The Framers Forum

How do people go about pricing stacked frames i.e. Frames made of two or more mouldings? Recently I've added together the cost of the moulding needed and calculated a moulding price for the whole lot based on the rebate size and the width of the stacked mouldings added 10% and run it through my pricing program as normal. It seems to work out ok, but I was wondering if others have a better method?

We just add multiple mouldings into our pricing software in the correct order we are stacking them in. We then have an extra item listed for stacked mouldings which allows a time element which varies depending on size to add in the extra faff time needed. If it is a simple frame and slip we don't bother, but it is there when we need it. The pricing software does all the calculations for us.

I price each moulding as normal and add an extra charge according to both the size of the frame and the number of mouldings to be stacked together. There is a limit to what any particular job will stand, but after a while you tend to get a feel for this.

I you are going to do much stacked frames work, it is well woth investing in the odd air powered narrow crown stapler, brad nailer, or headless pinner. Tools like this will make jobs like this faster and easier to do, which in turn will keep your prices within the prices that most people will be happy to pay.

I must say, I use an electric - rather than air - nailer which seems more than powerful enough for the job. Though I do wish I had spent the extra and bought one that does staples too, but I didn't need that at the time.

Hi Alan

I wouldn't presume to have a better pricing system than you.

My pricing system relies on keen mental arithmetic and a good memory

One thing I always did (and still do) when I was in a more serious way of business, if I had doubts about a price was to say to the customer "can I get back to you when I have checked availability/price of the moulding/mountboard/glass you have chosen" This gave me time to ponder on all aspects of that framing job and get the price right. We always did (and still do) adhere to our price and kept (and still do) records of all jobs. Also, I believe the way a price is presented is so very important, especially if it's a high one

Not much help I know but just my thoughts

Peter

poliopete wrote:Not much help I know but just my thoughts

More helpful than you think Peter. Good tip!