What is a fair price for supplies, thread, epoxy, cups, sticks, razor blades exc. I built a rod for a friend and told him I didn't charge him for any of that and he ask me how much could that possible be worth. He is a friend and I didn't charge him any labor just for materials because I feel I am still learning. The rod turned out great but his comment took the edge off my deed. Phil

I would think $10 to $15 per rod. Keep in mind that when you bought it you also had to pay shipping on it. Other items required you to drive to a store or hardware to obtain them.

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i always figure $10 for the odds and ends, including a rubber winding check and standard hook keeper. I'm quite certain I break even at that price.

Doesn't sound much like a friend to me.

If he likes the rod I am sure he will be back, he knows he got a great deal. Next time you can not only get a fair price for your labor from him but also the $10 he took for granted this time. He might also have friends ( hopefully he has some ) that may want you to build a rod for them. If this happens sit down with them and let them know exactly what the materials cost plus your labor charges. If he brings you customers it might make you feel better about him. If not, live and learn
Norm

Phil

I also build rods for friends and family. I build for the cost of the components and extras only. I add $20 for the misc. supplies - finish, cp, thread, adhesives, etc.

Rog

For supplied - $30 per rod.

Thanks everyone, he is a good friend just not perfect and I would not let a rod or money come between us. I have build him two and he loves them both, I told him yesterday not to send me one of his friends and expect the same. I want to be fair but I am not stupid. Thanks again for the advise. Phil

Phil

An alternative idea; have your friend put his thoughts regarding his rods in writing, i.e. his thoughts about fishability, quality of components, fit and finish, etc. If you intend to build rods as a business in the future an endorsement from a rod recipient, regardless of what he paid or did not pay, is very valuable and potentially worth more than $10 to $30 for supplies.

Phil,

I charge my customers my direct costs on all components, plus $50-$75 labor for the construction of the rod depending on the number of guides/rod length. I know I am not charging what the rod is worth; but my biggest competition is "store bought rods". I build 90% freshwater, (bass), rods with a few ocean rods for close friends. When you add State Sales Tax, (8% here in CA), and the 10% Federal Excise Tax for the first $100 of rod costs it all add us quickly. I figure the epoxies, threads and misc. supplies are part of doing business,

When I first started my business, I ask a vendor/rod builder how he priced his rods and he said "everyone does it differently; but if you aren't making a $100 per rod you won't be in business a year from now"! That was over 10 years ago and I haven't made a $100 on a rod yet!

Being retired from the civil engineering profession, I guess you could call me a hobby builder; but, I have plenty of clients that love my rods and keep coming back.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

phil ayers Wrote:
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> Thanks everyone, he is a good friend just not
> perfect and I would not let a rod or money come
> between us. I have build him two and he loves them
> both, I told him yesterday not to send me one of
> his friends and expect the same. I want to be fair
> but I am not stupid. Thanks again for the advise.
> Phil


You couldn't have handled it better. I hope he appreciates you are a true friend.