Pricing For Tooling Only

[becbec91]

Hello everyone, I have come across a question that I don't know how to find the answer.

I have quite a few people from all over the US wanting to send me their leather for me to tool it. I have no idea how to charge them for this. So far I have two different leather workers interested in me tooling their work. Can you help me figure out how to give them a price? One guy wants an idea before i get started. Thanks!

[NVLeatherWorx]

First of all, if other "leather workers" are asking to contract you for the tooling of their items then they aren't really leather workers. Second of all, how much is your time worth and what is your background? If you have an extensive background in the art and have invested your life into learning the craft from top to bottom then you need to look at your time as a professional would and charge appropriately. This is especially important when you look at the fact that you are being contracted to do this work for someone else who doesn't have the skill set to do the work themselves (otherwise they wouldn't be asking in the first place). Another thing to consider is making sure that your work, the tooling, is given proper credit on the finished item and to make sure that the "leather worker" who is making the sale isn't selling it off as their work. You need to have your mark, whatever it may be, on the artistic elements of the leather and if the "leather worker" doesn't go for it then it would be a good time for them to actually learn how to be a real leather worker.

I know it sounds a bit harsh but there are way too many "leather workers" out there that have no experience, background, or creativity and when any one of us who actually know what the term of leather worker means does any work for them all we are doing is feeding the myth of their existence and it has to stop somewhere. There should be nobody calling themselves a leather worker or Master Craftsman that doesn't know this trade and art inside out and that includes the art of saddle making and other highly disciplined skill sets within the trade. If it is just a hobby for people then fine, but don't be asking skilled craftsmen to be doing work for you, learn what is takes to do the work or please find another hobby.

To directly answer your question, I wouldn't take on the work in the first place but for those that do, and have the skill set to do it professionally, I wouldn't suggest you do it for less than $25.00 per per hour (to be tracked and billed as the project progresses) and the recipient is responsible for ALL shipping charges, providing ALL materials, and ALL artwork/layout designs are provided in ready-to-use format. And most important of all, if any of the requested tooling consists of ANY logo, trademarked item, or brand name, there must be written authorization from the owner of the trademark, logo, etc. authorizing its use for the purpose. Tough world we live in today but nothing is worth getting your butt in a sling over violating a copyright or trademark law.

[becbec91]

As I understand it there are leather"workers" and leather"crafters". One of the men I spoke with has been making and selling tack(minus saddles) for 17 years. (Reins, bridles, halters, spur straps, chaps, etc) and contracted out his tooling so he could spend more time on the making and the other guy spend the time on the tooling. His tooling partner recently passed away. I'm not looking to put down anyone trying to learn this hobby, as I am still learning myself. And if someone entrust me and my current skill set with their work (and my mark) I have no problem helping them and also broadening my horizons. I was just wondering what different people charge for tooling only, to get an idea of what a fair price would be.

[SantaFeMarie]

"First of all, if other "leather workers" are asking to contract you for the tooling of their items then they aren't really leather workers. "

I have to disagree. There are plenty of fully-professional leather workers who make exquisite items who don't do any tooling and have never bothered to learn it because not because they are lazy amateurs but because it doesn't suit their esthetic. If they have a customer who wants to commission, say, a messenger bag from them, but they want their name, the Harley-Davidson logo, and some Sheridan-style flowers added to it, there is nothing wrong with the professional saying "that isn't really my thing but I'll see if I can find someone to do it for you".

[Chief31794]

"First of all, if other "leather workers" are asking to contract you for the tooling of their items then they aren't really leather workers. " I have to disagree. There are plenty of fully-professional leather workers who make exquisite items who don't do any tooling and have never bothered to learn it because not because they are lazy amateurs but because it doesn't suit their esthetic. If they have a customer who wants to commission, say, a messenger bag from them, but they want their name, the Harley-Davidson logo, and some Sheridan-style flowers added to it, there is nothing wrong with the professional saying "that isn't really my thing but I'll see if I can find someone to do it for you".

I have to disagree with this, X2 on NVLeatherWorx comments. Sewing a bag or cutting a strip of leather off of a bend does not make a leather worker. Just my $.02 worth.

Chief

Edited April 5, 2015 by Chief31794

[becbec91]

I don't see the point in arguing peoples opinions. Everyone has one, and I understand the principal is important to the craft and i value all of your input. However its not going to change the situation I am in, the grammar i used, the work i have to do, or answer the question I have asked

[SantaFeMarie]

I'm trying to understand what you are saying. Do you really mean that if you make this you are a leather worker:

But if you make this you are not?

[becbec91]

Santafe, i think both take a specific knowledge base that someone off the street doesn't know. But i guess you are asking that to the other people commenting here?

[Troy Burch]

I see no difference in commissioning out the tooling verses hiring someone to work in your shop to do tooling. There are plenty of shops that hire leather workers of different talents for their certain expertise and the logos of each individuals don't get stamped on the project. As far as what to charge theres no book such as mechanics have to tell how many hours a project should take and the hourly rate to charge, so you'll probly have to figure that out yourself.

[Europeanleather]

It shouldn't matter because its just a title.. both require a great deal of skill at its highest level. Out of curiosity those who make bags, wallets, wrist straps professionally what are they called?

On the business side if I was to get this done from you I would get a quote on how long it would take and a base per hour charge. There is no wrong way of pricing only one that you prefer to work with. Another way this can be done is charging based on the size of the design and the level of detail.

An extra per hour charge for design ideas is needed too.