[TheForge] RE: pricing

[Grover.Richardson at gtri.gatech.edu]

Yes, you got me right in the middle of the mathematics.  Arg.  Yes, you
are right.  

But when I add in the other time/material costs, then the cost per hour
goes down dramatically.  

Primarily I use the 50/hour for guessing at new work.

Ok, I make them in 3 sizes
3/8 thick 4' stock start size, $38
1/2 thick 5' stock start size, #60
1/2" thick 6' 8" start stock size, $80

I understand about "locals" and shop rate.  Unless someone stands in my
face and stares, I pretty much ignore speaking about shop rates and the
time it takes to do something, while in public.  As I said the public
isn't interested in the fact that I have hammered off and on for over 20
years (more off than on), or that I am spending 2 days of my vacation
time to attend an out of state event.

Yes, this is a less than optimum way to make and vend iron.  But for the
time being there is a certain amount of enjoyment in the air, and I'm
paying for my costs and a bit more.  When I get older and less capable
of schlepping heavy iron, then I will change my ways (hopefully before
permanent damage)<G>.

I have my prices of what I think it is worth.  I talk the pieces up.
Either they buy or they don't.  I try not to pressure, but do a good
sell.  At the places that I go, there is no other source of which the
public is aware apparently.  I have had only a few people mention that
from Smoke and Fire they can get a better price.  For them, I ask them
how much shipping would add?  Also, mine have decorative twists.  Also,
they actually shook the hand of the fella that made it.  As well I tell
them about abana and the local chapters, many times of which they
haven't a clue.  I am always amazed by the number of people who profess
an interest but know nothing of the availability of knowledge, if they
were to dig a bit in the right areas<G>.

What part of the world are you in Bob?  Georgia here.

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob Ehrenberger
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:37 PM
To: theforge
Subject: [TheForge] RE: pricing

Grover,

$80 for a 20 minute tri-pod sounds more like $240/hr than $50/hr to me.

I charge $40 for a tri-pod and think that is pretty good money $120/hr.
I wish I could make that much on all the things I make.  Around here if
you 
had a $50/hr shop rate you would have a lot of time to go fishing
because 
the locals wouldn't pay it.