Pricing work - Woodworking Talk

jodiemeglio · 06-04-2007, 08:57 PM

Hey everyone, I just did some serious woodwork for a customer and I'm having trouble billing it. I made a tub skirt, sink skirt and a bunch of trim. It took me a lot of time especially the finishing and installation. I just was wondering what you guys charged. If you want to PM me that's fine. I don't live near any of you so it's not like we're competition. Help a newbie out!
Thanks
Jodie

nailgunner7 · 06-05-2007, 12:29 PM

I think that is going way out on a limb to build and install and not know what to charge. My question is what if you bill and your client doesn't like the price and says "I'm not paying" this leaves you really vulnerable.

What I usually do is discuss the project with the client. Have in mind the cost for materials, types of wood, plywood etc. Also have in mind what it cost for your time, electric, clean-up and dump fees. Do your home work and then quote before any of the work begins.

Example. Client A wants an alder entertainment center. He wants it to match existing cabinetry but would like a free standing unit.
Just looking before you design you fiqure you'll need approx. 200 bf alder for 5.60 a bd and 3 sheets 3/4 birch at 50.00 and 1 sheet 1/4 at 35.00 not to mention stain, finish, slides and hardware. This is your start for a ballpark price. Let the client make some decisions to narrow your price. When you both agree, ask for a 50% deposit down and a 50% completion. The half in the beginning allows you to buy material and components ie. bits and blades to match client's cabinets and pay your help. The check at the end is yours. You cover your suppliers and help in the beginning and pay yourself at the end. If the client defaults on the final payment, you don't owe anyone anything.

As for your project, I had a shop in Irwin, PA and was getting 300 to 500 a pop for custom tub skirts.

Hope this helps,

Nailgunner7

jodiemeglio · 06-05-2007, 11:58 PM

The customer supplied the materials, I was really looking for an hourly rate. I think I was a bit low but not too low. I really spent a lot of time on this one. As far as going out on a limb, that's how we do most of our jobs. We get an idea of what the customer wants to spend and make sure we don't go over the limit.

**TexasTimbers** · 06-06-2007, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodiemeglio

Hey everyone, I just did some serious woodwork ......

No, you just did some serious labor. Serious woodwork entails the business side also. I know I sound like a snob here but I am not going to tell you what you want to hear, but what I think you need to hear.

At the least, you have to figure your "serious woodwork" at your regional hourly rate plus or minus the extras or shortcuts. And never take shortcuts.

Based on your saying "We get an idea of what the customer wants to spend and make sure we don't go over the limit." tells me you are not paying enough attention to the business and marketing side of your time.

You need more than just an idea. You need to grow some brass balls before you commit yourself to this kind of project. Ideal customers want you to be in charge after they tell you what they want. It is your job to figure that out.

Talk to someone who has been down the road already. Maybe this guy?

jodiemeglio · 06-06-2007, 07:41 AM

I hear you guys on this one. We give a formal estimate before any job begins. While we're working almost everytime though customers add this room or this hallway plus touch up paint here and put some trim up there. When it gets to that point we just tell them to pay us hourly plus materials.

nailgunner7 · 06-06-2007, 09:22 AM

We call that a "while your here quote". We usually charge premium price for these. Usually the client wanted that work done as well but withheld that until you are on the job. I usually make a separate contract for that. If the client declines, I finish the original agreement and then proceed. I don't allow additional work orders to jepardize the payment from the original.

**TexasTimbers** · 06-06-2007, 10:16 AM

It's called change order. I have made thousands of extra dollars with them. I love to hear a customer say "Do you have a minute?"
My contracts have the change order stipulation and I have never had a customer complain bout them come Friday draw.

jodiemeglio · 06-06-2007, 05:08 PM

Change order..makes sense. I think I'll start making additional contracts for the extra work too. Normally when people ask me to do more work I start planning the next tool or fishing gear I'm going to buy with the additional money. When we do tile because of drying time it's normally only a few hours a day so I've already charged for a full day. I charge hourly for the additional work so it's like double time for us.