Pricing a Welding Job

[rmansu2]

Okay guys I need your opinions here.

NOT OC RELATED

I am pricing a welding job for a former employer. He has a Bobcat Loader with a 1/2 yard hopper that needs a new blade. I have the machine, supplies, and capability to do the job. Problem is I've never had to price a welding job. Mostly around the house stuff and for friends.

Here's the layout:
Onsite job (I have to bring it all to the site)
Cut the old blade off(36-48", 5/32 think plate)
Prep the bucket and new blade
Weld the new one on(total 288" of welding)

The job will take most of an 8hr day, I think. Don't want to over or undercharge because there may be 3 more projects just like it in the future.

What's a fair price? Should I charge by the hour or by the foot on the job? Anything you guys think may help.

 

[merc460]

I personally would charge $30 hr. plus materials + an on site fee (vehicle gas usage).

 

[MR Redenck]

Most welders around here are getting $60 an hour. You might try $50 and if you dont get the other jobs, oh well.
FYI, the monkey suits always have several other jobs for you to do. This is how they get you to do " The only job they have for you", done cheap. Dont bid it cheap unless you get a written deal for all the jobs combined. Nothing wrong with making a customer a good deal, but beware, they are more concerned with getting the best end of any deal.

 

[Resto Guy]

Most welders around here are getting $60 an hour. You might try $50 and if you dont get the other jobs, oh well.
FYI, the monkey suits always have several other jobs for you to do. This is how they get you to do " The only job they have for you", done cheap. Dont bid it cheap unless you get a written deal for all the jobs combined. Nothing wrong with making a customer a good deal, but beware, they are more concerned with getting the best end of any deal.

I agree on all points. Not saying you're being played for a cheap price, but beware of those who will provide "more work if you do this one cheap". I've seen lots of guys fall for that one.
Charge what it's worth and do an excellent job. That is your best reference for future work.

 

[MR Redenck]

I agree on all points. Not saying you're being played for a cheap price, but beware of those who will provide "more work if you do this one cheap". I've seen lots of guys fall for that one.
Charge what it's worth and do an excellent job. That is your best reference for future work.

Yea, and tell him it's by the hour and how much you want per hour.
Also let them know the additional jobs will go a little faster and save him some money since you will already know what the first job detailed.

 

[4sooth]

Do not work cheaply. I do "small" welding and fabrication jobs as a sideline. Over the years I've had many people try to "beat" me down for a cheaper price. "That's too high". Okay--go to a welding shop and see what they charge. They always come back--"Man they wanted $xxx dollars for that work!"

I then add to the original cost according to their attitude. But it's still cheaper than a big shop--and they get it today or the next instead of two weeks.

 

[sudden valley gunner]

I think the job will take you more than 8 hrs. for over 20' of welding. Not including the cutting. Don't price too cheap, you harm yourself and others working in the same field.

 

[rmansu2]

Thanks for all of the replies. Although it's a former employer, I still like these people. Only left because the couldn't match an offer I had. I was looking to charge $500-$600 +consumables(~$100). I like the $50/hr suggestion. Was curious if that's a welder's price or a welder/fabricator price because I consider the cut and prep fab work.

 

[since9]

The thickness of the steel is 5/8". The blades range from 36" to 100".

You have two options:

1. Reverse the blade.

2. Replace the blade ($236 for a 68" blade)

Regardless, you'll have to cut the bolts off with a cutting torch, and replacement hardware is about $3 per hole.

So the real question is: How much would a welder charge, on-site, per foot to weld 5/8" tempered steel?

Call a welder and get an estimate for the above question.