Pricing guidelines? - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Pat Carroll · 08-15-2009, 03:45 PM

I'm sure this a question that comes up all the time. What are the key guidelines you use for pricing your intarsia projects.? Cost of material, complexity of the piece, time involved, your hourly estimated rate , turnaround time etc., I'm new at this , and I am getting some interest on the majestic elk that I recently finished. Like all of us , we want to feel as though our efforts are fairly priced.

Appreciate any suggestions
Pat Carroll

Sandy Oaks · 08-15-2009, 06:39 PM

Hi Pat,

I don't sell my work, but in chattnig with those that do, they base it on the number of pieces and size of the project. I am sure someone will pop in with a more definitive answer.

Bluebird · 08-15-2009, 11:11 PM

Hello Pat,
pricing is not easy... I am still adjusting my prices after 6 years into intarsia. It is very much based on your market. In some town, potential customers have more money to spend on decoration then they do in another town. That being said, my rule of thumb goes like this: I charge between 2 and 3 dollar per piece in general. So a 50 pieces project would be between 100 and 150$. I also factor in the complexity and the overall dimension of the project too. Not really a science. If I sell my project too easily, then I know my price is probably too low.
I know other artists who are charging much more then the guideline I just gave so don't take my numbers too seriously.
Good luck

Janette · 08-16-2009, 06:27 AM

I think if you look back, you'll probably find several threads on this. As Henriette said, it depends on your area to some degree, but only to a point. How long did the piece take you to make - what is your time worth (YES...Pay yourself for your time!!)

Don't undervalue yourself. It's easier to lower a price than it is to raise it (Lucille Crabtree told me so!

)

MikeyD · 08-17-2009, 02:49 AM

I figured 3 dollars for each piece. Over a peroid of time I have figured that I average 3 pieces an hour. This includes cutting the pattern, gluing it to the boards, cutting the wood, sanding, gluing and finish. So we are looking at about $9 per hour. Now when you deduct for the wood, glue, finish, backer, etc.. Just how much is minimum wage anyhow??? I hope I never have to make a living at this...LOL

Mike

JohnB · 08-17-2009, 02:55 AM

Quote:

just how much is minimum wage anyhow???

Here in West Oz for people over 21 it's $14.67 per hour so you've gotta up your rate

08-15-2009, 03:45 PM	#1
Pat Carroll Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 85	Pricing guidelines? I'm sure this a question that comes up all the time. What are the key guidelines you use for pricing your intarsia projects.? Cost of material, complexity of the piece, time involved, your hourly estimated rate , turnaround time etc., I'm new at this , and I am getting some interest on the majestic elk that I recently finished. Like all of us , we want to feel as though our efforts are fairly priced. Appreciate any suggestions Pat Carroll

08-15-2009, 06:39 PM	#2
Sandy Oaks Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,244	Hi Pat, I don't sell my work, but in chattnig with those that do, they base it on the number of pieces and size of the project. I am sure someone will pop in with a more definitive answer. __________________ Denny www.sandyoaksonline.com

08-15-2009, 11:11 PM	#3
Bluebird Intarsia member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Laurentians, Quebec Posts: 707	Hello Pat, pricing is not easy... I am still adjusting my prices after 6 years into intarsia. It is very much based on your market. In some town, potential customers have more money to spend on decoration then they do in another town. That being said, my rule of thumb goes like this: I charge between 2 and 3 dollar per piece in general. So a 50 pieces project would be between 100 and 150$. I also factor in the complexity and the overall dimension of the project too. Not really a science. If I sell my project too easily, then I know my price is probably too low. I know other artists who are charging much more then the guideline I just gave so don't take my numbers too seriously. Good luck __________________ Henriette "People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be" - [Abraham Lincoln] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HCorbeil Wood Mosaics web page --> Updated of Feb 2010

08-16-2009, 06:27 AM	#4
Janette Intarsia Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 2,327 Blog Entries: 4	I think if you look back, you'll probably find several threads on this. As Henriette said, it depends on your area to some degree, but only to a point. How long did the piece take you to make - what is your time worth (YES...Pay yourself for your time!!) Don't undervalue yourself. It's easier to lower a price than it is to raise it (Lucille Crabtree told me so!) __________________ Janette www.square-designs.com

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08-17-2009, 02:49 AM	#5
MikeyD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Henryetta, Ok. Posts: 121	I figured 3 dollars for each piece. Over a peroid of time I have figured that I average 3 pieces an hour. This includes cutting the pattern, gluing it to the boards, cutting the wood, sanding, gluing and finish. So we are looking at about $9 per hour. Now when you deduct for the wood, glue, finish, backer, etc.. Just how much is minimum wage anyhow??? I hope I never have to make a living at this...LOL Mike