Post
by tinspark » September 3rd, 2020, 4:34 pm
Re asking for a percentage of sale price, and DT's estimate:
You would definitely need to be able to trust him that he's not going to S@$&w you on telling you the final sale price if your are only getting a percentage..
When I went to a new doctor a few years ago, she told me, "two people you don't lie to, God and your Doctor."
I think she was just trying to make me laugh, which I did. She had a lot of balls though saying that with my old lady sitting next to me.. HA!
In the end you will be doing a LOT of work and you don't wanna feel like you gotten taken advantage of... No joy in that.
I have turned down many jobs from friends because I didn't wanna charge em' what I am worth. I have told them how many hours of labor it takes for a given job and then asked them how much they are willing to pay. It's easy that way to let them put a value on my time, skills, experience and machinery, non of which they possess. With this approach, I then could negotiate from there.. In reality, People in my neck of the woods settle for $300 Home depot smokers, and I have steered them in that direction, because I think they expect it cheaper from me after talking with them! Frank was saying on a recent Podcast that for his free plans, material alone is $1500. I am guessing that it'd take me probably 40-60 hours of labor to build a 24x48 stick burner RF, and maybe 10-20% less for an offset in my home shop. Most small shops around here charge between $75-$100 per hour, and the bigger Union shops $125-$150 per hour plus materials. So, I figure $50 and hour x 40 hrs is $2k @ 60 hrs labor $3K. I think DT is about right on his "guesstimate, and maybe a little low..
As a side point, I overheard one of our customers at work several years ago complain about our shop rate, and our estimator asked him, " how much does an automotive mechanic charge per hour? $125 Per hour at most places around here, all of our guys go through a minimum 5 years training plus welding school" We got that job, and the customer got the point.
In a sorta selfish way, I am kinda glad not many in my area are willing to pay that much for a smoker, and settle for cheap stuff, because they really get what you pay for. Those who pony up, and are willing to pay the price for a quality, well engineered cooker also get what they pay for. Quality cooks for a lifetime and likely their children's lifetime. My smokers will outlast me!! IMHO..
. Sliding double racks, and probably a firewood bin.
