| Interested
in commissioning a handwoven Chilkat or Ravenstail robe?
The following is some general information
regarding Chilkat robes, prices, timeline, etc.:
* Depending on size and simplicity/intricacy
of the design, the price for a Chilkat
robe ranges between $35-50,000.00. (Note: many people
assume if you are a Chilkat weaver, you get a commission
every year and that you are "rolling in dough."
I can't say I've ever "rolled in dough." Figure
the math: $35,000 (gross pay) for a year's worth of
work, minus the cost of materials and tax payment to
the I.R.S. equals net pay of approximately $25,000.
Net pay per month is about $2000. It is fair income--especially
when you enjoy your work!)
* Depending on my work
schedule for the year (and every year is different from
the next), I can complete the robe within
one to two years.
* I generally draft up a simple agreement
with both parties' signatures, stating
the amount, time frame, payment schedule, and statement
of a process we both agree to in case of an untimely
death of either myself, or the client commissioning
the robe. (This part may sound morbid, but it does happen;
and I like to feel some sense of responsibility even
after my, or the client's, death.)
The Northern Geometric (aka: Ravenstail) weaving is
less expensive than Chilkat weavings,
and take lesser time (generally half the time of Chilkat
weaving). Depending on the size and intricacy of the
design, a standard size Ravenstail robe begins at approximately
$18,000.00 and up. The robes are about 6+ months to
weave.
Then, there are robes that are a combination
of both Chilkat and Ravenstail. These robes,
again depending on size and intricacy of design, range
from approximately $27,000.00+. I will work with the
client on robe design; sometimes the client supplies
their own pattern, sometimes I design the pattern.
* Payment scheduling is a cooperation between
the client and myself. Generally, I request
a $3-$5000.00 deposit, which gives me the allowance
to gather and purchase all of the materials to spin
and dye, which takes about 2 months.
Subsequent payments are based upon the
client's pocketbook and what is easiest;
we can get creative with payment schedules. As
an example, in the past, I have requested
the balance to be paid in thirds: 1st third to be paid
when I have the 1st third of the robe completed, 2nd
third to be paid when I have 2/3 of the robe completed,
last payment paid upon the completion and delivery of
the robe. As I stated, subsequent payments
are based upon the client's pocketbook and what is easiest
for them; we can work together to come
to an agreement for payments that is comfortable for
both of us.
I do not ever mail a completed robe to the client.
Not Ever. I do not trust the delivery of any system,
other than my self. When the client and I make an agreement
on when and where to meet, I either hand-carry the robe
and deliver, or the client comes to where I am and picks
up their beautiful investment!
Still interested? Contact
Clarissa |
