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Experience needed: How much to charge?
Arcadiac:
I ran into a man today at the computer shop who wants a MAME machine for his gameroom. What he wants from me is a refurbed cab, ready to play, less the computer. Since he approached me I believe he is MAME savvy, so I want to strike a balance between making a few bux and getting him a quality machine for his gameroom.
How do those of you who have done this for others give an estimate?
I have most of the new parts needed on hand, got a bit carried away when ordering for my first cab. So my time involved might be the biggest expense, the part he doesn't want to deal with.
I'm not looking to make a fortune on this but I also don't know anyone who works for strangers for free!!
While researching this with you guys I told him to get a wish list together of features that he would like and showed him my project so he would get some ideas. He's in no hurry, the guy he talked to about it before never came thru, so I'm the guy now.
Any tips, experiences on working up an estimate would be helpful and much appreciated. Thanks again! ARCADIAC!
AlanS17:
Does he want this thing decorated, too? Does he have a cab for you to work on or are you supplying that?
I'd say different features are worth different amounts of money. I'd wait for the request list and try to put together a realistic time estimate in man-hours. Then decide how much you want to charge per hour and tack that onto the price of parts.
It's not unfair to make a little (10%-15%) off of mark-up of parts, either. If he's MAME-savvy and wants to save money he could supply you with parts. But as the builder, you're the one making the orders as well as assembling. Also, don't forget to factor in the price of shipping all those parts to you wasn't free. Make you sure you at least mark up that much.
Once you have those numbers you can make an itemized list of costs. With such a broken down list, i think the guy would be less likely to try and work you down on the overall price. You throw one big number at him and he's going to try and work it down, but you give him a list and not only will he see where all the pricing is coming from, it'll be harder for to come down in price for any one thing because then you'll be doing some parts for free. Like you said, nobody works for free!
(Wow, that was a good idea. Maybe I should be in sales...)
AlanS17:
Oh and don't be afraid to tack on a little extra for know-how. People take their car to a mechanic or call a plumber because they don't know how to do it themselves. There's mark-up in that. Do go over board, but you can factor that into your labor estimate.
I'd also get online and look at prices on pre-built cabinets. Some of those things are unreasonably high so don't shoot for the moon, but you could start there. Some of those companies have over 100% mark-up on parts and charge twice as much as they should for labor.
This guy did approach you, though. Don't take advantage of him, but realize he wants this done. If you're reasonable he'll go with it.
AlanS17:
Oh yeah one other thing... don't underestimate your man-hours. That means you'll eventually have to charge him more (which he won't like) or start working for free (which you won't like). Don't promise him a short turn-around time with only a few man-hours to get the bid. It's not like he has other offers. If it's going to take 30 or 40 (or however many) man-hours, tell him that. If you've done a cabinet before then you can get a good idea. Also keep in mind that when people pay for something they want something good. So tack in a few hours for finishing touches. Ok that's really everything this time (I hope).
Arcadiac:
Thanks Alan, we talked about side art etc., and realizing that can drive the price up dramatically he said he could do without it. I have a cab, gutted Space Ace, decent shape cosmetically, I may not even have to paint it or replace the t-molding.
Got $50 in it so there wil have to be a little markup on it.
Cabs are very scarce here in KY, so I grab 'em up whenever I can! Yeah I need the wish list, I got too many questions about type of joysticks, the marquee etc. Him providing the computer himself should take a load off tho'. Assuming he is savvy enough to copy the roms and setup MAME, if not I may have to factor that time in too! Should I charge for roms? I have to find a burner and pay them and then make a copy for him. More research needed definitely. Keep the tips coming all and Thanks! ARCADIAC!
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