Running a drapery workroom is a fun and creative business. You get to play around with fabric, and satisfy both the creative and logical side of your brain. But, sometimes I think we get wrapped up in the details of sewing and forget that, ultimately we are running a business. And without customers there would be no business.
It would be wonderful if we could have all our customers with unlimited budgets who let us put whatever we wanted on their windows. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead there are many levels of customers. Some want some nice basic drapes to cover their living room windows. These customers aren't looking for interlining or trim or micro-cord, just some nice not off-the-rack drapes. Other customers are very budget conscious and want to buy their own fabric and just want someone to sew it for them. And there are those few who want and can afford the works.
So why not sell to all these different customers. Don't become the workroom who always says "I won't." I won't make a valance without micro cording all of it. I won't sell a customer just one pillow. I won't make drapes unless they have interlining. Customers don't' want to hear what you "won't" do. They want to hear what you will do. And not every customer is looking for micro cord and interlining. Yes, the treatment may look much better with it, but is it going to look terrible without it? I doubt it. Remember you're selling one aspect of their home. They are looking at the decoration of their whole home.
Let's not forget what the customer does want. Your customer may like a very simple look and doesn't want micro cord or interlining. So why give yourself extra work adding it, when it isn't something they want.
Obviously you can run your business any way you want, but realize that you are running a business. Do you really want to turn work away because a lower end customer doesn't necessarily fit into your workroom "rules" for sewing?
If you can find all your customers at the highest end of the spectrum great, but if your business is struggling maybe it's time to re-reveiw your policies and maybe, even who you are turning away as a customer. After all, that little pillow and simple living room drapes, could be a referral to the customer who wants the works and can pay for it.