Poll: What's a fair price for cabinet plans?

[Turnarcades]

I've recently started compiling full start-to-finish plans for all of the Turnarcades range, and was thinking of offering the plans for sale to customers. Many people have e-mailed me saying they are decent at DIY and have requested plans which up until now, weren't available as my plans were a random collection of dimensions and hand sketches.

As there are many new and experienced builders with a modicum of skill on here and elsewhere, I'd like to offer these as a budget buy for those willing to do the backwork but would rather work from tested plans.

I've seen plans as low as $5 and as high as $30, so in your opinion;

 What do you think is a fair price to pay for cabinet plans? ($ or £, whichever you prefer)

[leapinlew]

$19.99

BUT WAIT! Order now and receive a free membership to BYOAC.

[Avrus]

$19.99

BUT WAIT! Order now and receive a free membership to BYOAC.

and thaaaaaaaat's not all!! Get FULL access to the project database including photo-graphs!

[Daniel B.]

$20.

[Fozzy The Bear]

I've seen plans as low as $5 and as high as $30, so in your opinion....

It's really entirely up to you Craig, but to be honest there are a lot of free plans out on the web. So unless you're offering something in addition to plans, some added value item, like a full photographic build manual and detailed instructions, then there really isn't a lot of a market for them. There is at least one guy who already does that and his build manual is pretty damned good at $2.99 USD. Not to mention Saint's book that also includes plans and software tools and design ideas.

Anything I've ever built, I've either designed myself of adapted from other peoples plans. I cant say that I'd personally buy a set of plans unless they were something particularly special.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[spacies]

I wouldn't sell them at all.
Just wouldn't be worth it.

[Singapura]

I would pay for full size prints. Not more then $10 though.

[protokatie]

I would pay for full size prints. Not more then $10 though.

10 bucks is small change for such a thing, 20 for fullsize paper prints would be very good. Problem is: I dont like Mr. American/Rugby/football player's designs to begin with... Not bad designs, just not my design...

[Turnarcades]

Lotta haters out there......just cos it doesn't suit one, doesn't mean it won't appeal to another. Obviously these will not suit prolific builders of home cabs, but designs based on European machines are harder to come by.

I understand there are free plans out there but if someone likes my designs then why not? My designs cater more for the European market of course and I understand they will have to be high quality.

That said, I will be accompanying the sketches with photos to make it easier to visualise each step. I've viewed several sets of plans and think it is the way to go. If that means also throwing in an arcade PC guide and the Turnarcades/Mamewah custom set-up then so be it.

I've even toyed with the idea of compiling a 'home cab builder's kit', with all the accessories, finishing parts, tools and tool bits included for those harder-to-source parts. UK DIY stores suck, and quite often people have to go to about ten different sources to get all the bits they need. Things like T-moulding, router bits, specialist paints and certain fixings are not as common in the UK as the US, as is evident from these forums.

Why oh why can't we have a Home Depot? Seems like our brothers across the pond get everything from there! We have to deal with whatever Homebase, B&Q or Focus have in store, which isn't a lot. Even the mighty Screw-Fix don't always have what is needed.

[surface tension]

Paying for plans gives someone peace of mind that it will all work out... plus they can see what's going to be like before purchasing. I don't see £20-30 for a well laid out and documented set being out of order as you will be there to answer any after-sales questions.

You have to weigh time vs money when designing your own. How many hours to do your design.. and is it going to be right first time?

It's all about peace-of-mind.

[ratzz]

http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade_cabinet_plans.shtml 

[Turnarcades]

Options options options.....

[zaphod]

I've even toyed with the idea of compiling a 'home cab builder's kit', with all the accessories, finishing parts, tools and tool bits included for those harder-to-source parts. UK DIY stores suck, and quite often people have to go to about ten different sources to get all the bits they need. Things like T-moulding, router bits, specialist paints and certain fixings are not as common in the UK as the US, as is evident from these forums.

I think this idea has a lot of merit.  As far as plans pricing, just put whatever you think they are worth on them.  I've always given my various plans away free to benefit more people but feel free to do whatever you think is best for your situation.
 

[shardian]

You'll find opposition here because the way most of us feel about arcades is that parts cost, but info is free. Thats the way of a community such as this.
However; if your plans are top notch, come with detailed build pics and instructions, scaled drawings, cut layouts, etc, etc then I wouldn't see a problem selling them. As others have said, Saints book is only like $20 and it is about as detailed as build instructions can get.

$10 is about as much as you get I think.

