First clients...

[Dilz]

Despite telling folk I have no real idea what im doing - they want stuff planking up - these aren't mates - but clients from doing tree work. one has 6 3m 30-40cm oak stems to cut into 2.5" boards -  I only have a small set up (60cc saw small log mill and edging mill so not super quick) -  I had one guy ring me and I put silly money on it (I think ) for milling 1 beech stem and 2 hornbeams (converted costs as im in Sweden - 100quid driving and set up fee and 60 quid an hour milling including materials / fuel / sharpening - not taking care of the sawdust - I wasn't too keen to do it but this bloke has been persistant and is happy to pay... ) I then saw one company based near Stockholm say they charge per board - 150quid for the first board and then about 70-80 per board after - that seems pretty steep for chainsaw milling but I honestly have no reference other than what I've scavanged off this forum - Main thing is striking the balance between not out right ripping folk off and busting my back all day for not much at the end of it) -  Was even considering finding the nearest similar sized boards from the building suppliers and charging maybe 30% of that price...What are folks thoughts on this? 

 

Might just add basic tax rate self employed here is about 32% and the vat is 25% so you do have a to charge a fair amount to have anything left after the state has robbed you of most of your days takings 

[Martin du Preez]

Milling is actually knackering, annihilates you’re body and think of the vibrations of running an 880 all day?? I did 15litres of fuel in a one day two days ago.

So charge your worth. I’m £300-£350 for subcontracting, other tree surgeons etc and £420 for domestic/private. Prices plus vat, and I take one centre slab home from each cut or I don’t want to do it because where’s the satisfaction and reward?

This is with an 880 and 72inch panther mill. And tbf the only stuff I ever seem to do is oversized big lumps so they get their money’s worth.

(I know the logs got bad shake but that’s how the customer wanted it done)

[kav]

I think you just have to go with what you think is a fair day rate that you are both happy with, its definitely all a learning curve and I'm never sure if we are too cheap or too expensive!!

I'd love to be milling in Sweden!!!!

Edited April 30, 2021 by kav

[trigger_andy]

Milling is actually knackering, annihilates you’re body and think of the vibrations of running an 880 all day?? I did 15litres of fuel in a one day two days ago.

So charge your worth. I’m £300-£350 for subcontracting, other tree surgeons etc and £420 for domestic/private. Prices plus vat, and I take one centre slab home from each cut or I don’t want to do it because where’s the satisfaction and reward?

This is with an 880 and 72inch panther mill. And tbf the only stuff I ever seem to do is oversized big lumps so they get their money’s worth.

(I know the logs got bad shake but that’s how the customer wanted it done)

I like the stipulation of taking a centre slab as well as payment. I’m gonna add that from now.

[Dilz]

I guess it's just like learning to price tree work... probably be a few days where all I make is a sore back and a pocket of sawdust... wouldn't be the first time. Taking a board as part payment is nice touch especially if it's of the size in the pictures.

[Martin du Preez]

I like the stipulation of taking a centre slab as well as payment. I’m gonna add that from now.

I always explain that if anything it ensures that we are milling it to the best of our capability so we can share the reward