My recommendation is to charge per alteration for individual customers, but consider volume pricing for ongoing business clients.
Here’s why:
For Individual Customers: Charge per item, even for multiple pieces. When someone brings in 10 pairs of pants to hem, I still spend the same amount of time hemming each pair – there’s no real time savings that would justify a discount. Most individual bulk requests are one-time events, so offering discounts doesn’t build ongoing business relationships.
For Business Clients: This is where volume pricing makes sense. I work with dry cleaners, clothing stores, and companies that provide uniforms to various industries. For example, I have a workwear company that brings me alterations every week. For these ongoing business relationships, I establish rates that:
  • Encourage them to continue using our services
  • Still allow us to work at our established shop rate
  • Reflect the value of consistent, reliable business
The Key Difference: Individual customers pay for the service per item. Business clients pay for the partnership and reliability of ongoing professional service. The volume discount for businesses is really an investment in maintaining steady income and workflow.
This approach protects your pricing integrity while building sustainable business relationships where volume pricing actually makes financial sense.