#49 How to price your Freehand Carved wood signs

[@scatoutdebutter]

Great info! Thanks! ... saw a question below from a year ago that asked/answered exactly what I was wondering about current prices.

[@oldave100]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oldave100]

Hi Richard, On my small signs I use the cedar pickets I pay about $2.10 for a 6 foot board. On my 6 x 24 signs I get an average of $35.00 and the cost of the wood is approximately .70. I have other expenses ink, hooks, ect. However to pay .70 for something that your return is $35 I think is a pretty good profit. On my bigger signs I'm making the same kind of mark ups. Hope this explains my pricing. However if you want to charge more, it's your business. Thank you & I wish you well, Eric

[@Nertz1000]

Great Video! Thanks. Again, answered a lot of questions. You all are awesome!

[@oldave100]

Thank you Nathan, Merry Christmas!!!

[@GaryLMontier]

Awesome! I have always felt 'informed', after watching your videos, even just 'coffee and questions'-(like those too, BTW. You and your dad talked like me and my grandfather sometimes did.) But a lot-recently I’m finding; thanks that you shared how to use the ({Search Icon} here at the top of your page. Some of us, aren't as computer friendly as others...LOL Anyways... always felt 'informed'... But finding videos now-that I had watch in the past, but couldn’t remember the details, and what had become essential knowledge… After searching for-PRICING, re-watching the first video that popped up… I was able to text answer-the price of $120.00…[11.25X33 Inch sign], For a recent requested business sign. Gave me reason to use the new 2 inch, and 1.5 inch Western fonts I bought from you also. I will send a picture when I’m finished-taking my time, not near as fast and accurate as you, lol. Told him ‘a week, maybe less’, he says ‘Fine’. Thanks Again, Eric ~Gary

[@oldave100]

Thanks so much Gary, happy you found the videos you were looking for. I really appreciate the kind words and of course the business. I'm excited to see this business sign when you get it done. Just email it to me [e-mail]. Thank you again for all the support and Merry Christmas!!!

[@2clones]

Got me to thinking about using a board foot formula for signs carved from thick slabs...

[@kennethmcneil202]

Dad does a great job with the camera

[@oldave100]

Thank you!!!

[@Iseeuandwatch79]

Very informative and now I am one more step closer!

[@oldave100]

+Iseeuandwatch79 Glad to help

[@phillipaitchison1538]

Hi Dave. Great video. I have been playing around with making signs for myself and all are live edge pine or larch(50mm thick)Would the pricing be the same or more? Thanks

[@oldave100]

Live edge usually brings more because of the rareness of the wood. Being close to 2" thick I would charge a little more for that as well.

[@phillipaitchison1538]

Dave Rhoten thanks. I can get my hands on all Different size of logs, it’s just the milling that takes the time as the mill up the road has closed so it’s done with a chainsaw now. Thanks. (We we’re friends with the mill) !

[@oldave100]

Yea that can certainly be time consuming, that's for sure.

[@randyb399]

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to make a typical 6x24 sign?

[@oldave100]

Hi Randy, on average around 20-30 min start to finish. Thank you for the question, Eric

[@johncoonradtjr.5141]

Talent

[@modifierle]

30,000th viewer here. Thanks for the tips!

[@oldave100]

WOW, Thank you so much for watching and for commenting.

[@davidsandoval2846]

Hi Eric are you still using this formula today. Or has it changed thanks

[@oldave100]

We still use this basic formula, although the prices have changed.

[@scottbaldwin5890]

Hey Dave! Thanks for the info. Are these the prices you still go by today, or have things changed since then?

[@oldave100]

The formula is still the same but now I suggest to start around $50 per square foot. Me personally I'm up closer to $100 because I don't have that much time for custom sign commission jobs any more.

[@pauljr1965]

I live in Tennessee, Iuse your method PLUS, but I am having trouble finding a market. Is advertising a plus and if so what kind.

[@jillianharte5178]

Thanks for the dealer tip!

[@oldave100]

You're very welcome, Thank you for watching...

[@mantonio121773]

you will be much happier if you just do this. Multiply the two dimensions, take the total and multiply that by ".30: in your case. . 9.5x15.5=147.25 x .30 = $44.25

[@karvtek]

What about sales tax? Do you have to show a sales tax on your receipts? I'm just starting my own business is why I'm asking. Thanks for the tips.

[@oldave100]

John Bara Hi John, sorry I can't give you tax advise. Might want to check with a an accountant. For me I don't charge sales tax. Thank you for watching.

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

Would you use this same method only for painted signs as well, or only if it’s routed, carved, etc. ?

[@oldave100]

You certainly could, however my signs are just carved.

[@donnyhernandez635]

thanx guys 4 the formula

[@oldave100]

You're welcome Donny. If you have any other questions please email me [e-mail]

[@RubberSmuggins]

I do not understand. If I put a small logo in one corner or I do a landscape on the whole board I still charge the same?

[@oldave100]

Sorry for the confusion. If you have more work in it but still small square footage wise then you are justified to charge more if you want. Check out my video #115. I go into that subject. If you have more questions feel free to email me directly, [e-mail]

[@peterkatt]

How about a sign or a clock thats mostly entirely hand carved?

[@its_mizla]

THANK U GUYS

[@oldave100]

+ricardo delgado You're very Welcome.....

[@mantonio121773]

So you would be charging .30 by the square inch.

[@martelnews]

YOU GUYS ARE GREAT

[@realsharpknives7988]

How has your current pricing changed.

[@oldave100]

I'm so busy these days that I'm now around the $70 - $80 a square foot plus I add on if there special artwork.

[@richardreynolds6402]

How do you account for your over head when pricing signs? It apears to me you are only covering the cost of the wood.

[@oldave100]

That's $43.20 a square foot. If that's what you want to charge on all your signs, that will work.

[@oldave100]

I would just figure out the square footage & then price it acordingly. The more the work & material cost involved the more per suare foot I would charge.

[@judydowney9434]

You gotta be kidding me? I dont know anyone that would pay that much

[@oldave100]

I've been doing this for nearly 50 years....I've been using the same calculation since I started...but I NEVER quote a sq. ft. price...I just do the math and quote a price for the sign...and if you know of anyone who has ever bought a routed wood sign...they have paid "that much" ...or more....sometimes a LOT more.

[@judydowney9434]

After watching some of your router signs their beautiful n worth that. I reacted too soon on your price quotes. Nice work

[@oldave100]

Thank you!!!

[@jasonlow7010]

Why do you remind me of a UFC fighter.. lol.

[@oldave100]

LOL, I'm a lover not a fighter.... Thank you!!!