Possible Belt Making Opportunity

[JS22]

I called a hide dealer today to enquire about a couple gator hides for an upcoming project. In our quite lengthy conversation he proposed I make him 20 or so belts using his hides which he would provide. He asked what I would charge to provide the leather and hardware not to include the buckles. The buckles would be at his cost. Knowing that I am paying about $ 5 a square foot for double shoulders and about .20 cent a piece for chicago screws, I would have about $3 of my own material in each belt not including glue, and thread which is nominal. If these were your cost. What would your time be worth? More bluntly put, what would you charge per unit complete? Also, keep in mind, the next order would be in the 100's range.

Thanks!

[dirtclod]

I would see how many square feet is in the double shoulder. Then convert that to square inches and figure what it cost a square inch. Then figure how many inches you have in a belt. Add on what you need to make something on the leather. Time your self on doing a belt start to finish and figure what you need to make a hour. Add the leather cost and your wage plus some profit and you have your price.

[Art]

Hi JS,

Don't worry about the 100's of belts, I would at least double my materials and charge what you want per hour for your time for a single belt. When it gets to the 100s, don't give a cent just because of the volume, they always try that and you end-up working for nothing. If one belt costs x, then 100 belts cost 100x. If volume comes into it, you charge double your time for one-offs and you reduce that for volume.

Art

I called a hide dealer today to enquire about a couple gator hides for an upcoming project. In our quite lengthy conversation he proposed I make him 20 or so belts using his hides which he would provide. He asked what I would charge to provide the leather and hardware not to include the buckles. The buckles would be at his cost. Knowing that I am paying about $ 5 a square foot for double shoulders and about .20 cent a piece for chicago screws, I would have about $3 of my own material in each belt not including glue, and thread which is nominal. If these were your cost. What would your time be worth? More bluntly put, what would you charge per unit complete? Also, keep in mind, the next order would be in the 100's range.

Thanks!

[bkingery]

I agree with Art, your time should be at least ten dollars an hour. Period. thats what they make at Mcdonalds around here so your time should be at least that. You said they were going to supply the leather but then you said you would be using your dbl shoulders. if your using your own stuff then eight dollars for supplies and ten dollars and hour, If you can make two belts in an hour then that would be 14.00 minimum a piece. And for sure don't let them pay you later, get at least half up front before you even start cutting, even if it is their leather.

Let us know how it turns out.

Peace

Bryan

( i'm working on the paragraph thing haha)

[JS22]

Thanks for the replies so far. To clarify, I will only be supplying the leather, screws, and my time and effort. The buyer will supply the alligator hides and buckles. Best I can figure, I will have right at $3 in cost into each belt. I've been tooling around the $18 to $20 dollar range. This would pay for the materials and net me $ 15 to $ 17 an hour for my time and effort. If I run these belts as a production run ( cutting, laminating, sewing, burnishing, edging in steps, I don't think I'll have but about an hour of actual work in to each belt, if that. Am I on the right track? Any and all opinions appreciated.

[steve hansl]

I would try and find out what the buyer wants to sell them at and charge 1/3 to 1/2 of the price,probably 1/2.If he knew how to do it he probably wouldn't be asking.

[rdb]

If he sells an alligator belt at $200, you should get at least $120. $60% + or - over cost is more than a legitimate profit. You are entitled to yours.

[King's X]

I would try and find out what the buyer wants to sell them at and charge 1/3 to 1/2 of the price,probably 1/2.If he knew how to do it he probably wouldn't be asking.

I totally agree with Steve. Chances are this dealer has already looked and asked around so they know what "a belt" cost or has a good idea from other vendors. i am taking an educated guess, of course. Don't sell yourself short or you will be working for nothing or more important not be motivated for doing the work that you are being paid to do.

Good luck.

[bkingery]

Thanks for the replies so far. To clarify, I will only be supplying the leather, screws, and my time and effort. The buyer will supply the alligator hides and buckles. Best I can figure, I will have right at $3 in cost into each belt. I've been tooling around the $18 to $20 dollar range. This would pay for the materials and net me $ 15 to $ 17 an hour for my time and effort. If I run these belts as a production run ( cutting, laminating, sewing, burnishing, edging in steps, I don't think I'll have but about an hour of actual work in to each belt, if that. Am I on the right track? Any and all opinions appreciated.

Ok so he is ONLY supplying the alligator, what are you going to do with it, laminate, inlay,full wrap, I would charge at least half of what he would be selling them for.

Bryan

[Art]

If HE is supplying the gator, then maybe a third of what he gets or about $66 per. Remember that you are responsible for the gator if you screw up, so you have to get more than $20. Also, if he is supplying the gator, then doing a run of 100 for him is ok, you don't even need any up front money, however you MUST be paid in full before shipping them to him.

Art

Ok so he is ONLY supplying the alligator, what are you going to do with it, laminate, inlay,full wrap, I would charge at least half of what he would be selling them for.

Bryan