How much to charge

[Onno Kok]

Hello all and happy New Year!

I have been asked to make a built in book case shelving unit and it is the first time that someone wants to pay me for the work. I have yet to talk about specifinc design details and such as Christmas was a busy time for everyone. I am not sure how to decide how much to charge for such a service.

I am not the fastest in the shop and I do not intend to rush it, it is after all a hobby. So I do not think charging by the hour makes sense. Could I use a cost + % model? Like cost of materials + 10%?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Onno

[Hugh Clare]

I haven't had to estimate anything like that, but cost+110% would be closer to market. Other factors would dictate adjusting the price from there. I usually use that as a starting point to estimate which new tool I'm going to get out of the deal. :)

[Kerry Drake]

When I rarely do commision work, I try to decide how long it would take me IF I was working on it full time, and then quote a flat rate labor cost based on that.

Alternatively, you could find an existing item, and base your cost on what such an item would cost (within reason).

[mo khan]

HI Onno,

I charge material cost plus 10 to 20% depending on the complexity of the project. For a built in bookcase 20% should be good. 

[buck buchanan]

THE NORM HERE IN FLORIDA IS THREE TIMES THE COAST OF MATERIAL

[buck buchanan]

MAKE THAT COST

[Robert Brennan]

Onno,

 

Start off with materials and time at 50/50 and then ask your self if you would be happy to pay the figure.

You should also provide an initial cost approximation to allow the customer to have some input and an early understanding of just what the will be up for.

 

Have fun too!

 

Robert Brennan

[Onno Kok]

This is great advice everyone. Thanks! I knew that when I had the delima this would be a great forum to post in.

I should be meeting with the couple in the next week or so to get a good idea of what they want and what I can offer. I sure do not want to get in over my head. This will give me an idea of their budget and can make suggestions accordingly.

Thanks again for the great advice.

Onno

[Jens Jensen]

Here is something to checkout .

http://bridgewooddesign.com/estimator/index.htm

[justin waldron]

Onno,

 

     I think it's hard to add percentages to materials when you think in regards to what lumber they'd want.  If they wanted Cherry you would come out ahead, but if they want pine....  I build/sell cabinetry as a hobby and I use Ready to Assemble prices and when it comes to special/custom pieces, I figure my labor and how long it will take to build at around $20 and hour.  Hope this helps.

 

Justin

[Onno Kok]

Thanks again for the advice. That online calculator is definitely handy. This'll be my first commissioned piece so it might hard for me estimate total time, ihave never kept track. Once I meet with them and get an idea of the final look that should help a lot. If they just want paint grade and are going to paint it themselves that would make a big difference.

Onno

[David Crawford]

great link...maybe i'll start making some stuff to sell!

Jens Jensen said:

Here is something to checkout .

http://bridgewooddesign.com/estimator/index.htm

[Bob Brennan]

That sounds fair if your comfortable with that arraingment, I too had that experience over the Holidays, they liked my work so much they insisted on paying me more for labor than I asked for. so good luck and most importantly have fun!!