How to Price Fitted Furniture

Рет қаралды 47,148

Күн бұрын

In this video chat I will cover:
1: Calculating your hourly rate.
2: Adding on your overheads to find a combined ‘charge-out rate’.
3: Simplifying quoting by thinking in terms of half day rates instead of hourly.
4: Resisting the pressure to devalue your work.
5: Profit (I didn’t cover this in much detail but for your business to be healthy and capable of growth you must have genuine profit on top of your desired wage and overheads).
6: Systemising you business, to break free from exchanging your time for money.
7: Using rules of thumb to cross-check your pricing.
8: Some anecdotes about our completed projects with costs and what others were charging.
The book I recommended is this one:
www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Revisit...
Projects mentioned in the anecdotes at the end of this video:
This is the oak project mentioned at first (it included a cupboard and bookcase on the other side of the room not shown in the first photo), priced at £7,000 vs competitors £10,000.
www.houzz.co.uk/photo/6687458...
This is the larger Tudor oak library mentioned next which was priced at around £15k:
• How We Built This
This is the grey attic storage project priced around £7k
/ bifpxnlap4z
And here are the 3 sets of triple-doored white shaker wardrobes price at around £7,500:
• How we built these war...
I was prompted to record this video after receiving an email from a subscriber sharing some very common struggles for people like us starting out running a small fitted furniture business.
If this video helps you please support future content by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/freebird thanks!

Пікірлер: 251

@craigcoe2804 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video thank you! It matches a lot of what I got taught at college. I have a mother in law who compares my prices with ikea and 'China's finest' and tells me that I'm too expensive 🙄 I'm going to suggest an IKEA coffin when the time comes 😎

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Craig Coe that must be annoying!

@santodominico7235 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird hello bud, my names Dominick im from the 🇺🇸, I just stumbled upon your videos yesterday....beautiful work. I just went into the custom cabinetry business (for myself) , I was wondering if you could recommend some good paint and simple process( im not that great on the finishing aspect ) I have an electric sprayer, I appreciate any helpful advice.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

santo Dominico hi, we use Sayerlack waterbased paints, the code for the topcoat we use is AT99. Enquire further with a supplier of Sayerlack. Getting things right with spraying is not easy and we are now having new problems in our new workshop. I suggest you follow Matt Marriot @instasprayers on Instagram and to learn more join his buymeacoffee membership page.

@laica12345 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird Hey mat do you have an email where I can Contact you ?

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Adrian A yes you can use alastairmarkjohnson@gmail.com please reply on here when you’ve got that and I’ll delete this comment to avoid possible spam etc

@owenmark9728 4 жыл бұрын

Never underestimate the value of authenticity. You, your morals and ethics are something the big companies cannot offer. Best of luck for the future!

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Owen Mark thanks for that. This comment came at an interesting time. I’d been a bit discouraged over the weekend, about the prospects for the business. Then a few things have turned around today that put a better spin on things (funny how things can change in a day!). Anyway, then I ended the day meeting a friend who attends the same business network I used to be part of. And he was telling me about a number of people there who I used to slightly idolise in my mind as ‘doing well’, being on top of their business plan, and probably making plenty of money. Yet one went bust and others are not much better off after some dubious business practices coming to light. You just never know. ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. It all reminded me to just keep doing what I do. Anyway, thanks for commenting and best wishes with your own work 👍

@fionaquigley754 3 жыл бұрын

I can't begin to tell you how much this video has lifted my spirits around how i'm trying to make a living. This whole covid situation has added more layers of doubt and anxiety to working life so thank you Alistair, for giving and sharing, and in this case, providing some mentoring too. It makes a massive difference! x

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Fiona I seem to have missed this comment until now. I think ‘layers of doubt and anxiety’ is a phrase many of us can relate to through Covid. I’m glad this video has helped!

@resultcarpentry5869 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent Al - thank you as always for your extremely honest - intelligent outlook.... really helpful and energising 👌🏼

@garrettp6942 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome advice - with specific prices and numbers included.

@laapulsford 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, what an outstanding talk about developing a small business relating to carpentry. Great job.

@MrLauren23 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for recommending this video when you answered a comment I made on one of your other videos. Again really helpful advice. Much appreciated.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Paul K glad it helped and you certainly moved fast on applying the advice to watch it. Taking action is key to making change and getting unstuck so you’re on the right track! On a different but related note, do you follow Jordan Peterson at all? He speaks so much sense - general wisdom and advice for life and work.

@jorislacombe6105 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I had theses kind of videos a few years back when I started. That awesome, thank you so much for your time!!

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

So do I, that's what I make these videos. Thanks for commenting!

@akinarif7798 5 жыл бұрын

Wow what a in-depth and informative video,thanks for sharing 👍🏼

@kg02170 4 жыл бұрын

great video as always, by far the most helpful and informative man ive come accross. Love the honesty in all your videos.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

ghanniffy what a nice comment thank you!

@dulede 4 жыл бұрын

What a genuine guy. I'll never be able to afford bespoke anything but it is nice to see someone that truly cares for what they provide as a product or service.

@ellmannvictor 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this video. The first half is like you are speaking directly to me and the second half gives me a lot to think about and to incorporate into how I need to work.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Great!

@markadamjames4525 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful video and good advice for starting out in manufacturing (as I am doing this year). Lot of aspects to consider and definitely helped me think about the process. Will be watching Sketchup videos too as just getting to grips with this software.

@makewhatyoulike119 3 жыл бұрын

As a 20+year pro who has just reevaluated my pricing, I can say every single thing Alastair says in this video is true. Excellent advice.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Mark!

@fittedlifestyles6087 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Alistair, very detailed and I must say very eloquently spoken ! Your easy to listen to 👍🏾

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Fitted Lifestyles thanks!

