charging for custom work

[Jeannine]

This is more of a "how do you charge" as opposed to a "what do you charge" question. I have someone who's interested in an u/p resin I have for sale but they also want met to paint it for them. I"m going to insist they pay for the u/p resin upfront/in full before I even start to paint it, but am curious of how other folks charge for paintwork. Do you ask for it all upfront, or 1/2 down, 1/2 at completion, or something else??
I've done custom work for others before, but always in trade for unpainted resins so this is new territory for me!

[Karyn]

Half up front before I start working on their model and the rest plus all shipping before I send it to the customer. I usually let this slide with people who I have dealt with in a positive way more than once. I just ask that it be paid for before I send it.

I also have it listed on my website that if the buyer disappers the model becomes mine after a said amount of time. I only had that happen once and I sold it on Ebay. Never did hear from the origonal ower either.

Of course that was after multiple emails and attempts to get ahold of the person.

[whitetailfarms]

you can charge for supplies and time. If someone didn't like my prices I would simply give them a list of supplies needed for that horse and add $$ per hour for the work. It usually cost more than what I charge. My prices though are usually fixed but can change per model. If its a resin or model that needs a ton of prep work I will charge more but usually not. I also do time payments. Right now I'm seriously thinking about asking for the money when the model is complete. Seeing as how most people(not all) are opposed to doing it up front. A percentage up front sounds like an idea too! I'm probably going to have to do a couple of orders for books for college.

Nice thread!

[whitetailfarms]

Oh and if I were you with the way things have been happening between artists and buyers I would do up a contract. Ask them to read your policies. Print it and sign it and send it w/ payment or before work is started.


But doing up a policy is a whole differnt story.............. but remember if someone doesn't agree w/ your policy they don't have to hire you. Artist have to have some protection and wish I had done up a policy a long time ago!

[Appy38]

I ask for half up front too or they can pay in full.
I use to ask for payment in full all the time but I have changed that. Most of the time they pay me in full anyway.
I have some that are so good they pay me before I even have there bodys they are sending.

[allykatd]

I don't take commissions any longer, but when I did it was half up front and the remainder when it was finished.
-Allie