Commission Price

[AJLaFleche]

A guy I've done work for before, (he starts his negotiations at, "Other people do this for me for free") asked me first to repaint a 1/16 diecast truck. I said this would be a very involved and costly project, so he got the hint I didn't want to do it.

He contacted me to paint two 1/16 (120mm) figures for it, one offs from Shapeways. I quoted him a price of $45 each. Of course he thought that was a bit high. He called me to ask. seriously, why I would charge him more to paint a 120mm figure than for a 1/72 or 1/35 figure. Explaining this without being rude or condescending was a bit of a challenge.

You can't make this stuff up.

 

[DEL]

$45 for a 120mm figure.............hmmmm I think that might be a bit on the cheap side.
Can't believe anyone would argue about that price, in fact he should be embarrassed.
The price in no way reflects even the most basic paint job.

 

[Landrotten Highlander]

Seems to me, no matter which hobby you consider, there are always those who think they are so privileged that others should be grateful to do them favours.
I was once told that I should not be charging money to teach people about Bonsai, as I was a member of the club. Needles to say I left the club, as that mentality only leads to frustration by those constently told to do things for free.
Hope you can maintain a diplomatic tone - I would have left the table by now, and become incommunicado

 

[megroot]

let him eat the figures.
I did once a commission and that brought me €700,- . It was a 120 mm. The guys who do this for job's ask 1200 or more.
And I only ask 350 with the figure. Because the commisioner was happy with the piece, he give me twice the money.

Marc

 

[DaddyO]

Okay I work as a signwriter and once had a customer who (quite nicely as it happened) questioned the cost of a job I was quoting for. I told him that there was a 'low cost' version if he'd prefer costing only £35.00. He jumped at the chance so I went into the workshop picked up a tin of 1-Shot (enamel paint) and a signwriting brush and slid them across the counter with a smile on my face

Clearly your fella hasn't a clue - I'd have told him to Foxtrot Oscar, but then I have been known to be a bit rash.

Good luck
Paul

 

[John Bowery]

Since other people do it for free, then let other people do it
Cheers
John

 

[Uruk-Hai]

You tell him you know people who does for 100$ so you met him in the middle throwing in a 10% discount.

It seems to be an ongoing trend, in my Youtube suggestions there pops up fluffers like this under the title "Choosing Beggars".

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[bigtodd]

Yep, there is one in every crowd. But remember if you set the price, that is what you want for doing the job. That price satisfied you, not them. Never feel bad about someone thinking you are over charging. If you do then it ruins what you like doing. For most of us here on the boards, this is a hobby and not our main source of income.

This thought took me a while to get over in my head when I would do work for someone. It is also why I tell my wife this will only ever be a hobby for me and not a job.

The other complain complaint I got is I take too long to paint a figure for a person (watch out for that one).


You will never get paid for what it truly takes to paint a figure. So set your price and stick to it, if it is met then everyone is a winner.

 

[Alex]

for 45$, I would do a primer coat and that's it
I do this for fun and I will never sell any of my figures in order to only paint what I want, how and when I want it.
120mm figure should be at least 1200$ not a penny less !

 

[marco55]

As a collector who can't paint the man who does mine usually charges around $150 for a 54mm/60mm $300+ for a 75mm , around $800 for 90mm.I think it's $1000 + for 120mm. That's why I collect only 54/60mm.
Mark

 

[Wayneb]

First of all, the artist has to love what they do, When the artist becomes aware that time is money then it's a whole different ballgame. That's when creative freedom and the fun is lost. The ones that can create art and sculpt and make a living doing what they love have my respect. I don't think there's any set price for commission work. If you're confident in what you do then name your price and if they don't like it; just tell them to get lost.

Wayne

 

[Mirofsoft]

As a collector who can't paint the man who does mine usually charges around $150 for a 54mm/60mm $300+ for a 75mm , around $800 for 90mm.I think it's $1000 + for 120mm. That's why I collect only 54/60mm.
Mark

Russian I guess

 

[marco55]

No a Virginian. He is a professional.
Mark

 

[peedee]

If anyone offered me the 'opportunity' to paint a comissuon for free, and after I had stopped laughing, I would shake my head at him over my shoulder because I would have walked at least 30-40 yards away by then.
'For free' costs YOU money for goodness sake.

 

[Ned Ricks]

For a time I was doing consulting for an industry in which I had decades of experience. My position was that the fee was not just for the time and effort it would take for the negotiated task, but for the years and years it took to gain the wisdom and skill required.

Hold your head up and get what you are worth. Many, many people do not value a thing unless they pay for it. Your time, talent and skill are such commodities. Abraham Lincoln said of attorneys " A lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade."
N

 

[Forté]

45$! No way. Not even for a 28mm.

Guessing you would've had to do the clean up on the minis too with them being from Shapeways there might still be the tell tale printing lines. Sorry but 45$ is way too cheap unless you'll spend 3 hours max on them.