what to charge for a built model

[73superduty]

This is definitely one of those tough questions. I work at a Hobby Shop and one of the things we offer is those services. I just keep track of my hours and that is how I get paid. The customer pays that, plus all kit expenses.
As for friends, I build for them because I like too. I'm older now and usually when I build something for a friend it is of one of their 1:1's, they usually reciprocate in some other way.
When I build for them I don't look for anything from them, but if they give me something or do something for me I guess it all evens out. What it boils down to is I enjoy doing it for them as I know it makes them happy to be able to look at their 1:1 in 1/24/25 scale.
Good Luck with your decision.
Chris

[008]

It all depends on what someone is willing to pay. I've never done a personal build, but have sold a few on eBay. Similar cars have gone from ~$40 to over $150. It all depends on how bad someone wants it.

I have recieved numerous emails from strangers through my website about building a car for them. I always say no. Instead of bartering with me for a price they can fight amongst themselves in an auction.

[lumpulus]

Having built and sold many cars over the years, it's different every time. I've sold a 1/12 scale Tamiya 312T4 to a very rich Gilles Villeneauve fan for quite a bit of money, and I've given a Ferrari 641/2 to a friend for nothing other than the satisfaction of knowing he will treasure it.

You should let your customer up front what the price will be, then work from there. Give the customer a deadline that you can reasonably stick too, and then STICK TO IT.

[minidreams_n_scale]

to make a long story short LOL! value your own time , look at the detail that will bee in the kit and to what time frame he is wanting ! if you already have everything to finish the kit out think of what the parts are to you and if you have to be them what will those cost ?

i do build kits for other people ,they start at 50.00 thats if they kit and it will just be a nice shelf model , basic paint ,and a presentable model!

BUT , if you want me to just do a wild paint job and not the whole build ,thay start at 50.00 and go up 150.00 thats do to the time and i use real automotive paint !

as for a complete build,i mean the works ! paint ,engine body kits,wheels, interior detail they go for over 300.00, You might think thats high ,but i build them as if i were going to use them in contest ,no short cuts ,or no half steping things, Last year a guy wanted my 49 ford thats in scale auto contest from last year on page 20 , he offerd 500.00 for it i turned him down because i loved the kit , he saw it at a chi town show and he said I LOVE IT I GOT TO HAVE IT ,being silly i told him 1200.00 ,and no joke he said i can get 1000.00 ! i replied SOLD !

come on ! it was a 15.00 kit , i had month of working on it ,and about another 15.00 in to the detail of the kit ,i didnt want to sell it and he wasnt going to let up i spoke and showed the money LOL!

so a kit has a value to who ever it apperals to , price it where your happy and i tell my customers if they ant happy i wil redo the kit tell its right ,

just my 2 cents hope all works and my it bring you more builds !

David@ Minidream Inc.

[Future Boy]

I did a custom paint and decal job once, in trade for an 83 Camaro and a Knight Rider kit, a couple jars of paint, and a hobby knife. Another time I repainted a couple Hotwheels (airbrushed bodies and brushed interiors) for $10. Best part is seeing the customers' faces when they see them, oohing and ahhing I've been offered as much as $100 for my kits I take to shows. I just build things I like, because if nobody buys them, I still have a real nice piece for my collection