Viewer Comments:
2-3 day build, 1 1/2 day finish, 1/2 day install.....$400 materials......Looks like about $270 per day before overhead. I try to clear at least $200 per day for myself, so that would be in my ballpark.
Does seem cheap. Look at what a similar item like a dresser or entertainment unit retails for in a quality store and then add 50% or double it for custom-built which is in my opinion a luxury sevice although the public don't always think it especially if they're paying!
JT,
I'm not sure I'm understanding your numbers. Are you saying for 5 days of labor your charging $400? I don't know anyone that could survive on less than $100 per day.
Justin, as far as your price goes, I think your way under. Maybe $1750 per unit would be more in line. You have to keep in mind that these are custom pieces and should bring a premium in the marketplace. We as craftsman who are trying to make a living at this must charge accordingly. Don't sell yourself short!
Mike,
1750 - 400 materials = 1350/5 days = 270 per day for myself including overhead....which would let me clear around 200 per day, more if done in 4 days which is more likely. This is in the ball park that I would charge...but i'm in the heartland where things are much cheaper.j
I didn't think the math was that confusing...sorry. Looks like the way I typed it might be confusing.
On the west coast I would charge about $4000-$5000 but that includes professional finishing which isn't cheap. In the midwest I have seen things like this going for half what I charge so you are still under by a bit. Depends how hungry you are though. Materials seem to be cheaper over there as well.
Bob
JT,
You're right JT, after I read your comments again I realized what you were saying. I guess I jumped the gun.
We get 800-1000 a foot and 200-275 a foot for finish and this install would be the minimum (600) ... SO, this is way low. It also depends on where you are.
You have to assume that the cost of "production" cabinets sold at pottery barn or crate and barrel would be more than your bid and they are not custom made or installed!!.
Get paid what you're worth.
Sorry Gary, but i dont think i can charge 10,000 grand for this. assuming your calculations. Each side is 4 1/2' by 7 1/2'.
i think 10,000 grand would be a little much considering thats 10,000,000 dollars,800-1000 unfinished a foot gary...if thats true than i under bid my last job by 15 grand, 20g's if you count the finishing. by the way i like your shop justin...very neat and organized.
Gary, Are you joking or are you serious!! Oh yea Justin like your shop.It looks about like 2,000 to me . Good work.
For case work like that I'd go in the $4500 -$5500 range. That's in southern new england. And my prices are usually way below the "big" shops.
$500 a linear foot is the going rate where we are so for 9 feet you do the math. If you good (and it looks like you are) you're worth more than $20/hour.
I would definitly charge double that.
Unfortunately I think I'm a lot you in maybe the fact that I sacrifce my own paycheck just to do the work that I love. I'm a general contractor because I have to be and like most of us, I attempt to provide custom furniture to the average wal amrt shopper, Been looking at some of your stuff, very nice work
Something like this in the Northern VA area would be around $5K.
Something like that in my market would be about $1200 (Canadian). I am trying to transition into self-employment doing woodworking, and if I can charge $20/hr plus materials I will be plenty happy. If I charged $50 or more I would have no market within 500 km.
