Prices for model services??

[jcoffman99]

After seeing some of the great work here, and since MR isn't bringing me my x-wing, I've thought about commissioning an x-wing. Can you fine folks give me an estimate of what I'm looking at for building and painting? Thanks,

John

 

[MonsieurTox]

I think bewteen $1000 and $1500 ! (buildup+painting of course) Maybe more...

 

[Hand Solo]

The best thing to do is to PM your prospective builder(s) privately and get estimates. Kind of like a silent bid.

I don't think most builders will post their prices publicly because that would expose them to being undercut!

 

[jcoffman99]

I figured I was putting too much out there. I was actually looking to see what other folks (not so much the builders) thought would be a resonable price. I didn't want to insult any builders.

 

[moffeaton]

I charge between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on if you want lights, fiber optic lights, circuits with flickering and flashing lights, original model parts, machined brass or tube brass parts, pyro or hero, mounted with base, pilot or no, etc...

I'm undercut all the time - I totally don't mind. I charge what my time/experience/knowledge is worth to me, and there is always someone else out there that will do a job cheaper - it may not be as nice, but if it's worth it to the buyer, more power to them! Heck, I'm sometimes releived when someone balks at a quote - more "me" time at the model bench, baby!

 

[Hand Solo]

I figured I was putting too much out there. I was actually looking to see what other folks (not so much the builders) thought would be a resonable price. I didn't want to insult any builders.

In the end, a fair price will be negotiated between yourself and your builder based on what you mutually think will be fair to you both. Personality comes into play as well as how booked up your builder is AND how your own schedule looks as far as when you would reasonably expect delivery.

If both of you have good business sense and are ethical with each other, those things are well worth shopping around for until you find it. It's a partnership to be sure.

 

[Watson]

With lights just adds a ton to the price. Most of the light kits are a couple hundred then add the time to cut one up and it can get pricey. $1500 - $2000 is a good range for a static X-Wing IMHO, especially if Moffeaton is building it

 

[BrundelFly]

Ya get what ya PAY for.

If you want a "Joe Smuckettelli" price,...you are gonna get a "Joe Smuckettelli" finished product.

If you want a PRIMO END PRODUCT...its gonna cost ya.

I have seen what many of the Higher End Builders Charge, Eaton & Dymerski come to mind.

They are GROSSLY undercharging for the quality of work they do.

And if anyone things its EASY to Light a model realisticly,...AND PAINT it accurately and the prices are TOO HIGH, then I submit you can ALWAYS do it yourself!


Frank Cerney

 

[Lear60man]

That is such a good question. I have never considered having someone else build a piece for me. 99% of the fun is the actual construction and paint. I would shop around for the simple reason of supply and demand. If Model builder 'A' is backed up he will charge a premium. Lastly I will second what another said, adding lights to a kit is a job in itself. Especially if the kit is solid resin (required drilling and routing of wires etc.

After seeing some of the great work here, and since MR isn't bringing me my x-wing, I've thought about commissioning an x-wing. Can you fine folks give me an estimate of what I'm looking at for building and painting? Thanks,

John