Friday, July 20, 2012

What is work worth?

A couple years ago I made a set of handlebars for a customer.  During our conversations on the phone about the bar design, it came up that he ran a business selling parts in the "chopper" world.  After having about 4 hours of labor and material in his bars, I contacted him with the final price... the rest of the conversation went like this.  "I'd really like to have you make multiple bars for me to sell in my business, I'd sell a ton of these bars for you.  You need to bring the price of your bars way down though for me to be able to sell them (aka make money on your hard work) for you".

I believe myself to be a pretty humble guy, but shit... I've worked pretty hard to have the ability you see on this blahg today.  I think anyone with time and effort can learn to do just about anything they set their mind to, but you have to make the decision to put that work in.  Jump in with both feet and have heart in what you're doing.  Putting yourself out there, putting your work out there is a scary thing.  That work is an extension of who you are and for every person that digs what you do, you better believe there's someone that doesn't.  Was my work worth the $$ I charged the customer?  You betcha.  Was I interested in him selling a "shit ton" of my handlebars?  Not really.  My bars are too expensive?  Well, have someone else make them for you then.

Thanks to everyone who frequents this blog and values the idea of things being handmade.

10 comments:

Adam Nickel said...

Well written, definitely dealt with this a few times. Its amazing how often you come across people that have no idea of the work involved but there certain it should be cheaper.

Shop Teacher Bob said...

4 hours labor, material, plus a tubing bender, chop saw, TIG welder, a place to work, and countless hours developing your craft to the point you could make something that was functional, attractive and safe.

Good craftsmanship is rarely cheap, but it's usually a bargain.

BCM said...

Thank You.

I struggle with pricing every day.

Barnstorm said...

But i know a friend of a guy who said his friend is friends with you. Can i get a discount? !

Jonathan Glover Photography said...

100% agree with your statements and kudos to you for pushing back. Profit margins and cheap overseas manufacturing have killed this country. Skilled design and fabrication are worth every penny and for all those people who don't appreciate and value it there are people who do and they will find you. You sir are an inspiration to us all. Thanks!

Good work isn't cheap and cheap work isn't good

special'79 said...

Thanks Jonathan, I do agree that overseas manufacturing has really hurt this country as far as being a country that used to produce goods... but to be clear, my intent wasn't for this to be a handmade vs. mass production argument. This is purely a comment on the worth one places on time, experience, skill, artistic vision, or whatever you want to call it. There are companies out there that design quality, mass produced products (i.e. Biltwell), not to mention the support they give to the indy shops, small fab shops, garage builders, and giving a ton back to the motorcycle community.

shawn - Imperial House said...

Well said man. just as Mr. Boyle stated, I too, struggle with pricing daily. It's tough to listen to others "downplay" the value of your craft. Keep it solid man, you'll live a happier life. Be great!

Wes said...

"If your cousin can do it for $20 and a six pack, why are you wasting my time?"

This is a quote from a sign I had in my shop at one time. I like to accumulate wealth as much as the next guy, but shorting a skilled man for his craftsmanship is not the way to do it.

Toecutter said...

Nail head you hit it.

Paul said...

But...according to the video, that only took you two minutes, twenty one seconds to do!! Come on! :D