When I first started working, I spent a day or two a week, working in another woman's workroom. So a lot of what I did in my own workroom I did mostly because that's what I had learned from her. One of those things was to put a band on the top of all my valances and swags, and Velcro them all to the top of the board. This extra step took a lot of time, a lot of bulk and a large number of broken needles trying to sew through all those swag layers.
I have since abandoned this technique and staple my swags and valances right to the top of the boards. Many workrooms continue this practice, because customers seem to feel they need to be able to remove the valances for cleaning.
You too, can make life easier, save yourself some time, and money, and add a little something to your marketing, by dropping the Velcro and picking up the stapler.

In order to counter the client's "How do I clean the valance/swag/drapes?" question. Create a small postcard with 5 or 6 tips on how to take care of your valances, swags and drapes. Give the postcard to your client at the end of the install, or mail it to them a week after the job is completed. As an added bonus you could give your client a lint roller with your name and address printed on it.

Some of the tips on the post card could be:
* Vacum the front and top of the valance at least once a month.
* Avoid catching the trim in the vacum by covering to mouth of the vacum attachment with an old nylon stocking and securing it with a rubber band. (This is also a great way to pick earrings which have fallen behind the dresser.)
* Use a lint roller to remove any large pieces of dust that remain on the fabric.
* Steam the valance lightly to freshen it up. (Be careful of water spots on silk and satin.)

To take this marketing idea further; make up more postcards, and mail them to the client every spring and fall, reminding them to clean their treatments, and maybe start a new project with you. You can expand the cleaning tips, to ideas on how to refresh outdoor cushions, coverlets or table linens.

If you're feeling extra ambitious you can offer begin your own cleaning service selling your customers a package of bi-yearly or even quarterly services.