[Turnarcades]

I know the appeal is limited here as most of us have the experience to carry forward our own ideas or borrow from others. I'm not looking to make a killing on them, just a fair amount for the time put into the designs. I'm starting to think that on the basis of Saint's bible, I will do them for £5 a pop, including the Turnarcades setup.

[shardian]

That sounds fine, but noone other than yourself can really give you an idea without seeing what it is you are selling, you know?

[Turnarcades]

Good point, it's a catch 22 on that front!

Should really have asked "What would you like to see in pre-written plans?"

[leapinlew]

I was serious about the $20. When I first started - I would've paid that much for plans.

plans that are life size would be the best. Even if I had to tape together sheets of 8 1/2"x11" paper, plans that would allow me to trace and cut. I was scared of drawing plans as well as measuring.

[somunny]

... $20. When I first started - I would've paid that much for plans.

I was scared of drawing plans as well as measuring.

Same here.  This hobby can be very intimidating for someone who doesn't have a lot of woodworking experience.  I'm now starting on my fourth project (third cabinet) and while it would be easy to just say "dive in and build it yourself", I remember looking for anything that would make me feel a little more confident in the beginning.  A set of tried and true plans were what I needed - so that's what I bought.

[kegger]

Selling plans in my opinion is fine as long as they are professional.
And they have been tested several times so you are confident when you follow them you project will come out correct. The author of the plans should also offer support when you have a question. They also should have the angle degrees for special cuts too. Now full size templates are another ball park because if you ever priced them to have them printed at let's say Kinko's the cost is considerable. Those printers and paper cost big bucks because you need a printer in most cases to print over 36"wide by 6' tall and they charge big bucks for that. I know because I went that route. In the end I ended up just measuring the boards anyway I didn't really find it easy with templates.

[Turnarcades]

Templates are great as long as you secure them in place properly, though like you say the cost of printing one seems excessive when it's likely to be ruined and thrown away after one use.

I'm always available for advice so that wouldn't be a problem. At least if I do this I can say hand on heart that they were put together by me. I spent a couple of years testing plans, dimensions and models I developed from scratch. I've seen a-holes on ebay selling reprints of Saint's book, Lusid's plans and all sorts.

[Daniel B.]

I was serious about the $20. When I first started - I would've paid that much for plans.

plans that are life size would be the best. Even if I had to tape together sheets of 8 1/2"x11" paper, plans that would allow me to trace and cut. I was scared of drawing plans as well as measuring.

I agree completely. The ability to have a full size plan is of the utmost importance. I can look at plans all day long but when it comes down to taking the design and measurements on paper, onto the wood. I'm liable to choke!  Not everyone is blessed with a terrific mechanical ability to do these sorts of things. IOW, I wouldn't even offer the plans if there wasn't a way to print them off to have full size. Taping together the sheets would not be a problem for me.

If you could do this for $20, You've got one future customer right here!

[Minwah]

$10 is about as much as you get I think.

I disagree actually...that is about 5 quid which won't even get you 2 beers (in a pub) over here. I am sure there are people who would believe good cabinet plans are worth more than that...the kind of people looking for plans anyway.

I hear what many of you are saying, and agree most people here wouldn't neccessarily buy them, and they would have to be nicely put together.  I think you could probably get £20 if there are accompanying photos etc...of course if you can sell them for less and still make a profit then you would probably sell more.

[Green Giant]

All depends on the format of the plans.

$20 - should include printed plans sent in the mail in full color with everthing from A to Z on building a cab.  Recommendations on software might be a bonus.

$10 - Everything above but in digital format.

$5 - Just the dimensions and some semblance of order without a very detailed writeup - digital copy.

Just remember, Saint's book can be found for $20 on amazon, so use that as a basis.

[BORIStheBLADE]

I think for someone that wants a basic plan with stuff already figured out wouldn't mind spending $20.00.

[ChadTower]

Charge what you think is fair based on what it cost you to make the package.  People will either buy or not buy - but you obviously can't take less than it cost you to put together.

[protokatie]

How much does it cost to do a limited printing for a full sized cab? (In general that is). This has got me thinking that I should (if it isnt too costly) make a printing of my basic plan, since I am a bit fearful of measuring as I am new to woodworking... Also, what kind of companies out there will do a printing that is like 7 feet by 3 feet or so. Im sure Kinkos doesnt go that large....

[IA1NY]

Check several of the online Woodworking sites.  www.u-bild.com  has woodworking plans ranging from $6-$21 US depending on complexity.  Keeping the cabinet plans around $10US seems to be about the going price for plans of a cabinet of this complexity.  If you are including wiring schematics and parts lists, you might want to bump it up some.  Full scale layouts are typically worth more than $20 to print except in small parts, so that probably won't make sense to market.  A well dimensioned scaled drawing will give anyone the ability to replicate fairly complex shapes easily.  Remember that this is a small niche market and that high prices won't get many sales.

