How much to charge

[fishguy]

I've made a quite few sheaths and other leather stuff now and have even sold a few. However, I am still unsure about how to set a price, especially for custom work. I know I am just starting out and probably cannot yet command top dollar for my work, but I am confident that it is a lot better than some of the crap I see on the market. So is there a formula? Do you do market surveys? or what.

[DC KNIVES]

Good question, and one we all wrestle with at one time or another. I truly don't know if there is any magic formula. Several of the sheathmakers here are fulltime professionals and therefore the profit margin needed to eat and keep a roof over their heads is simply higher than those of us that do this part-time.A fulltimer must take into account all his bills , his materials, and his salary. I am a parttime knifemaker but do my own sheaths as well as sheaths for others.I use this as a source of income but not my primary one so I can be more flexible with pricing but you should not give away work. Custom is custom and should be priced accordingly. And last but not least your customers will eventually set your price.Too high and you will be twiddling your thumbs waiting for work and too low well you know.Customers will pay for quality.Sandy and Chuck have not been doing this since Moses got his first sandals for nothing . Dave

[Chuck Burrows]

Sandy and Chuck have not been doing this since Moses got his first sandals for nothing

Yep and Sandy cut them out and I sewed them up!

Anyway what Dave said - in general it is good to look around and see what other makers charge at all skill levels - then figure out where you figure into the equation, based on your market. Your market is where and to whom you sell - is it local, Internet, etc.

Many years ago I used as a general guideline $5.00-$10.00 an inch with a base price of $30.00. The difference was dependent on the diffficulty, decoration, etc. Considering todays market that's not too bad a base to start with although upping it by say 25% might be best.

Yes you can charge too much, but you can also charge too little - I've found that charging too little can actually reflect negatively on your work.

[MtMike]

....and don't forget shipping costs, especially if you're mailing knives back and forth. The insurance alone can really get in your pocket!

Mike