Unexpected customer

Started by jow, February 16, 2011, 09:58:03 PM

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jow

Well, I haven't been able to do balloons in a very long time as this year is my exam year and I've not had time due to studying. However I was just checking my e-mail and found an e-mail asking me for a quote for 50 basic giraffes and 50 flowers just to be dropped off. I can still remember how to twist so I think I'll do it as I could do with the extra money. However, I'm terrible at pricing and so I need a bit of help with what to quote her. I think that due to the amount of balloons she wants I'll have to make the at her house/venue. So I was thinking of charging £110, is this way too cheap or expensive.

Thank you very much.

Signeddiamond

#1
Can i ask how good your sculptures are? The more involved they are, the more you should get paid.


As always,
Dylan

phoenix

#2
Hi Jow,

Good to hear from you again. Glad you're still keeping in touch, even though its a tough year with exams. All the best with them by the way.

Always nice to find an unexpected job coming in  :D

I had a quick look at your web site, and I can't really give you a price guide, as prices vary so much area to area. Neil may be able to help you better, at least he is in the same country as you !!!!!

I would however suggest this ......

Do what it says on your site, and quote a price for her to collect then from you, and then give a price for delivery if she wants that.

I made up the one balloon giraffe, and the 3 balloon flower you have pictures of, and it took me just under 2 mins to make them both. For 50 of each, assuming you have no pops, keep up speed, don't take breaks, and your wrists don't give up on you, that is a MINIMUM of 1hr 40 mins.

If she is busy organising a party for 100 kids, she is not going to want a stranger in her house cluttering up the place for that time, and she may not have access to the venue that early. Besides, it dosn't look that good :(

If I were you I would sweet talk Mum or Dad, or your mates Mum or Dad to give you a lift over, with the balloons in clear bags, and with the delivery charge get Mum a bunch of flowers :D

Alternitively check out a few local Taxis, and jiggle you charge round so you are covered. You won't make as big a profit, but hey, you'll still do ok  :D

I know what it's like, as I don't drive either !!!!!!

All the best, and good luck  :D  :D  :D
Kind regards
Kevin

Website  http://www.funtimeballoonsweymouth.co.uk
Gallery   http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 8d15867d9c
 
The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat healthily, and lie about your age.

Signeddiamond

#3
Ah, I now see the issue more clearly. For the models you are offering I think that $110 is pretty fair but there are other factors to consider. Do you have any competition? If the answer is no in your area then you may have to charge on the lesser side. I like to think I do above average work but I tend to charge my clients less then I should just because they don't have anyone to compare value with. If you do have competition and they happen to be better then you, you will also need to price yourself lower.

A good pricing plan takes some serious investigation and research and it can be hard if calls are far between. When I was starting out I would test the boundrys on callers by quoting a little more for each one until I saw people start to shy away (with some quick talking you can get them back on the table but that is a different story).

As for the transportation subject I can relate although I do have my own car it happens to be a 68 Volkswagen Bug which fills up really fast. As Phoenix said, ask a friend or family member to give you a lift. Most will consider it an interesting story for later on.


As always,
Dylan

Neil

#4
Quote from: "phoenix"Neil may be able to help you better, at least he is in the same country as you !!!!!
:)
Hi jow

I'd love to help, but to be honest I've never been asked to do anything like this!

My thoughts are since your website says each model is between £1 and £2.50 and you state these are basic models,  I think you've kind of already told the customer the cost will be around £110 and therefore you don't have much room to move on this, provided that is for the customer to come and collect them.

For delivery, I think you should add a bit more on though as it's not only the material cost to deliver (a van or car, petrol) but also intangible costs (basically your time, as if you are delivering them then you are unable to work on anything else).  I'm only guessing, but I reckon 50 giraffes and 50 flowers would take up a fair bit of room while still being able to be transported safely - I think you might get asked to deliver them you know...

Good luck with it - let us know how it goes.

--Neil
"I don\'t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby

jow

#5
Thank you very much for the help everyone!

I've sent her a reply saying that for just the models to be picked up will be £110 and I'm just waiting for a reply. I'll take on board what you said about delivering them pheonix. I'll definitely be trying to do it at home and deliver. Thanks Neil for your help.