[TheForge] Prices

[Andrew Vida]

Cindy and James wrote:
>
> When someone asks how much it costs to build something and inquires 
> about the cost of materials, we usually tell them that the cost for 
> materials is a minor part of the bill.  We do not do anything for less 
> than $100, and prefer not to do anything for less than $1000.  I wind up 
> spending as much time trying to work out some dinkly little object 
> somebody wants (who bitches about the cost) as I do on real fabrication, 
> i.e. railings, beds, etc.  (I did that today on 2 little coat racks that 
> my wife sold for $100 each... I lost money!  Oh well.)

	This is a really important point IMO.  One has to know when a job is 
simply not worth doing.  Design time should probably be a separate cost 
item.  If you chalk it up to overhead and don't charge for it directly, 
you may be passing several times the purchase price of those $100 coat 
racks to another customer.
> 
> One of the problems WE (as in WE as artist blacksmiths) have in common 
> is that we do a lot of ONESEY'S.  At least I do.  I build 1 of this and 
> 3 of that, etc. 

	I don't see quantity as the problem as long as the money is there.

> In my shop that runs off lots of folks, and that is fine with me.

	If you think you cannot afford to turn away work that will not provide 
reasonable income, you are in the wrong business.  Smithing is a tough 
way to turn a buck.  Had I not had Nervous Nellie to contend with, I may 
have made a career of it, but as it stood I just could not continue.

 > If
> they are looking for a deal, or a steal, they need to go elsewhere.  And 
> I won't cut corners, the client is told that up front.  If a code is 
> involved, it is adhered to regardless of the client's wishes, etc. (Just 
> went thru that with another railing client who didn't want the 4" code 
> met.)  He relented and agreed to our terms.

	Good.  Your ass would be on the line when client's child falls to his 
death through your 8" balusters.  It should not be... I should not be 
poor, too. :)
> 
> We don't try to be horses-a**es, but you have to look out for yourself 
> AND the client too.  It is a 2 way street.

	Well stated.

	-Andy