Replies

1. 
   Marcello | Oct 30, 2002 07:15am | #1

   A rule of thumb I have used in the past is to figure out the material cost and charge 3x that amount.  It is difficult to adjust when different woods with different prices are compared, for instance a table made out of ebony: material alone could be $1000 easy.  The same material out of maple could be $200 or less.  You can't charge the client $3000 for one table vs. $600 for the other when the design is the same.  Some adjustment has to be made.  The harder woods will blunt the blades a lot quicker than the softer ones requireing more maintenance, but 5x the amount may not be in order.  Complexity also plays a role.  Veneers may be inexpensive compared to the amount of time it takes to get them down seamlessly and so 10x the cost of applying it is in order.  It just depends on the design weather it has marquetry, intarsia, etc. 

   Bottom line is, it is not easy to estimate a job if you want to get it in a bid situation.  You will always be underbidding it - it is easy to underestimate it.  It is trial and error.  Experience in the business will eventually get you were you should be.  I do not own or operate a wood working business, I have done some things for friends (I always undercharge them).  I have estimated jobs for budget purposes.  It is called a guesstimate.  Maybe someone with more experience on the topic can add some more light to it.  I am not sure if I helped you any.

2. 
   RickL750 | Oct 30, 2002 03:32pm | #2

    Take a look at this two books The Woodworker's Guide to Pricing Your Work and Profitable Woodworking not only do they have pricing info like setting your shop rate, estimating but they’ll also provide you with some good ideas and info on managing your business, marketing, etc.

   Good luck,

   RickL

   P.S. Here are two links to the tableof contents of the books I mentioned.

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1558705813/ref=lib_dp_TFCV/102-6623004-7980911?v=glance&vi=reader#reader-link

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1561581224/ref=lib_rd_prev_5/102-6623004-7980911?v=glance&vi=reader&img=5#reader-link

    

   
   

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   Edited 10/30/2002 8:39:13 AM ET by RickL

1. 
   jimswoodworks | Oct 30, 2002 04:03pm | #3

   RICKL, & TMARCELLO THANX MUCH, I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

   Edited 10/30/2002 9:14:58 AM ET by JIMSWOODWRKS

3. 
   RW | Oct 31, 2002 01:13am | #4

   Do your best, estimate how much time and energy are going into this. Nail down your materials cost. Come up with a figure. Add 10-20% fudge factor, and if you get the job, forget about the money. From there on out, focus on the quality, and in time, you'll not only have established yourself as a quality outfit, the times you really screwed up will teach you what can only be taught by time & doing it. There's no other way to be comfy with how to bid other than time. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but it's pretty true. The bright side is some of your screw ups will be in your favor. My worst mistake came out to about minimum wage. My best mistake got me about $97 an hour. Don't look at things solely on a "per job" basis in regards to your own survival. Start looking at the net result per month, quarter, or year. It's easier to sleep at night.