How much do I charge to chalk paint/build furniture?

Kaylin
by Kaylin
I am new to the whole re-finishing furniture and building scene, but my boyfriend and I are getting requests and are not sure what to charge. We have built items and painted items for ourselves, just not for other people.

Our current client is a co-worker of mine and is wanting a queen, wooden headboard built and painted, as well as 5 other small pieces of her furniture painted. I will be using White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and the specs for the furniture are below...
  • Queen headboard (different size boards, really rustic), built, sanded, painted, and scuffed
  • Chest (39in W x 19in T) painted and scuffed (just the outside)
  • Side table (29in H x 18in square top) painted and scuffed
  • Shelf (3ft W) painted and scuffed
  • Magazine Rack (13 in W) painted and scuffed
  • Chair (19in T x 15in square seat)

I will be buying all of the materials (paint, sand paper, nails, some wood, etc.). I will also be picking the furniture up, bringing it home, and returning it to her. How much should I quote her for everything?

Thanks so much!!

  5 answers
  • There are tons of formulas out there, here are a few links for you to study and come up with a number. It is hard as you need to cover your costs, pay yourself for your time, yet maintain a friendship and get more business. I suggest keeping every receipt separate so you know what your true hard costs are. Charge for travel time. In the legal world half the hourly rate is industry standard, i.e. the attorney charges $500 per hour, his or her travel time will be billed to the client at $250 per hour. Keep track of actual mileage for IRS purposes, keep a log. How exciting for you! Good luck! And I hope you will post your creations here too. ☺


    http://refunkmyjunk.com/quote-custom-furniture-painting/


    https://canarystreetcrafts.com/how-to-quote-painted-furniture/


    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/q-figuring-out-how-much-to-charge-for-a-service-painting-furniture-2461322

    Figuring out how much to charge for a service, painting furniture
  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Oct 22, 2017

    One way is to add all your expenses, including use of your vehicle, and multiply times four which includes labor, taxes and profit. If I were you, and your interest in doing more of this work, I would have a price list ready. Your first big project for your friend will give you a chance to determine prices for a variety of pieces. If your client has her own furniture, only discount the wholesale price of a similar piece, and keep the X4 and other expenses in your price. Best wishes 😇💖

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 22, 2017

    I would figure out your hourly rate desired, then estimate how long to create each piece, and cost of materials to do your quote.

  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 22, 2017

    I think you should look on a few internet sites to see what your competitors are charging for the same kind of job. Sounds so exciting. Good luck.

  • Kaylin Kaylin on Oct 22, 2017

    Thanks for the advice, everyone!! It's greatly appreciated