WAY off topic. Need advice.

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bloodhound

bloodhound

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Acushnet , ma
Hey guys and gals. I have a question for you. I powder coat for a living. But for a machine shop. So, small parts and housings and what not. Now i will from time to time powder coat personal stuff. Mostly car parts for my mustang. I had a friend ask me to do his truck wheels. I said i would try. and left it at that. I got the wheels and started the work. And HOLY pain in the butt. So the question is... We didnt discuss pricing as i wasnt sure i could do what he wanted. Now i do this at work on breaks. So, what would you charge a friend for work like this? Any idea? wheel 1.jpg

wheel 2.jpg

Thanks for any advice.
 
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Being a friend always makes $$ difficult. This is why in Australia, we love the beer economy :) Does he have the ability/skills to return the favour in return at some stage? Its amazing what can get done for the price of a carton....
 
Another thing to consider is that this job is obviously different than the usual small parts you've been doing, and therefor you're learning while doing this job. If he's a friend, I would charge for materials and a minimum for labor with the understanding that you're doing it as a favor for a friend. If they come out nice, you may have a new line of work that could prove to be lucrative for you. Ask yourself, "What would you want/expect this friend to charge you for this work if the shoe was on the other foot?"

Jim Smith
 
Looks like the prep - especially the masking was the most time consuming.

Call a couple of local shops and see what they would charge for doing the same job. Give your friend those prices before you tell him what you will charge him. If you don't give him an idea of real-world costs, he probably won't believe how much the job should cost.
 
I generally let friends know the the industry price and then let them decide how much they would like to pay me.
 
Does your company charge you for the materials?
Are you an hourly employee?
I would charge him the cost of materials, especially if you have to reimburse your company, then charge your hourly wage. If you are salary, break it down. If this person is a very good friend, give them a 20%-40% discount.
 
In my area is depends on size, how many colors, how many coat of clear. $50-$95 per wheel. Do a Google search on Powder Coating Wheels. Your in a sticky situation but your friends should at least cover cost of materials. I a buying some used Mini Cooper Wheels this weekend for Wife's mini may need to get them repainted because of curb rash so I have checked on prices. In my case 1 color, 3 or 4 clear coats 16" wheels about $75 per wheel. Cost of wheels new $250 each. Cost of wheels $100 for 4 still a good deal as they are coming with tires and TPMS. I have seen pictures of the wheel and only one has rash so I may get buy easy If that wheel need to be repainted I will get all 4 done so they match.
 
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I buy my own powder for side as to not use company materials. I am hourly. And yes there is about an hour of masking and trimming. I do usually do a lot of "favor work". I always say you never know I may need something you can do. That being said. I have already painted all of his small engine parts for a "favor". I was thinking $50 a wheel. But I have a hard time charging friends.
 
With one wheel done, you have in bit of a corner. You can charge whatever you want.:biggrin:

If you want to make it light-hearted, you could tell him that the first one is $200. Wait a few seconds for that to sink in, then tell him the other three are free. Unless he thinks $200 each is reasonable...:wink::eek:
 
thewishman said:
With one wheel done, you have in bit of a corner. You can charge whatever you want.:biggrin:

If you want to make it light-hearted, you could tell him that the first one is $200. Wait a few seconds for that to sink in, then tell him the other three are free. Unless he thinks $200 each is reasonable...:wink::eek:
Click to expand...


Jeez, you're a sick puppy, but I like it:biggrin:
Kryn
 
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