Fashion designers send quotes before design work, sample development, or a custom garment begins, often after a consultation or a look at inspiration images and sketches. Clients typically compare designers on total price, number of revisions, timeline, and what files or garments they receive. A clear written quote helps you stand out from low-priced offers that leave out key deliverables.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
List whether the client gets sketches, a tech pack, a pattern, a sample, or a finished garment. Each has a different cost, and clients often assume more is included than you plan to deliver.
Design changes after approval are the most common source of extra work. Set a limit and state the rate beyond it.
State who sources and pays for materials, whether the quote includes them, and what happens if prices change or a fabric is unavailable.
Delays often come from slow feedback. Tie dates to approvals and note that deadlines shift if the client is late.
Pattern and sample prices assume certain sizes and counts. Note the size range and say that grading or additional sizes are priced separately.
Say whether the client receives patterns, tech packs, and design rights, and whether you may show the work in your portfolio.
Fabric prices and your calendar change. A validity period of 14-30 days and a stated rush fee protect your schedule.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance design and sketching | per hour | $40-120 |
| Technical package (tech pack) per style | per style | $150-600 |
| Pattern making (first pattern) | per style | $150-500 |
| Pattern grading | per style | $75-250 |
| Sample garment sewing | per sample | $100-500 |
| Custom garment (design, pattern, construction) | per piece | $300-3,000 |
| Collection development consulting | per hour | $75-200 |
| Alterations and additional fittings | per fitting | $40-100 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Price design, pattern, sample, and production as separate stages. The client can approve one stage at a time, and you are paid for each stage rather than guessing the whole project at once.
First samples often need a second round of corrections, extra muslin, and extra fabric. Allow time and material for this instead of assuming the first attempt is final.
Present options such as sketches only, sketches plus tech pack, or full development with samples. Clients can choose by budget and you avoid being compared on a single number.
If the fabric is not yet chosen, give an allowance and say it will be adjusted to actual cost. This avoids losing money on expensive silks or specialty trims.
Many designers offer a short free call but charge for in-depth consultations, mood boards, or sketches made before a contract. If the fee is credited toward the project when the client hires you, it often filters out casual inquiries.
Estimate hours for design, pattern, and construction based on similar past pieces, add a buffer for fittings, and add materials. Give a flat price with set fittings included, and state the rate for extra work.
Typically 14 to 30 days. Fabric prices, your availability, and supplier minimums can change, so a stated expiration date lets you reprice without an argument.
Use the Fashion Designer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Fashion Designer invoice template