Pricing Jobs…

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  • December 15, 2014 at 5:58 pm #49355
    maitai11
    Participant

      Hi Fellas,

      Just doing a little fishing here…I’m trying to get a handle on what to charge, when to charge it, etc. Are there any GENERAL guidelines to follow? What is too cheap, and what is too expensive? What should a watchmaker end up making per job, or per hour?

      I am aware (thanks Bob!) that there are many, many pieces to this puzzle. A contractor friend of mine once told me years ago, “After you do your first job, you’ll know what to charge…” At the time, I was doing electrical work on the side.

      But this is a little different. If we want to make a living at this kind of thing, then we need to pay ourselves well, while still being competitive…thus this email!

      Any formulas, tips, pitfalls, ideas, and opinions would be welcome with open arms!

      Thanks guys,

      Tim :)

      December 16, 2014 at 6:01 am #60925
      chris mabbott
      Participant

        Herein lies the issue. Unless it’s a treasured family hierloom, not many people are willing to cough up 300-600 clams to repair a $100 watch. Would you?

        Clocks seem to be a different kettle of fish, but it’s up to the owner. Demographics also play an important part, if you’re in an area where there are lots of antique clock owners, better. For some reason, Hawaii doesn’t strike me as clock county 😆 but I could be wrong.. This is where you have to do your homework, check it out, make a business plan etc etc

        December 16, 2014 at 11:59 am #60926
        arutha
        Participant

          Chris has it spot on, once you get to a point when you can do a clean and service in a reasonable amount of time just work out how many hours it took, cost of any parts i.e. mainspring and work out what you want as an hourly rate. The other thing you can do is call other watchmakers tell them you have a run of the mill waltham and ask how much they charge for a service. It will all give you a good idea of where to start.
          Paul.

          December 16, 2014 at 1:43 pm #60927
          maitai11
          Participant

            Thanks fellas…Paul, that is an EXCELLENT idea about calling around for pricing. Once I get serious, Chris, I’ll be doing that business plan :)

            Best,

            Tim :)

            December 16, 2014 at 1:51 pm #60928
            bernie weishapl
            Participant

              Tim, Paul and Chris gave you some good advice. I would call around to several watch shops and find out what they charge as Paul said. It took me a couple of years to get to a point of what to charge for clocks. It is a process we all go thru. A business is a must if you are serious.

              December 16, 2014 at 2:08 pm #60929
              maitai11
              Participant

                Awesome Bernie, thanks for that good info. It’s very much appreciated!

                Best,

                Tim :)

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