First Motorcycle Cover Set

[Yovko]

Hi! This is my first complete motorcycle cover set for Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88! I would like to hear some opinions about the cost of this work, because I don't have any idea!

[ihsfab]

Do you have any idea about how much time you have involved in the set?

[Yovko]

This is my first project and it took me longer than I've expected. In future, I think, I'll make it for about 100 hours (about 2 weeks). So, let say, it took me 100 hours.

[ihsfab]

You might try and talk with CJ Allan about this. I would think he would have a better idea about what to charge for something like this more than anyone else on the forum would.
I have thought about doing the same thing but I have no idea how much something like this goes for.

[Yovko]

Thank you ihsfab!

[SEngraver]

Originally Posted by Yovko

Hi! This is my first complete motorcycle cover set for Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88! I would like to hear some opinions about the cost of this work, because I don't have any idea!

HI Yovko,
You have done nice work on those parts.
My advise is agree on prices before you do the work .
Thank you for the photographs keep up the good work .
SE

[Yovko]

Thank you for this advice SEngraver! This is my first product and I don't have a buyer for this set. This is the reason why I'm asking how much is worth. I just would like to know fair price for this kind of work, because I don't want to go over the normal! I hope in future,I'll have a chance, to do agreement with somebody about the price!

[Don Curtis]

Yovko,

I would, as stated earlier, contat CJ Allen or Otto Carter or Chris Malouf and send them the pictures. They should be able to let you know. There is a website, Steel Tattoos, that has their work priced. It might serve as a guide as well.

I would put an ad on eBay. Take really good pictures with cool stuff in the background (knife...playing cards..stuff like that) the pictures are everything.

Set a reserve price---Cost of parts + your minimum acceptable profit.

profit being your hourly charge...$25 X 100 = $2500 (example )
If you get that much I get 10%


The one other option I would suggest is to contact all of your local HOG chapters and offer to come to their monthly meeting and describe your work and skills... all chapters kill for guest speakers...and keep this set as a demonstration item.

Just some thoughts...


Donny

[choppers_rule]

Nice work Yovko!!
Do you use a graver or rotary tool to remove the background?

[Yovko]

Thank you Donny for this information! You have 10%!

[Yovko]

Hi choppers_rule! I used rotary tool to remove the background! For example Blue Point!

[WVEngraver]

Checking in here ... pricing is one of those tricky things where, on a forum, you're kinda laughed at for being too high or too low (it's never in between it seems). This is a specific area that people need help most. Learning to value your work early on is, in the long run, good for engravers, craftspeople and artisans everywhere.

Motorcycle engraving is particularly tough. There are a lot of people who are, in my opinion, underselling their work simply because they are doing it on the side, are not hungry or sometimes in fear of not having work. Basically what that means is the work you are doing has to be clearly above the work that's dominating the lower price marks.

Speculation work is good because it satisfies the impulse buyer and as a result gives you some control over the price. There's no negotiating before the work is started and the time invested is after the fact and not estimated. Skulls and scrolls is the theme which is always in demand. Very important is to make sure there is nothing left to be desired in the amount of engraving. I would extend the coverage over the top toward the front of the primary and on the visible portion of the top rocker covers. Leaving little to be desired will help guarantee you get your asking price.

Donny's number is pretty much spot on. I would say around $2,500 to $3,000 on top of the price of the parts after the amount of coverage has been extended on the primary and rockers. This is taking into account the quality of work and extent of coverage. The quality is very good and far above what one would expect from a beginner where the relief provides very desirable contrast indicative of higher priced work. The only thing I see holding you back is composing and drawing complex scroll pattens.

I wouldn't take less than $2,500 and this amount of work should require between 2-3 weeks. This is pretty much a complete engine and it is cash and carry which, in itself, is also worth a few bucks. There are a lot of people out there who want custom stuff ... they believe all of the plated tin hanging on the Harley dealer wall is "custom" and will drop $5K in a heart beat on chrome packages. These folks have also never seen engraving .... keep that in mind and don't sell yourself short.

btw ... this is a very gutsy project and that's exactly what it takes. You will do well.

[SEngraver]

HI Chris,

That is very good advise I found it beneficial too,Thank you.
SE

[WVEngraver]

You're very welcome SE ... and thanx for sayin' so. I made a few changes to the original post so it should be more straightforward.

[SEngraver]

Originally Posted by Chris Malouf

You're very welcome SE ... and thanx for sayin' so. I made a few changes to the original post so it should be more straightforward.

Hi Chris,

You are always a great source of good advise in many ways.
I read your post after the changes you made.
Thank you again for letting me know.

Most Appreciated
SE

[Yovko]

Hi Chris!
Thank you! I appreciate your advices! I already have a buyer for this set and I work on the next one! I'll keep in mind your advices! Pictures are coming soon!

