What sort of hrly rate or flat fee do you see as acceptable for small component CAD work? $NZD
As I’m offering to help people by providing 3D CAD modelling and detailed drawings to those who need it via my HUB. I usually work in an engineering office CAD design role, but require some feedback on what people would expect to pay for this service in this 3D printing sector.
Any comments / feedback appreciated.
Lee
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C_D
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I’m in the same line of work as you, I charge $30 an hour for modelling. It hasn’t been a major part of my printing jobs, maybe 1 job in 10? I would consider it more a tool to help win a print job than a major money earner on its own.
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I have basic knowledge of CAD modelling, so depending on what needs designing I would normally do this for free or build it into the print costs. Depending on what people need printed of course as it helps my design skills. Most prints are hobby based so whacking a huge design hourly rate onto something can make a project much too expensive
Hey Lee,
I offer 3D CAD modelling as a service both through my hub and directly via my website. I usually charge £25/hour and try to give a time estimate up front. That said, you usually need to gauge the customer (and how busy you are) and price accordingly. If someone needs a cookie cutter for their child’s birthday and you haven’t got much else going on then it’s sometimes worth just charging a token amount. On the other hand, if someone sends you the most ridiculously crap hand drawn sketch of some crazy idea that will never work then you charge the f**k off price! lol
Cheers,
Marc
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Cheers, I find it’s hard to tell if it is some kids home work or a real project sometimes eh.
If I price too low I have to wonder why I’m bothering.
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too. Cheers!
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It would help if 3DHubs helped indicate if a job was for a business or some kids homework project.
As it stands you don’t know if the leads have been qualified in anyway.
I’m not looking to live off the CAD element just offer as an extra service.
But don’t think it should become a $2 shop service fee.
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Hey Lee,
I find the easiest approach is to start off by ask a list of questions to clarify the requirements. This will give you a good feel of what the project is (especially if you ask your questions in the right way). Push back to the client to make sure they fully define the requirements. This will help to give a better estimate and a better final result. It’s best to keep any guessing to a minimum
Cheers,
Marc
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Just charge a price that you’re happy to work for and reflects your experience and quality of work.
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