Modeling Gun for Hire

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.".

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

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 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!!!

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.

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?

/forums/p/125379/1259802.aspx

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.

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.

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.

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.