File puptcrit/puptcrit.0802, message 639


Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:03:13 -0800
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] pricing custom built puppets


Here is what I've learned to do over the years....I hope it helps some.....

$ Value of est. hours it will require to 
build   _____  (including design time, patterns, sketching, changes)
(double your estimation, or at least half more, for modifications required)
$ Value of actual hours communicating & managing 
____  (including changes, clerical, etc).
$ Actual Materials & Supplies it will cost 
you______ (including shopping time, in bound freight, etc)
$ Profit you want to motivate you to take the job   ______  (above labor costs)
$ Value of exclusive rights, media rights, 
etc.  ________   (you can never make this design again)
$ Shipping costs, insurance, etc.
TOTAL $_________________

TERMS - non-refundable advance.   50% prior to work beginning.
Approvals by email photo updates.  Custom work is non-refundable.
50% balance plus shipping paid prior to shipment upon written approval.
warranty ____  days.  After warranty period 
repairs will be charged at $_____ / hr.
New changes and additions will raise the cost of 
the puppet, adjustments will be made to the balance.

Keep every step and detail in writing.   Minimize 
the phone and if decisions were made on the 
phone, immediately send a confirmation email or 
fax in writing for your paper trail.

Most of the time we avoid any potential % share, 
and craft a buy-out instead.    It depends on the 
client and their track record.

Blessings....Ax
______________________________________________________________





At 07:42 AM 2/19/2008, you wrote:
>We are currently in negotiations to build some puppets for a national tour.
>We always seem to have problems with pricing, as this is not our primary
>business (building and touring for ourselves mostly with a few custom built
>a year). If we charge what it really costs us in labor, we tend to lose the
>commission.  If we undercharge just to get the commission for a challenge or
>to build a good relationship with a local organization we immediately regret
>it as we are not being paid for our work. Anyone have any guidelines they
>like to share?
>
>Thanks
>Michelle Carrigan
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Mathieu René" <creaturiste-AT-primus.ca>
>To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
>Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:13 AM
>Subject: [Puptcrit] Puppet doubters
>
>
> >I met someone today who had big doubts about the usability of puppets in
> >today's media.
> >
> > We showed him a few videos of various good puppets, but as soon as he saw
> > a single skit from Puppet-Up (Jim Henson's puppet improv, uncensored), he
> > was convinced, even enthused about it all, even telling us that THAT was
> > what would work.
> > He was right of course, he got all the good points spot on (dramatic
> > effect, instant reaction, full motion, focus), he has a good eye.
> > But preaching to the choir.
> >
> > The skit was the one with the french movie Director "blaba".
> > Oh, the power of the internet! Fully Visual and Auditive point makers.
> >
> >
> > Lesson of the story: if your customer is in doubt about anything, show him
> > something with a loud French Director who looks like DeNiro.
> > Or am I missing something?
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> > Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
> > Archives: http://www.driftline.org
>
>_______________________________________________
>List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
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>
>
>
>--
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>- Release Date: 2/18/2008 6:49 PM


Steve Axtell
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
****************************************
  http://www.axtell.com


The original content of this email or attachments is =A9 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
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