Modeling Gun for Hire

In the past I have. The best advice I can give to you is to reach an agreement as to what the end results are to be and put it in writing. Many a commission builder has found the beginning of the process pleasant and the end a real PITA because the customers expectations suddenly change...especially when it comes to writing the check.

Get 50% down, the rest on completion. Again put it in the contract.

Hawkeye, great advice. I didn't even think about a down payment, the customer actually told me he'd do that. I'll work on a contract in the coming days.

I think I kind of surprised him with my low asking price LOL.

Ditto to what Hawkeye says.  I do commission work all the time (2 going right now) and always get 50% up front, a final agreed upon price, and exactly what the customer expects before I agree to build it.

Good luck with it.

All the above advice is good.
I'll add this.
Don't let it become "work". It sucks all the fun out of the hobby.

RadMax8

I've been approached by a customer at my workplace and LHS to build a model. I think he's looking at a Tamiya (Tah-mee-ya LOL) Ki-46 "Dinah". This is a thrilling prospect, I feel proud of my work that someone noticed and wants to display my piece in their collection. How many of you guys build for hire?

"(Tah-mee-ya LOL)"?? 

I am pretty sure that is how its pronounced, why the LOL?

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Troy, I agree. I'm a full time student, part time employee so my modeling time is limited to times when I need a stress relief. I picked up this job just because the guy seems so impressed with my skills and it kind of makes me feel good about my abilities. Of course I know I can't hold a candle to you and many others here! Just don't tell HIM that!!!

gatormark, I added the lol because I had just finished reading that thread when I posted this. I was hoping someone else would notice the correlation hehe.

I caught it!!!

I haven't really done commision work. I built a Bonanza for a guy I know, he gave me a check for $35.....BONUS, I was just doing it for fun. I also did a T-6 for a guy, he gave me a ride.....that was just plain AWESOME!!!

Congrats to you, make it a good one, you may get more!!!

What would one charge for doing a kit like this?

I am just curious as to an "average" price people get for doing this kind of work.

I've been asked to build some models by a LHS owner who wanted some display models for his shop.  I had come to his attention after I had won some awards in local model contests.  I didn't get paid, but the shop owner gave me some kits and a big discount on other stuff.

Mark

MikeV

What would one charge for doing a kit like this?

I am just curious as to an "average" price people get for doing this kind of work.

My Rates for Comission Builds:

10.00 per hour.

20.00 per hour if you watch.

50.00 per hour if you help.

75.00 per hour if you bug me by phone/text/email about it.

100.00 per hour if you "Just stopped by to see how it's coming along.".