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11/16/2019 2 Comments

Post #5/5 Scheduling

Fittings/Timelines/Final Hints

In the event, you are needing both In-take (or Let-Out) AND a Hem. I will have you come back for a fitting after altering the top before moving onto the hemline.
Why? It is always best to work a dress from top to bottom so as not to risk a shorter than desired hemline since the top of the dress isn't fitting you properly on your first appointment. Thus, part of the reason why alteration timeline is 4-6 weeks for formal and 6 - 12 weeks for bridal (depending on detail). If in the event you should have a demanding schedule that doesn't allow for flexible scheduling it is highly recommended not to cut this timeline too close but rather book a few weeks sooner.
FINAL HINTS?
This revolves around scheduling but I wanted to share separately. Last year, I typically book about 4 weeks ahead by middle of February and as I get into the season that grows to 2-3 months ahead. I have found out that most like to go Prom shopping the week before or week of Spring break. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND SHOPPING MUCH SOONER! (Re-read my previous posts for understanding of why shopping early will lead to less stress.) Spring Break is typically the time in which appointments book more quickly but not just for Prom as it is Prime Wedding Season too. (SEE SCHEDULING PAGE OF MY WEBSITE FOR BRIDAL and FORMAL GUIDE) My recommendation for the 2020 Prom Season is that you SHOP EARLY and definitely secure your appointment prior to VALENTINES. This allows for best selections on dresses and best option in appointment availability. SEE SCHEDULING GUIDE!
Schedule your appointment as soon as you have bought your dress. Yes, as you are walking out of store get on your smartphone and book! If you have purchased it online, then keep an eye on the delivery date and my schedule so that you can schedule your appointment accordingly. Saturday and evening appointments tend to be the first ones to get booked so if these days/times work best for you, please remember to book in advance, like 6-8 weeks ahead or you will end up scheduling during the daytime. Be sure to keep your appointment as scheduled. I know girls have sports, work and other schedules to work around but should you have a less than flexible schedule you need to plan further ahead to allow for this. I mean this as politely as possible: Please keep in mind it is a demanding season and I am here to serve everyone as a whole so don't expect me to schedule and re-schedule else I will charge you a $25.00 convenience fee for each occurrence.

Once my schedule is booked and you are needing an appointment you have the following options:

GET ON THE WAIT LIST!!! This was implemented in 2017 and has been working great, just be sure to put yourself on it ASAP. The WAIT LIST operates on a "First Submit, First Serve" Rule so it "Saves your place in line" for the Date and Time you put in for and it only takes up to 4 submissions per date so don't loose your place in line or date to a prior submission. Complete details about the Waiting List are on the Waiting List page of my website. In an effort to utilize the wait list to its maximum potential and so that I may better serve your needs more efficiently I will only be pulling from the Wait list. Please understand that should you speak to me via text, email, social media, phone, etc. I will ask you to put yourself on this list ASAP. Your name on the list means you are serious about getting in and you can put yourself on the list and still look for another seamstress. Please be sure to contact me if you do find someone else so it free's up the slot for someone else. This method "Helps Me To Help You" in a more timely and efficient manner so that I may concentrate my efforts on sewing instead of chasing down emails and other messages to see who is next. #1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia
KEEP IN MIND THE MOVE UP OPTION! See previous post for details on this.
KEEP CHECKING MY SCHEDULER!!! Yes you can put yourself on Wait List and Stalk my Schedule. You can keep checking my scheduler as much as you want to see if someone reschedules/cancels their appointment thus opening a slot. Remember this can happen day or night and its first book, first serve. Please note if I have a waiting list that is Full reschedules/cancels within a particular timeline will not release for regular booking as they will be offered to those on the waiting list first. Hence the importance of "Putting Yourself On The Wait List ASAP" if there isn't an available appointment within the turnaround time needed.

Please note: All those who contact me via Email, Facebook, phone, text or other form will be directed to the Wait List so its EXTREMELY Important to put yourself on it as soon as possible or as soon I tell you, if you contacted me by one of these methods. To keep things completely fair - everyone must use the list - no exceptions!
I know these posts have been focused mostly around PROM & WEDDING but a lot of this information can be used for other formal events. Wedding dress alterations need to allow 8-12 weeks of planning or more if you need something customized or have lots of detail on your dress.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. FB messenger is the quickest way to get a response from me as text, phone messages and email can take up to 48 hours, particularly during the busy season of March - October.
Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier.
Many thanks to everyone and I hope this has helped give what you need to navigate the Prom/Wedding Season. I look forward to working with you!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!

SEE GUIDES BELOW …
& Scheduling Page for additional guides for Bridal and Formal

I have put these guides together to simplify timelines for scheduling to assist you with planning ahead!

Please note Prom dates are highlighted on main scheduling guide that is broken down by dates - PLAN AHEAD OF THESE MINIMUMS TO ENSURE THE BEST EXPERIENCE!

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11/5/2019 0 Comments

Post #4/5 Scheduling

Scheduling Must Knows

Scheduling an appointment with me is extremely easy! You can click on the “BOOK NOW” link on my Business Facebook Page or access it by one of these methods:

My website: www.thejoyofsewingservice.com (has a floating button on each page)
Scheduling page is also directly on my website. (as well as the waiting list, if needed)
Quick Access link: https://go.oncehub.com/thejoyofsewingembsv

All these methods will take you directly to my calendar so you can conveniently schedule your own appointment "sooner rather than later" 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

When you schedule you will be presented to select a CATEGORY then you will be directed to select your SERVICE. The Categories are Alterations, Custom Work, Embroidery, Sewing Lessons and Quick appointments. Brides coming to me for the first visit will select Alterations - Initial Bridal Consultation (90-minute appointment) and be sure to select their wedding date in the form. Please note if your wedding date isn't there it means it is already booked or hasn't released yet. If it is already booked be sure to put yourself on the wait list ASAP to save your place in line. For Bridal party and Prom Alterations - Formal (30-minute appointment) in the service to select. Again, choose your event date and if its not there immediately put yourself on the wait list. Dresses with issues or concerns may need the “ALTERATIONS – EXTENDED” for a 45-minute appointment. When scheduling for these appointments please “Read More” under the description of the service as this outlines when you need to secure an appointment by to ensure my availability for your garment needs.* I also give you a heads up on where I am booking so if you before going into my calendar.

