Pricing

[ssflyer]

Hi all,

I've got a job duplicating some 18th century lion onlays. I have probed them on 3 sides, and made a prototype, but I've never done a job like this, before. Any ideas on what to charge for them? The need to be machined on 3 sides, and sliced, since they are deeper than my bits. I'd say I have about 8 hours probing, and ~3 hours per in routing and assembling.

Thanks and best regards,
Ron
8259

[myxpykalix]

What does the copy look like compared to your original? I assume pictured is the original? I would have thought it would take more than 8 hours to probe, or is that per side?

One thing i take into consideration when scanning or modeling is if this is going to be something i can use on another project or if the customer wants it solely for his use. Then its full price.
If you can use it, especially if you are letting this thing probe overnite I would charge a minimal price for the probing.
I know i've said a lot of words but haven't given prices. I might charge $10-$20.00/hr for probing, then its up to you for your modeling abilities to figure a price.
But it sounds like you have the project all done and I have been in the position where you go out of your way to do extra work then give a client a super low price and they still think you are trying to screw them.
I'd like to see your finished product.

[rcnewcomb]

I would say at least $400 each plus materials and finishing time.

Remember, your competition is a guy with a mallet and a set of chisels.

[bleeth]

Once you cut it and assemble it there is also the time it takes to fine sand it so it is ready for delivery. This could double your time on something like this. Randalls $400, as he says, is definitly an "at least" number. Your up front engineering is worth $575 and then $400 each. If you already threw in the prototype than adjust your per each price accordingly to compensate.

[dray]

I personally think you should feel out the consumer.

If they can afford these small pieces at $400-$500 and it is taking that long to do it then by all means. I charge $100 an hour for machine time if Im working in the shop and have other things I can do while machine is running.

Another option is is to make the fluting and make a latex mold of the head and cast in resin.

You can cast a bunch of heads in one day from the same mold. Then stain to match.

Im not being cheap, I just like to see that my customers are getting the best they can for their dollar.

I know most of my customers would tell me to go kick rocks for that price, even though I know that is the time required to create it on the bot, unless they were trying to match an existing piece of antique furniture.

[ssflyer]

Thanks all,

I'll post a picture of the prototype, as soon as I get it back - probably Thursday, and let you all know how it went!

Thanks again,
Ron