Pricing

[4x4American]

Howdy,

I gotta figure out how to price things out. I have a bandmill, and am using it for portable jobs plus doing orders, plus just having wood kicking around to sell. Around here, "Adirondack Siding" (live edge boards) are popular. I gotta guy coming this weekend to buy some. I'm new at this and I just want to figure a fair price. EWP is plentiful around here, that's what alot of my sawing has been so far, and that's what seems like alot is going to be. Anyways. it's green lumber too, not dripping wet, but not dry. Needa get a moisture meter. Any suggestions on a good moisture meter that won't break the bank?

 

[IanB22]

live edge eastern white pine, runs from 50 cents a bd ft, up to $2 bd a ft for the really wide stuff. Wet, you should consider something in the lower range.

Also, make sure the buyer knows what he is buying, not everyone understands wet and dry wood, and the purpose.
If he is trying to get some cheap flooring for instance, he should know that wet wood may not be suitable for his application. It will save you a big headache if he comes back asking why the boards are all warped/cupped after installing them.

 

[4x4American]

Thanks. He wants them for siding for a shed. How can I stay up on prices?

 

[IanB22]

Build happy customers, not prices.
Good happy customers = fun.

In my opinion, I like having fun more than 'making money' and trying to make a living with a sawmill.
Once you make your hobby/fun your job/life, it is no longer your hobby.
Your results MAY BE ABSOLUTELY differant, but this has been my hard-learned experience.

 

[4x4American]

I don't mean up as in have high prices, I mean up to date. Anyways, yea, I like it alot, but I also need to stay afloat with it.

 

[STLfirewood]

Time will help you set prices. First you need to figure what you have to make to cover expenses Then make sure your making more then that to cover repairs and new equipment. Then figure what you have to make to pay yourself. Then set your price. You can sit on the couch and go broke you don't have to work hard to do it. Service and quality are a big deal and carry a value.

How do you like the TK2000 Is it everything you thought it would be?

Scott