful is Sanne’s unique designs and we would like to continue in that vein.
We totally want to make your vision a reality. If you bring in a picture of what your trying to recreate, we can offer suggestions and help you come up with at least a base for your outfit. We’ll try to recommend other places too that might have what you’re looking for. If you do end up getting custom work done then make sure to do your homework. Look up reviews from other customers and shop around for a price that fits your budget.
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