A more easily marketable plan would be to offer kits of parts that are not easily found (ie not at Home Depot) such as buttons, encoders and the like along with your plans.  The price on that would vary widely and you would have to find your costs before you dove into that.

[Fozzy The Bear]

Why oh why can't we have a Home Depot? Seems like our brothers across the pond get everything from there! We have to deal with whatever Homebase, B&Q or Focus

B&Q is Home Depot....... It's the same company.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[ratzz]

How much does it cost to do a limited printing for a full sized cab? (In general that is). This has got me thinking that I should (if it isnt too costly) make a printing of my basic plan, since I am a bit fearful of measuring as I am new to woodworking... Also, what kind of companies out there will do a printing that is like 7 feet by 3 feet or so. Im sure Kinkos doesnt go that large....

Look for companies that print architectural plans. Staples here in the UK have plotter printers which is the kind of thing you need. They are about three feet wide, but length doesn't matter as the paper is rolled through.

They're pretty cheap to print, and I'm pretty sure that if you have a smaller scale image of a cab they would re-produce it at full size. So, ruining them for a project wouldn't be too big a deal.

 

[Turnarcades]

B&Q is Home Depot....... It's the same company.

Didn't know that, but B&Q is still lame. True, for general items they save you loads, but all 3 in my area don't stock certain things I need, that people on here from the US say "they just nipped to a Home Depot for".

Come to think of it, for two developed countries in a similar economic state, we always seemed to get short-changed here in England for things that are much cheaper in the US.

Take arcade parts for a start....

[Turnarcades]

I will look into full-size prints and see if it's viable for my plans. Elsewhile, I will stick with scaled plans and leave the price to reflect as much. As is always the case, and mentioned by ratzz, Regardless of what extra is in a £20 plan, £5 plans will appeal to more cos it's more like spare change. In terms of the UK, £20 is a night in the pub, or a new console game, whereas a fiver doesn't really get much.

That said, I could also do various grade kits, with budget plans, plans with full-size templates, and complete plans with rare parts etc.

[TPB]

Lotta haters out there ...

Craig,

I'm glad to see you've now edited this post, to expand upon that comment.

I don't think anyone has expressed any hatred.  You've asked for people's honest opinions, and they've given them ... would you rather flowery but insincere responses ?

Some people will be prepared to pay a modest sum for professionally designed plans that are meticulously documented.  Others aren't prepared to pay for plans, given that alternatives can be downloaded for free.  You'll have a market, but it will be a finite group of people.

I guess the only way to know whether the price is right, is to put them on sale, and see how many orders start rolling in.

You could always start off by "testing the waters" with an "introductory price" which is on the low side ... if you're swamped with orders (let's hope so), then you can raise your price at the conclusion of the introductory period ... conversely, if the level of interest is OK without being spectacular, then this can remain your permanent price.

[IA1NY]

I guess the only way to know whether the price is right, is to put them on sale, and see how many orders start rolling in.

You could always start off by "testing the waters" with an "introductory price" which is on the low side ... if you're swamped with orders (let's hope so), then you can raise your price at the conclusion of the introductory period ... conversely, if the level of interest is OK without being spectacular, then this can remain your permanent price.

I have to agree with txtworld.  There's also no reason to do away with the "introductory" price if plans aren't selling like hotcakes.  That'll allow you to mark up if/when they do.  Remember too that sales don't have to be a lower price either.  A "sale" price only means that the price is intended to be temporary.

[Lilwolf]

Like others here, depends on the quality and depth. 

If you have step by step with very very clear instructions and pictures.  Exact sizes, materials ect then it should be fine (even digital) for 20 bucks.  But really, you need way MORE then sizes.  you need examples, things to watch out for.  Examples, ect.  part numbers for large chains ect.  screw sizes needed.  Side of the line you should cut on... that kind of detail.

Basically something that if you have never read the forum, you would have one place to read to get a full cab running without having to search or ask instructions.

If you will send templates... I would say 50 - 100 depending on the sizes of the printouts.  But you will have to spend that much on the oversize printouts.  And I don't think they give you that much anyway.

Anything less, and I would say 5 bucks or so.   Mainly because there are so many others out there, why spend the money.

BTW, you might want to find someone here that is about to build a new cabinet.  And give them a copy, and take comments / review.  IE, a beta test.  This will probably make it really worth the money.   

Good luck.