This story is too good not to share! A customer asked me how much it cost to make a custom wallet.... I answered him: $ 350 He said: Why so expensive for this job? I asked: How much do you think it would cost you? He answers me: $70-$80maximum... That's a pretty simple job right? !" - For $80 I invite you to do it yourself. - But.... I don't know how to. - For $70 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you $270, you'll get the knowledge for the next time you want to make one. - It seemed right to him and he agreed. - But to get started: you need tools and supplies: stamps, swivel knife, a piece of granite for your work station, dyes, finishes, etc... - But I don't have all these items and I can't buy all of these for one job. - Well then for another $100 more I'll rent my stuff to you so you can do it. - Okay, he says. - Okay! Tuesday I'll be waiting for you to start doing this work - But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today. - I'm sorry, but I'm only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my stuff. Other days are busy with other customers. - Okay! That means I'm going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday and give up my tasks. - I forgot. To do your job yourself, you also have to pay for the nonproductive factors. - That is? What is that?" - Supplies, tax, shipping costs, creating the art, bureaucratics, insurance, fuel to get to me, etc. - Oh no!... But to accomplish these tasks, I'm going to spend more money and waste a lot of time! - I'll get you all the material you need. Just be here around 6 am so you can avoid any traffic jams. - At 6??? AM?? Nope! Too early for me! I'm used to getting up later. ... - You know, I've been thinking. Y 'all better get just do the job. I'd rather pay you the $350. If I had to, it wouldn't be perfect and it would cost me a lot more. When you pay for a job, especially handcrafted, you pay not only for the material used, but also: - Knowledge - Experience - Study - Tools - Services - Time to go - punctuality - Accountability - Professionalism - Accuracy - Guaranteed - Patents - Sacrifices - Safety and security - Payment of tax obligations No one can disparage another person's work by judging prices. Only by knowing all the elements necessary for the production of a certain work can you estimate the actual cost. I am sharing this story to support my fellow craftsmen and entrepreneurs. ...and for all my customers that help keep this small business alive, thank you! ~Eric