[Yovko]

This is the derby cover I finished yesterday!

[SEngraver]

Hi Yovko,

Thats awesome,nice work and admirable .
SE

[WVEngraver]

Excellent work. Which Williamsburg are you in? Are you on the East Coast? I've cut back my motorcycle engraving quite a bit and it would be great to refer some of the requests.

[Yovko]

Hi Chris!
Thank you! I'm living in Williamsburg, Virginia, East Coast! I just moved from Florida and I still work in home, but me and my business partner from BadG Customs, we are opening a shop soon . If somebody wants to make a contact with me, can do it on http://www.badgcustoms.com ! Thank you again! I appreciate your help!

[Yovko]

"POW MIA" primary cover finally has been completed!!!

[choppers_rule]

Originally Posted by Chris Malouf

Checking in here ... pricing is one of those tricky things where, on a forum, you're kinda laughed at for being too high or too low (it's never in between it seems). This is a specific area that people need help most. Learning to value your work early on is, in the long run, good for engravers, craftspeople and artisans everywhere.

Motorcycle engraving is particularly tough. There are a lot of people who are, in my opinion, underselling their work simply because they are doing it on the side, are not hungry or sometimes in fear of not having work. Basically what that means is the work you are doing has to be clearly above the work that's dominating the lower price marks.

Speculation work is good because it satisfies the impulse buyer and as a result gives you some control over the price. There's no negotiating before the work is started and the time invested is after the fact and not estimated. Skulls and scrolls is the theme which is always in demand. Very important is to make sure there is nothing left to be desired in the amount of engraving. I would extend the coverage over the top toward the front of the primary and on the visible portion of the top rocker covers. Leaving little to be desired will help guarantee you get your asking price.

Donny's number is pretty much spot on. I would say around $2,500 to $3,000 on top of the price of the parts after the amount of coverage has been extended on the primary and rockers. This is taking into account the quality of work and extent of coverage. The quality is very good and far above what one would expect from a beginner where the relief provides very desirable contrast indicative of higher priced work. The only thing I see holding you back is composing and drawing complex scroll pattens.

I wouldn't take less than $2,500 and this amount of work should require between 2-3 weeks. This is pretty much a complete engine and it is cash and carry which, in itself, is also worth a few bucks. There are a lot of people out there who want custom stuff ... they believe all of the plated tin hanging on the Harley dealer wall is "custom" and will drop $5K in a heart beat on chrome packages. These folks have also never seen engraving .... keep that in mind and don't sell yourself short.

btw ... this is a very gutsy project and that's exactly what it takes. You will do well.

Thank you for sharing this valuable advice Chris! Greatly appreciate it.

[SEngraver]

Originally Posted by Yovko

"POW MIA" primary cover finally has been completed!!!

Hi Yovko,

The cover has come out nice.
SE

[paulsph]

Originally Posted by Chris Malouf

Checking in here ... pricing is one of those tricky things where, on a forum, you're kinda laughed at for being too high or too low (it's never in between it seems). This is a specific area that people need help most. Learning to value your work early on is, in the long run, good for engravers, craftspeople and artisans everywhere.

Motorcycle engraving is particularly tough. There are a lot of people who are, in my opinion, underselling their work simply because they are doing it on the side, are not hungry or sometimes in fear of not having work. Basically what that means is the work you are doing has to be clearly above the work that's dominating the lower price marks.

Speculation work is good because it satisfies the impulse buyer and as a result gives you some control over the price. There's no negotiating before the work is started and the time invested is after the fact and not estimated. Skulls and scrolls is the theme which is always in demand. Very important is to make sure there is nothing left to be desired in the amount of engraving. I would extend the coverage over the top toward the front of the primary and on the visible portion of the top rocker covers. Leaving little to be desired will help guarantee you get your asking price.

Donny's number is pretty much spot on. I would say around $2,500 to $3,000 on top of the price of the parts after the amount of coverage has been extended on the primary and rockers. This is taking into account the quality of work and extent of coverage. The quality is very good and far above what one would expect from a beginner where the relief provides very desirable contrast indicative of higher priced work. The only thing I see holding you back is composing and drawing complex scroll pattens.

I wouldn't take less than $2,500 and this amount of work should require between 2-3 weeks. This is pretty much a complete engine and it is cash and carry which, in itself, is also worth a few bucks. There are a lot of people out there who want custom stuff ... they believe all of the plated tin hanging on the Harley dealer wall is "custom" and will drop $5K in a heart beat on chrome packages. These folks have also never seen engraving .... keep that in mind and don't sell yourself short.

btw ... this is a very gutsy project and that's exactly what it takes. You will do well.

Thanks a lot for all your good advice, Chris! I'll keep all that in mind tooIt's always a pleasure to read your clear explanations on how to handle different beginner's problems! Paulsph