Possible big order

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DozerMite

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I was approached for an estimate on a 200 pen order.

I don't really want to do 200 of the same pen but, it would be nice to have a little $$$ for a change and re-pay some of the generousity that has been shown to me.
I gave my quote and terms for the order and it will be passed along. We'll see how serious the buyer is. I don't hold high expectations after the reaction I received. I feel I am priced very fairly and I'm going to stick to my quote.

Anyone care to post what your price would be for 200 sierra clicks?? This includes all the casting also.
 
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I would overprice them because I would not want to do a 200 same pen order.....unless it was on some time table

10 a week ok

20 a week would be pushing my interest

depend on how payment was arranged for sure because in the end, the money talks

price of hardware + material=set
price of other materials (sandpaper, electric, finishing supplies ect)=set
tax=set
price of my time=
 
The most

What you want to get is the most the traffic will bear that makes you money.

I assume you'd be casting the blanks because that's (including a fair price for your labor) cheaper than buying them - if it isn't don't cast them.

If you gave an estimate rather than a firm fixed price expect them to want to negotiate.
 
I gave my price and terms. No negotiation.
I was just curious what others would charge for this order to get an idea if I'm close. If they pass, then... so be it.

I'm not producing and selling Bic pens. If that is what someone is looking for... I can point them in the direction of Wal-Mart.:wink:

I'm casting, not because the price would be less than buying but, because the person wants a specific blank that I already cast. Not something that I could go out and purchase, even if that was an option.
 
I have had people want 10 or so pens. I tell them the price and never hear from them again. They don't appreciate what all goes into making a custom writing instrument. Make it worth your time involved.
 
James, just my opinion on big orders. I don't give discounts because of the size of the order. We had this discussion on another thread a few weeks ago and my point was we are doing a custom made product which takes time to do, it also will become VERY boring. Someone said that when ever they buy in quanity they always get a discount as thats standard pritice in retail. My reply was the last time I looked Walmart,Macy's,JC Pennys,Old Navy, etc are all retail and I want to be around when you walk up to the counter with 20 pair of socks and get a discount at any of them, they don't give discounts because of quanity but do run sales. So my answer to your question is what ever you would sell one pen for thats your price..
 
So far, it seems my price is in line. I realize that location can have some effect on prices but, everyone seems to be about the same here.

Thanks for the replies.
 
seamus7227 said:
I also second the comment above about getting a deposit up front, and a realistic time frame to do them in.
Click to expand...


That was part of my terms...

50% down and 90 days for delivery. That might be a tight time frame, depending on vendors.
In stock quantities and delivery schedules can put a crimp in production schedules.
 
Quite a few years back I took on a 200 set order of walnut "Mont Blanc" pens and pencils. That was the name of the kits back then, so that is one idea of how long ago it was. The kits for those back then were also double or triple step drills.
All housed in walnut boxes with plaques.

90 days to do. And a shopsmith for a lathe, with a homemade mandrell for the shopsmith, because they were not available back then.
I did the job, got $18000.00 for the 400 pieces. And sent the buyer to an awards company to get the plaques and boxes made, as it was going to cost me a fortune to do that part both in time and money.

I walked away from my lathe for almost seven years because that order just plain burnt me.

Just something to ponder.
 
I think the prices stated are fair. Most definitely get the non-refundable deposit. The 90 days is the catchy part for me. Especially if you're casting all the blanks. If you can get 2 usable blanks per cast blanks casting 100 blanks is just as time consuming. Curing time to production time, plus if you need to paint anything that adds up. If they take it I wish you the best!
 
Well... the report today was that he still wants 100 pens but, now with engraving.
I think it is just a run around. The guy I'm dealing with is known for his less than truthful stories, so I found out. The reason I think it's a load, is certain questions haven't come up such as....... plating options, pen styles, wanting to see it in person, etc.

So, I'm just writing this one off. At least until I see a check.:rolleyes:
 
DozerMite said:
Well... the report today was that he still wants 100 pens but, now with engraving.
I think it is just a run around. The guy I'm dealing with is known for his less than truthful stories, so I found out. The reason I think it's a load, is certain questions haven't come up such as....... plating options, pen styles, wanting to see it in person, etc.

So, I'm just writing this one off. At least until I see a check.:rolleyes:​
Click to expand...
​
And after it clears the bank:biggrin:
 
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