I offer appointments Tuesdays (alternating) , Thursdays and Saturdays only on a "First Book, First Serve" basis through my On-line Scheduler. My SCHEDULE CAN ALWAYS BE SEEN 4 MONTHS OUT!!!
Why? I need the other days to get the work done in a timely manner plus this scheduler helps me maintain balance and reminds you of your appointments. ALL SCHEDULING IS DONE ONLINE!!!
If you are planning ahead and go to schedule your appointment and don't see your date. Please use the Reservations tab and these appointments get first priority before being released at the 6 month mark.
There is an added feature that allows for you to be on a MOVE UP LIST (formerly know as the Last Minute Waiting List), if elected. Keep in mind MOVE UP is different than RESCHEDULING your own appointment and also different from the WAITING LIST page? Explanations below...

For the MOVE UP LIST feature you must have an appointment scheduled to use this. This means you have scheduled your appointment within the recommended turnaround time (no less please) but would like to get in sooner as you may have concerns about your garment or feel you would like the added buffer.
Checking this box puts you in line for an appointment move up. Notification is most likely short notice, less than 48 hours and you typically have 1-2 hours to respond before next on list is notified. You, of course, do stay on the list until you accept an earlier appointment or your current appointment comes up.

RESCHEDULING feature means you have an appointment and the time you selected isn't convenient or you may have had something come up. All you do is go to your appointment notification/reminder and select the link "reschedule/cancel" the system will direct you to my calendar to find another date/time and enter reason for rescheduling. The system will move your information to the new appointment slot. As soon as you hit SUBMIT, your old appointment becomes immediately available so please be sure of your new slot as getting it back may not be an option, if you change your mind. In the event you need to reschedule/cancel with less than 24 hours notice (48 hours for Bridal Consultations) the system will not allow you to reschedule and you will need to contact me directly via phone, text, or FB messenger, so I can better serve your needs as well as those that may be on the MOVE UP LIST or WAITING LIST more efficiently. (Email is okay too, but I only check it once a day and may not receive your message soon enough resulting in "No Show" status.* No shows and appointments with less than 24 hours (48 for bridal) will be charged a $25 fee.
(Please keep in mind that MARCH-OCTOBER are heavy booking months and if you were already running close to the booking/turnaround time there may not be an available date of which you either keep or existing appointment or put yourself IMMEDIATELY on the WAITING LIST that is on my website and cancel your appointment that you can't make.)

WAITING LIST feature means that there are no appointments available for your need by date. This typically happens because... I am booking in advance, you have an unforeseen emergency or may not have planned ahead for the recommended turnaround time. Please go to the WAITING LIST Page within my website IMMEDIATELY and follow the instructions to put yourself on the WAITING LIST. The Waiting List is set up to "SAVE YOUR PLACE IN LINE" but only allows a certain number of Garments per Date and Type of Garment, so please don't loose your chance of "Me helping you" to a prior submission. Please note if you contact via email, phone, text, social media, etc. this does not take the place of you putting yourself on the wait list. The wait list is self-serve and allows me to use my time efficiently so that I can help those on it so be sure to put yourself on it ASAP.
Please note when you go to select your Garment Type/Need By Date to note in Brackets { } using the KEY as to whether the list has availability for your particular need.

My Focus is providing a high quality of service in a timely and efficient manner while offering appointments through the convenience of online-scheduling that respects everyone’s time. The systems are set so that it "Helps Me To Help You" while allowing me to maintain the work, life/family balance.

In the event, you have a question or concern about your dress I recommend scheduling an appointment while you await my return call to get the earliest appointment possible. Why? I do book in advance and will share this in my FINAL HINTS.

Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier.
#1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia #SharingIsCaring
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULING GUIDES
Thank you again for allowing me to better serve you! As always I am here to assist you with any questions.
POST #5 will be on 11/12.

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M - Thur. 9am - 7pm
Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 10 am- 5pm
Sun & Holidays Closed

Appointment Scheduling

Alternating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
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The Joy of Sewing & Embroidery Service 1453 Sharon Acres Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050 In business since September 2000 25+ years experience

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The Joy of Sewing & Embroidery Service

Post #5/5 Scheduling

Fittings/Timelines/Final Hints

SEE GUIDES BELOW …
& Scheduling Page for additional guides for Bridal and Formal

Post #4/5 Scheduling

Scheduling Must Knows

Author

Archives

Categories

Location

Office Hours

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Subscribe to marketing, promotional and informational emails.

YOUR CART

The Joy of Sewing & Embroidery Service

Post #5/5 Scheduling

Fittings/Timelines/Final Hints

SEE GUIDES BELOW …& Scheduling Page for additional guides for Bridal and Formal

Post #4/5 Scheduling

Scheduling Must Knows

Author

Archives

Categories

Location

Office Hours

Sign Up

Subscribe to marketing, promotional and informational emails.

SEE GUIDES BELOW …
& Scheduling Page for additional guides for Bridal and Formal