What would you charge for this.

[Brian Harnett]

I was contacted by another brewery to make some taps for them.

The taps are 10 inches high and 3" at the widest point the body is 6/4 red oak with a sapele door inlay.

The oak would be lightly burned then stained gray to simulate stone with a few hand tool enhancements

I already priced them but just would like to see what others think.

It is designed for v carving and 2d toolpaths, no 3d work.

Thank you for any input
http://i.imgur.com/HjxJUd6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/asnK9K4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nxjQb9h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/go75C8P.jpg

[joe]

Brian,

These are fine looking fixtures.

Since you've done these before, how much time did it take? How involved is the finishing process. Without this info it's difficult to price.

How many did you quote?

[Brady Watson]

Price would depend on quantity. I would say somewhere in the $350-475 ea range, possibly more. There is artwork to do, material costs and finishing...If they want genuine wood. Otherwise, it can be cheaper to machine one, cast it and faux finish it.

-B

[Davo]

Ok I'm charging way too little....

[Brian Harnett]

Thanks for the replies I quoted 130 each there are 12 they think its too much. I have been doing this type of work for a while and have production experience so I would do OK on that price.

But not less, I would rather loose the job than cut my rate looks like from the replies I should raise it.

Joe I made some taps a while ago but they were way more involved with 3d and handwork those went for 275 each.

Deigning and tooling sometimes is the easy part. Hard with custom to nail down a consistent price with so many variables

[joe]

Brian,

I'm guessing your price is ok. But I wouldn't go much lower. It's almost impossible to figure the time involved from here since finishing time is a big?

I admire your attitude about letting the work go if it doesn't pay.

[Brady Watson]

I quoted 130 each there are 12 they think its too much.

I think this is way too low, if your/their goal is to have a tap handle on par with the ones you see in a proper pub.

Then again, different areas of the country have different price points...AND my level of quality may not be the same as other's level of quality (nothing personal meant by that).

$130 ea is cold cast resin price with sticky back veneer for the wood part. Less than that, I'd have the dog make them because that is about what it would look like for that price.

-B

[Brian Harnett]

Brady, I have lost money on jobs rather than cut corners, happened to me several times when I started out.

It just amazes me the disconnect with some that want custom work for off the stock shelf prices.

Thanks for the input I will rethink my pricing and may bump up more on future jobs, I have no shortage of work coming in.

[Brady Watson]

I hear you Brian. We've done this to ourselves as a society. So many disposable things @ junk prices - Dollar stores, Wallymart, the end of mom & pop stores. This of course doesn't mention the fact that there are few true craftsmen out there & even fewer that have ANY clue what goes into making ANYTHING from scratch. How could most people value your work when they don't really know what goes into this sort of thing to begin with?

I think the only way to really succeed these days and going forward is to ask yourself who you want to be in the marketplace. Just another guy with a CNC racing to the bottom on cabinet part prices? I would prefer to focus on premium and heirloom quality products, where you own the entire market & where you are known for quality. You cannot make a name for yourself being another sheet slinger in the herd or being the cheapest guy around. If you are known to be the best at something, you are well on your way to weathering the storm of idiocy going on.

There has to be an incentive to even turn on the machine...otherwise it is cheaper to just stay in bed.

-B

[bleeth]

Brian:
Your pricing means to me that you have a maximum of 2 hours total in each one or for a dozen 24 Hours including design time, jigging if necessary and finishing and you are throwing in the materials and tooling.
If that was your thinking then the price is ok but not generous to you. You have bit changes, engineering, finishing, assembly, packaging and time spent with client.
If they think that is too high I would let them know how you estimated and ask if they object to your making a minor profit!
Small custom pieces often seem high to a client until they understand the time and expenses involved.

[jerry_stanek]

Pricing is also dependent on location. Just like housing or wages.

[GeneMpls]

They are entitled to think that the price is too high... that has nothing to do with if it is, or isn't. My 2¢

[RandyLogo]

If you were at a dollar, they would ask for 50 cents. That's just how people are. Just walk away and be professional. They'll be back when they can't pour beer.

[Chuck Keysor]

Brian, nice looking design!

Question, I noticed that you have the Roman numerals MMXXIII, which struck me as odd. One would guess such a number would be the year something important happened, like maybe the starting of the brewery. But 2023 hasn't happened yet. Just wondering if maybe this was supposed to be 2013, or some other year that has already taken place. Chuck

[Alex Naumenko]

I am making budget version of tap handle for my local brewery. I did 300 and have 200 more to go . I charge $16 with minimum order of 50. It takes me less than 8 hours to make them. White oak with two coat of clear and digital print on top. 26539

[Brian Harnett]

Brian, nice looking design!

Question, I noticed that you have the Roman numerals MMXXIII, which struck me as odd. One would guess such a number would be the year something important happened, like maybe the starting of the brewery. But 2023 hasn't happened yet. Just wondering if maybe this was supposed to be 2013, or some other year that has already taken place. Chuck

Thanks chuck, yes its a typo good catch.

[shilala]

I was thinking $150 to $200, depending on the volume.
I did an inlaid T handle that was a one-off for a friend. The modeling was easy, but I had a lot of time in it making it exceptionally nice.
I don't even remember what I charged, I think I traded for something.
If I did another, I wouldn't be afraid to charge $300+.

Granted, that's an heirloom personalized piece for an individual and your beer company doesn't want anything like that.
I understand their thinking, but were you to make something exceptional, it'd sure stick out among the 50 microbrew taps on the wall.

[myxpykalix]

Based on the drawings and knowing your quality of work, i think i'd price them at.......
"an arm and a leg"!