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Hey Dakka! I wasnt entirely sure where a topic like this should go so forgive me if im lost.

I was thinking of hanging up some flyers around my local hobby stores advertising me painting whatever models they need painted, the thing is though i have no idea what a reasonable charge would be...i figure it would have to depend on how much they need painted and how detailed they would want each model right?

If i could just get some ideas for a starting price it would be amazing. <3 you dakka!

NeedsMoreDakka wrote:Hey Dakka! I wasnt entirely sure where a topic like this should go so forgive me if im lost.

I was thinking of hanging up some flyers around my local hobby stores advertising me painting whatever models they need painted, the thing is though i have no idea what a reasonable charge would be...i figure it would have to depend on how much they need painted and how detailed they would want each model right?

If i could just get some ideas for a starting price it would be amazing. <3 you dakka!

Look on the internet to see what other folks are charging. Remember that it is a local thing -- you are not competing with some guy in another state.
It also depends on your own skill level. I would set up a gallery on a website so people can see the quality of your work.

Most services I have seen have multiple grades of painting -- from table top to display.
I know there are a few services on the internet that will paint rank and file for as little as $2-3 per model.
Unfortunately, there a lot of people who want to get paid to paint somebody else's models.

Put up your flier and list prices as negotiable.

If somebody wants to pay you $3 a model but they have 50 models, maybe it's worth it.
OTH, if you can freehand the Sistine Chapel on the side of a Land Raider, you can charge a great deal more.

I think painting would take a lot of time compared to the amount people would want to pay. Plus don't people buy models because they enjoy painting? I wouldn't want something someone else did wouldn't feel like my own.

kaidsin wrote:I think painting would take a lot of time compared to the amount people would want to pay. Plus don't people buy models because they enjoy painting? I wouldn't want something someone else did wouldn't feel like my own.

gonna have to agree with this statement im afraid, why buy somethin just to pay more for it to get painted?? uv got the wrong hobby if you want to do tht

SpacePanzee wrote:
If somebody wants to pay you $3 a model but they have 50 models, maybe it's worth it.
OTH, if you can freehand the Sistine Chapel on the side of a Land Raider, you can charge a great deal more.

Lmao!

Good advice though, i'll probably start by posting stuff ive painted on here, and when i make the flyer i'll put pics of stuff ive painted right on it.

$2-3 per model? Thats a BARGAIN...and something i'll have to keep in mind when im charging someone

I agree with kaidsin and Johnscott, however, there is something to be gained in getting a miniature or two painted to a very high standard. You can learn a lot from a hands on experience with a good miniature. Way more than seeing one on your PC. Plus it helps to motivate you to paint your own miniatures.

As for what you should charge NMD, it all depends on your skill, speed and what the client wants...

Yes, it is worth putting some pictures on your banner as they will get an idea of what you can do!

I charge around £2-4 for basic gaming standard painting for rank and file... then like £12-17 for display for rank and file, so your prices can vary a lot.

If you like i could send you my full price list just as something to base your prices on maybe...

Although it does depend on how well you can paint for how much you charge...

Thanks,

Tom

if you are putting flyers up at your local gaming stores/clubs then why not offer to paint up some of the store armies/units/minis whilst doing this?

It gives you exposure.
If the store likes your work then you have a qualified recommendation right there.

Either do these as a freebie or negotiate something with your target store.

As for pricing, remember that quality, reliability, and customer service will ultimately drive your 'sales' rather than cost.
Look at what other commission services charge and then look at how these painters do on feedback (the internet will help you, customers are very vocal!).

johnscott10 wrote:

kaidsin wrote:I think painting would take a lot of time compared to the amount people would want to pay. Plus don't people buy models because they enjoy painting? I wouldn't want something someone else did wouldn't feel like my own.

gonna have to agree with this statement im afraid, why buy somethin just to pay more for it to get painted?? uv got the wrong hobby if you want to do tht

Various reasons draw people to commission paintwork for their armies. Just off the top of my head some reasons could include:

1. Lack of time to paint.

2. Lack of interest in painting (i.e. more interest in the finished models or game play elements of a war game).

3. Inability to paint models to a standard that you would like to see on said models.


Since the war-gaming hobby is large and full of diverse people all bringing with them various motivations for their interest in the hobby it is inevitable that some hobbyists will be drawn to the gaming/aesthetic side of the hobby rather than the building/modeling side of the hobby. For me that doesn't mean that someone who pays for their army to be painted is "doing the hobby wrong" or "getting less out of the hobby" than someone who paints all of their miniatures. Instead, that person who commissions paint work has other factors motivating them to lay out the additional funds required for commission painting.

kaidsin wrote:I think painting would take a lot of time compared to the amount people would want to pay. Plus don't people buy models because they enjoy painting? I wouldn't want something someone else did wouldn't feel like my own.

Thats the way i feel about it too, but ive met a surprising number of people who HATE painting but love playing the game. Those are the people i am going to try and reach out to.

wickedcarrot wrote:I charge around £2-4 for basic gaming standard painting for rank and file... then like £12-17 for display for rank and file, so your prices can vary a lot.

If you like i could send you my full price list just as something to base your prices on maybe...

Your painting is pretty amazing man, im not on par with you thats another reason im doing this, more chances to paint models and improve without purchasing the models myself. Links are always welcome!

Sent you my pricelist dude!

You can also see if your local game store will let you display pieces in their display case, or even sell them from there.

I've considered painting on commission (also been asked several times), but never pulled the trigger because I didn't really want my hobby to turn into another job.

Your focus does shift from your own stuff a lot. I think it would be good to do models that you know you will enjoy and it is important not to become over burdened too! Otherwise you will not enjoy the experience!

Tom