jumping in

[hopm]

Had my mill for awhile and am comfortable in use, but as far as charging or selling it's a different story. Everything has generally been for folks I know and just helping them out. Had a guy call and ask if I would cut some cedar for him. I told him I would be glad to. He brought it today. 29 logs.....16'....he wants them cut to 8' and sawed in 6"x6", 4"x6", and 4/4.

Any suggestions on charging?
Any guidance to get going would be greatly appreciated!!

[DPatton]

Your profile doesn't tell us your location so were not able to make an assumption of what type of cedar logs your planning to saw. I'm sure there will soon be much more experienced members than me that will offer sound advice on how to charge but I would advise you to decide on a fair hourly rate and charge by the hour if the logs are eastern red cedar.

[Sixacresand]

How about 35-40 cents per board foot for milling if he helps.  Additional cost for blades for nail strikes, chainsaw work and log handling.

[WV Sawmiller]

   There are tons of threads on charging so I'd suggest you use the search mode and look through them.

    It looks like you are talking about sawing at your site. Besides your mill what other equipment of yours are you going to be using? Be sure you incorporate all your equipment, time, facilities and materials you will be using in your pricing. Be flexible in your pricing so you are fair to yourself and your customers. If you are providing a service others can't or don't provide in your area be sure to include that in your pricing scheme. I check them but make sure I never charge less than the box stores as I make sure to provide better lumber/services than they do.

[starmac]

WOW, Somebody has done went and dropped off 29 logs and didn't ask a price on cutting them. It sounds like the sky is the limit. lol

In all seriousness though, word of mouth is sometimes the very best advertisement, make your money that you need to be profitable, but treat them fair and more will come.

[firefighter ontheside]

I just got my mill and am still setting it up.  I've read numerous threads about what to charge.  I'm inclined to charge by the hour if they help and by the board foot if they leave logs and pick up lumber.  Haven't decided on those prices.  I would think I'll charge something for blades.  I would say if I hit metal I charge for a new blade, otherwise charge for sharpening of each blade I use.

[Chuck White]

I think I would charge an hourly rate when sawing Cedar!

[Sixacresand]

    I check them but make sure I never charge less than the box stores as I make sure to provide better lumber/services than they do.

[Brad_bb]

Like in the other recent thread, all terms should be established before you even start your mill (should have been before he dropped the logs off).  Everything should be explicit, friends or not.  Timeframe for payment and pick up, blade charges, specific pricing. It's up to you to figure out your expenses and costs in your areas and determine what you need to make money that is acceptable to you.   
"I guess a lesson to be learned here, is to outline ALL of one's terms PRIOR to committing to the job: pay rate, delivery timeline, terms of payment, etc."  -PA_Walnut.

[Magicman]

Of course I only "portable custom saw" but before any sawing begins the customer and I review and both sign my Sawing Contract which details setup, sawing, help, charges, and an accident disclaimer.  It is done in duplicate and both of us get a signed copy.

Of course this can be changed/modified to meet your sawing conditions.