I've been going to Nancy's Alteration Shop for years. I've used her for weddings, repairs, hems, and add in stuff and I've always been pleased.
1. Bridesmaid dress alternation - My sister got married a few years ago and I was going to have to purchase a special strapless bra to wear and because of my size, the cheapest was around $80-$90. The dress hooked around my neck in a halter style. However, Nancy was able to secure the dress in a way that did not require a bra and I got a lot of support. The alternation was not cheap but I've never had a cheap bridesmaid or wedding alternation. It was over $90. Even simple alternations on things of this sort are expensive because of the detail that is required to do a good job. If I had gone somewhere else, It would have been way more than that. You get what you pay for.
2. Hems - Because I am short, I'm always needing something hemmed. Clinton and Stacy on "What Not to Wear" always talk about tailoring clothes the way you want them to be not the way they are straight off the rack. I don't do this with everything but if it is an "investment" item, I will bite the bullet and pay for it. I've paid anywhere from $6 to $25+ for an alteration. A few times the alteration was more than the garment but I knew that going in because of what I was asking to done to the piece of clothing.
3. Fixing stuff - I've had zippers, button, and snaps fixed on jeans fixed on numerous items and have NEVER paid more than $5-$7.
4. Nancy is a nice Christian lady and if you communicate to her your concerns she will do anything she can to rectify it. I'm thinking that some people expect certain things to be cheap but I would rather pay more and get quality work.
Also, I know for a fact that people will take something to one place to get it altered and they will do a yucky job and then take it to another place for alternations expecting that the new person can completely fix the problem. Seamstresses like hairstylists are not miracle workers.
I DO NOT KNOW NANCY PERSONALLY EXCEPT THROUGH GOING TO HER ALTERATIONS SHOP FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS. She is an open communicator, friendly, and flexible. I do not use any other alterations person in town because I'm loyal. I'm always looking for a good deal but sometimes you do get what you pay for. By talking with colleagues and friends, Nancy's prices are more than reasonable.