On Jan 18, 9:07*am, "Swingman" wrote:
"Upscale" wrote
....
With a set design in mind and knowing exactly how to go about building
more of them, I can knock one off in a week.

I figure the first one cost me about $450 in material, but eliminating
original wastage, I should be able to cut that down to $400 or so. I was
wondering what I should charge total price including labour? Any ideas?

That's indeed a tough question! And, with that much time and materials
invested, I would first want to call it something other than a "picnic
table"!

Sorry, this is more of an art than something that can be easily quantified
with a formula, but, as a general rule of thumb for such projects, about 3
to 5 times material cost will generally put you in the ball park of what the
uninitiated consumer will actually expect to pay for a handcrafted piece.

Obviously someone more discerning, cognizant, and appreciative of the
craftsmanship and, hand wrought, unique nature of the piece would expect to
pay more.
....

To amplify somewhat from another viewpoint altho I haven't done custom
work for nearly 40 years now since I was a young pup out of school
trying to make some sideline cash...

My experience would indicate the average schmoe seeing something like
this will expect to pay what they would for a take-home-in-the-box pos
table from the local hardware store sidewalk clearance sale...

I'd also say it depends on whether the week is a 12-hr working week of
before or a solid "real" week to guesstimate on labor. What would you
be doing in that time otherwise--is it taking away from productive
time or is it simply making a little from a hobby? Do you intend it
as an entry to business or as simply a favor? And lastly, how will
you feel if you don't get the commission?

good luck on how ever it goes...

-duane

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