I've got my first order for "deliverables," something I've never done before.

It's for 14 copies of a figure that'll take me about 5-6 minutes to make - possibly slightly faster once I get crankin'. The figure uses 8 balloons (260s, 160s, and rounds). I'm going to provide at least a couple of extra figures.

So I'm wondering what to charge for this. I'll also be delivering them to the party, but that's just a few miles from here. And the clients are friends. They are aware that they're my first paid balloon deliverable.

Thinking of charging $50 for this. but I'm most interested in hearing from experienced people who think it ought to be priced higher or lower, and on what basis.

Thank you for any opinions!

Josh

All depends on the precieved value. I can twist 8 balloons into a giant knot but it does not mean its worth anything. Could you provide a picture of what you are making?

My minimum charge is 100 sea shells.

Without knowing the figures you're making it's hard to say. Also are they to be given out to the guests, or are they decor pieces?

Since they're friends I understand not wanting to charge too much, but you run the risk of undervaluing your work. If you made 2 'extra' that would be 50*16 = $3.12 each which, to me, is way too low even for friends. However if your friends can be trusted not to reveal what they paid, and you feel strongly that you might get other work in the future, it might be worth it.

Viewing at it another way you're looking at 2-2 1/2 hours total time, including delivery. Figuring $8.00 for the balloons it's $50 - $8. = $42. * 2.5hrs = $16.8 per hour.

Having said all that what you're providing is unique and should be valued for what it is. Anyone can tie 6 helium balloons to a weight but few can do what we do. One of the worst things you can do is have people see that you're willing to work for too little.

I think that Paddy's 100 'sea shells' is fair considering they're friends. If not for that I'd charge a minimum of $10. per figure plus a delivery/materials fee of $25., for a total of $165. I've done many parties where there were only 10 kids resulting in the hosts paying $15-20 per figure with no problem.

Thank you all for the perspective!

I definitely do not want to devalue my work (been there, done that, decades ago). These are "sheep bracelets" a la Barak Dagan's "Wowables."

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Very cute.

Having seen what you're making, and that they're for friends, I'd go with the 100 seashells which comes to 6.25 seashells each delivered.

Good luck.

Give your friends a break. 60-70 bucks or so. Just enjoy what you are doing. Maybe more will come from it.......just my 2 cents worth. We are pro's ,but don't get rich off one gig.

I would go with what Trois said. Friends helping friends.

I went with $60 (about $4 apiece), along with the agreement to not discuss the price with anyone. They're friends and it's my first job, and I don't even feel like a professional yet as I don't have appropriate business cards yet (they all talk about magic). But it's just this once, to thank them for being my inaugural job.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. You gave me a lot to think about, and a lot to keep in mind as I move along.

Nice decision Josho.

Do you have a picture of the flock?

I will! I need to deliver them the morning of the 21st, so I'll take a few shots before I drive 'em over!

Well? Pics?

I should've done that a long time ago, shouldn't I have?

Here's a close-up of one, just before getting her flower.

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Here's one with the flower:

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Here's the whole flock, ready for delivery!

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And, at the last moment, they asked if I could do three big spiders to be hung on the walls (how that tied in with sheep, I was never quite clear on...).

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Cool