I recently had a friend ask me to build a couple of rods for him. Normally I build for myself and usually have a few blanks sitting around. I have not built in a while and did not have the blanks he wanted. So I had to order a couple of blanks from one of the sponsors here. So my question is as I had informed him up front that I did not have blanks, do I charge him for the blanks being shipped to me and then also charge him shipping as well when I send him the finished blanks ?



Thanks
Fernando

Yes, it's part of the total cost of the rod over and above component and labor charges.

I don't think you have to break your charges down for the customer, if that's what you mean. There's no need to itemize anything. When you buy a toaster, or a commercially built rod, there is no itemized list of the cost of components, shipping charges, duty, etc., all you see is a price.

Each builder has to decide how to proceed in this area and you should certainly figure the shipping charge into your cost, but in my opinion, the consumer needn't be given anything but a single, all inclusive price.

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Thanks Ray and Tom:

Basically my question was whether or not to also include the cost of the blanks being ordered and shipped to me in the total cost back to the customer.
Which Ray indicated that it should be part of the total cost, not an itemized bill.


Thanks for the replies

Fernando Torres

Okay, I understand and completely agree. In fact, I think too many rod builders don't make enough money to cover these seemingly hidden costs. You have to factor in everything.

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Fernando,
If you have to take money from your pocket to cover an expense incurred during the construction of a rod, it should be billed to the customer as part of the final cost.

If you don't, you end up paying for the privilidge of building rods and you end up with no money in your own bank account.

Roger

Fernando you were hired to build a rod, Any expense derived in building this rod should be charged to the customer. He may be a friend but he/she should pay for all costs. On the other hand you two should have agreed to the cost of the rod before you started.

Good Wraps Bob