I Stopped Doing Bids For Free and Started Charging For Them

I'm starting a new commission, building a sideboard for a client's Tudor-style house. While A created the samples for the client, I talk about how I stopped doing bids for free in my woodworking business and started charging for them instead. This has positively impacted my time and the quality of projects I can deliver to my clients.
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[@jackolo53]

I actually learned a crap ton from this, thanks!

[@MrSlyQue]

That insight of your bid and sample process is exceptionally explained. Many thanks!

[@GregsGarage]

Smart way to do it.

[@pedalman4595]

Thank You for some really helpful and powerful information!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@realpdm]

Thanks for giving insight into your process. I really appreciate it when people charge for their actual time even in the early stages. I had an electrician come out and give me a bid for a new building, and he charged me for his time. I appreciated him knowing he was being paid for his time to work with me on the proposal and method of the work regardless if I hired him for the work or not. We both left the process satisfied.

[@gregmize01]

Love your content Brian! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@keving8682]

I agree 100% with your approach and think it is fair. I am in a different line of business but started charging for prototyping / proof of concepts several years ago and it helps both parties not to waste each other's time. Often what is for free or no charge is perceived and treated like it has no value, and a proper design and scope of work is often the most valuable part of a successful project.

[@bigdogmn73]

Thanks for sharing..good info!

[@paulfowler3416]

Interesting advice.

[@hakmahmed4462]

Very nice

[@cobberpete1]

I'm a part time player. It is not my main income. People will ask me to build small projects.. I want a side table.... Ok what size etc. after some fairly basic stuff they will say. OK just do what you think is good. So. I do the job. deliver the job. and lo and behold. Oh That's not what I expected, but they were happy for you to have 'License' in the first place. It gets very frustrating sometimes.

[@Benham_Design]

I feel your pain. Making samples has really helped stream line the process.

[@johnkirwan762]

So do you then charge the remaining 9k on delivery? Or is another deposit needed to cover materials etc? Great advice for anyone thinking about a business one day thanks

[@Benham_Design]

Thanks for asking, I should have talked about the next steps. Once the client approves the design, I ask for a 50% deposit to start the project with the balance due on completion.

[@johnkirwan762]

@@Benham_Design spot on cheers

[@MrHhhscott]

So what do you tell them if the number you suggest is too high for them?

[@Benham_Design]

It depends on how far apart we are. If it's a small amount, I may suggest cheaper materials, less design materials, and a smaller scope of work. If we are way off, I don't have to say much, most people will understand that custom work costs a lot, and they will often say they can't afford it and move on. If they push the issue I politely tell them, sorry it looks like I'm not the right craftsman for your job.
It's okay not to close every deal, I never lower my price just to get a job. Otherwise I'm working for less than what I'm worth. Their a millions of people on this planet. Another client that is right for me will come along

[@garyzimmerman5481]

Wanted to charge for estimates all my working career. !

[@Benham_Design]

It's a lot less work, than running around doing bids for nothing.