What to charge for custom paint jobs?

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Hey, guys. So I have some people at my track that are interested in having me paint some bodies but I really have no idea what to charge. I'm not a pro.. but I guess I'm not that bad... Of course you charge them for all materials.. but what do you charge for labor? Obviously you can charge whatever you want.. but what's a good starting point? Thanks, guys.

-Jeff

[hijacker]

Good question, and you will get many different responses.

For me, I just enjoy painting the bodies, and like to get a little cash for the time it takes me to complete them. There are some bodies I do that I put 10-20 hours into and may only get a couple bucks per hour after all is said and done.

I usually determine a price based on what the customer wants done. Base price of about $30, if they want many colors I add to the cost. If they want detailed graphics or lettering, I add more to the cost.

I think the most I've ever charged was around $65 for a single job.

Some guys charge a lot more, and I might too when my skills have risen to the level of the real pros. But for now, I'm happy with work I do and what I get paid for it.

Chad

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Cool, cool. I assume those prices don't actually include the price of the body? Meaning either they provide the body or you can order it for them.. and they'll pay you on top of the $30ish? That sounds fair to me. Thanks :)

-J

[suckfish]

Yeah I would agree always make them provide or pay the cost for the body.. it's almost crazy what some of the custom bodies sell for on Ebay.. Not that their not worth it but 130.00 or higher for some..

[hijacker]

Cool, cool. I assume those prices don't actually include the price of the body? Meaning either they provide the body or you can order it for them.. and they'll pay you on top of the $30ish? That sounds fair to me. Thanks :)

-J

The customer always pays for the body, whether they hand the body to me or I purchase it from the LHS. I also charge $5 to send it to them.

[CarbonMadness]

I would charge $5 per color + $20 for masking and cutting.

[JeffEmbracedDC]

awesome.. sounds about right. Thanks, Guys! That's about all I need. Thanks, again.

-J

[davec-nitro-rs4]

I use $10/color for an average scheme.

If the graphics get complex, add for that.

Most jobs go $40-60 for the paint. Add for the body and freight.