How do I charge a shop owner for flipping?

Bert
by Bert

I’d say I’m an intermediate/advanced level painter. A paint shop owner really wants to utilize my design sense and business school (current student) savvy. Along with my husband to increase turnover of furniture in her boutique. We’re doing everything from finding pieces/prep, to staging. She’s providing all the products we could ever want, as well as an air conditioned place to work in Florida (we currently work in our small hot garage)…. It seems like a super beneficial relationship for both of us.

Unfortunately, neither of us has experience pricing in this situation. Any opinions?

Thanks!

-Bert


  10 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 31, 2021

    only you know what your time and labor are worth we can't help with that sorry

    you could call around to see what others charge for these things and go from there


  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Aug 31, 2021

    Hi Bert you could consider calling around to other businesses such as yourselves and get quotes for similar time and labor just to know what you're competing with.

  • Make a contract and have all parties sign. Set up in bullet point or checklist style set up from finding a piece with all the steps in between to place on sales floor with staging. Depending upon your market, the owner should pay you and your husband as employees or independent contractors. Each option has its pros and cons. And agree on an amount per hour. I wouldn't charge less than $20 to $25 per hour. Add in mileage compensation to offset wear and tear on any vehicle you utilize. Each state and / or county have set rates for mileage reimbursement from an employer or independent contractor. This way it solidifies each person's roll in the the agreement and what is expected of each person. I work as an independent contractor (my state has so many rules and regulations, it can make your head spin), but what I make is negligible and just put on my taxes and let my CPA figure it out come tax time each year. Hope this helps.

  • William William on Aug 31, 2021

    This sounds more like a business partnership. There are two separate factors to consider. The space she is providing. There is a tangible cost even if she isn't charging rent. Then there is the finished product that she will sell as a business. Everything should be in writing so to protect both parties. As a business student consult your instructor in what would be the best way to form this relationship. Good luck on your endeavor!

  • Bert Bert on Aug 31, 2021

    Thank you all so much! Your experience is invaluable and I really appreciate your perspectives. I would love to form a partnership, but I’m a military spouse and we’re headed to the next duty station before too long. I asked $18/hour and she initially agreed. I’m hoping she finds that reasonable long-term. Ultimately, I feel that the fringe benefits justify a slightly lower wage. (I also don’t want to drive a newer small business into the ground by taking all the net profits)…

    Going to email my professors now about setting up a sole proprietorship to facilitate independent contracting. Thanks again guys! I’m looking forward to checking out this platform more.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 31, 2021

    Just be careful get everything in writing and have her sight with a notary .

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Sep 01, 2021

    Determine what you want your hourly rate to be and then keep track of the time you spend on the projects and charge accordingly.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 01, 2021

    I joined a facebook group that helps with painting tips, staging, and they also have a price list. Of course, prices are going to vary based on your area. You can also check other sellers such as marketplace for guidance.

  • There are guides online that will give you a direction on pricing. Or try reaching out to folks who refinish/paint furniture by searching online and ask their guidance.

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 01, 2021

    Perhaps you should consult with someone who has done this before. Will you need to be licensed or bonded? You need to be very careful here and not sign anything until you understand it completely.

    What exactly are you expected to do and and if it involves any travel are you paid by the mile?

    You should talk to your professors they should be able to steer you in the right direction.