@BalancedLugger Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. It’s a very well-thought-through video.

@kareemcheng9758 4 жыл бұрын

Great and informative video as always. Glad to see other makers experiencing similar challenges

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Kareem Cheng thanks for commenting I’m glad you found it helpful

@oakfordjoinery9487 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alastair , your videos are very helpful . I’ve been making and fitting wardrobes for 6 months . Very reassuring to hear you ! John .

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it’s helped!

@tomrowell6354 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I really appreciate it!

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, I appreciate you commenting

@hallonhasch 4 жыл бұрын

Im just starting of my career in woodworking and custom furniture here in sweden, and Ive got to say, this kind of advice is absolutely A-mazing. Thank you a hundred times over

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment

@resultcarpentry5869 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alistair, Good solid advice - I’ve learned this myself too.. I still time some jobs - to keep me on track when I’m quoting... being consistent builds your own confidence and reassures customers 👌🏼

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Gary Coulson thanks. We are going to time things again this year so I’ve got a clearer picture of how long specific tasks take, like making doors.

@fernandoabela8549 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Rarely I come across a person with such great level of honesty and decency. I hope to see more of your work and learn from your insight.

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I hope you will enjoy my other content on KZfaq and if you want more you can have a look at www.buymeacoffee.com/freebird

@tr33t0pm0nk3y 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and genuinely honest approach to so many aspects of what it means to execute fine work at a fair price tag.

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you thought so!

@MrBishbashbosh2012 5 жыл бұрын

Found this video really interesting and helpful, thank you.

@gizabit 4 жыл бұрын

where would i be without you 33yrs in the game and ive learned so much more from your posts thank you sir

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

brian lockhart incredible comment, thank you for the appreciation 😀

@abdulkarimdiment3857 3 жыл бұрын

Great and very useful video thanks Alastair.

@dwgar1322 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, excellent work.

@stonebankcarpentryjoinery993 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alistair for this, your video's have helped so much build our new business in the last 12 months. The information is priceless, and has given us so much confidence in pricing jobs. Thanks Neil, Stonebank Carpentry & Joinery

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know Neil I appreciate that

@ET-jv1wm 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I'd had this info when I went self employed 3 years ago! Loving your videos!

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you find them helpful!

@jonathandeibel1 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, and very helpful to share actual numbers that many carpenters feel protective about. I used to go to jobs feeling like I had to win them all and I was doing something wrong if I didn’t but over time I’ve realised you can’t be all things to all people. Many will be on a tight budget and like you say you have to find the people that fit your style of work

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

jonathan d I’m glad you found it helpful. I think we all struggle with much the same things regarding pricing!

@trigmachine 4 жыл бұрын

great channel, pretty much nailed my new start up

@martynclark2915 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, my son and I have just recently started a home improvement company buying and renovating houses. Coincidentally we have just been asked to price and fit some bespoke wardrobes. Funnily enough the customer says that he has priced Ikea wardrobes at £600.00, but they don't quite achieve what he is looking for. So he wants some MDF painted built in. I have priced the materials and they are circa £600.00 also. Plus of course making, painting, and fitting. My first thought was £1200.00 installed, but having watched your video I think that's too cheap. Thank you it was very interesting

@kestelle1271 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Alistair. Thanks very much for this post. I've been having a few of those thoughts and doubts you have just mentioned. I have had a few quotes knocked back recently and I can't figure out for the life of me how people can be making money by doing it any cheaper. I priced 2 full height moisture resistant twin shaker door wardrobes with top boxes and draws plus a bay window seat with 4 shaker doors at £3300.00 painted. The client said they loved me and my designs and really wanted to go with me ,but i was significantly higher than the other quote they received. To be honest, I'm glad I didn't get the job because I think even that price was too cheap. A really helpful video though, thanks again. Dave.

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Kestelle thanks. I think lots of people winning the work just aren’t making much money, because we’re all making the same mistakes, then you’ve got the ones who do it quick and rough and the customers don’t know the difference.

@yazidamir 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah I know what it feels like 🙄 I get them to buy material from ikea or B&q or where ever they want and charge £200 a day to install a lot less trouble. 👍

@benjamindyson1283 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your wisdom.

@tomjackson7549 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribed today. Fascinating video and very helpful for me going back to the tools this year!

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Tom Jackson I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for subscribing!

@andriusj4681 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting and useful information. Great insights and tips!

@joinertanner 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great talk I'm in the same line for business. I find a hour going true the sums after each job save you hours of labour on the next job trying to make ends meet cause your not repeating same mistakes again. Thanks again

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely worth doing those reviews of jobs completed 👍

@deanfallon5854 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you sharing, thank you

@arfonia 4 жыл бұрын

Your one very helpful guy...Thanks for putting the vids on. Brill 😀👍 Stay Safe. Skully UK.

@davidsykes7644 4 жыл бұрын

Your videos are fantastic, super useful really helpful. Thank you.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

David Sykes thanks 😊

@gmanp3028 Жыл бұрын

I really like your videos, alway great advise and honest. keep them coming.

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jamesosullivan6722 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, very open and informative to other self employed people, i always struggle to price a job, i especially liked bullet point 6. Keep up the great videos!

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

James O'Sullivan thanks for the feedback!

@bighands69 4 жыл бұрын

+Jame O'Sullivan You should seriously consider studying finance. And I do not mean going to college to do a degree in it. I mean using the internet and books to learn. Most businesses that fail do so because of poor finances not because of poor sales. Which would surprise most people. Having a business with good finances can be difference between fail or success. But it can also be the difference between being successful and being rich. Most people simply have understanding of compounded growth If you took £10,000 and invested it at 10% market average for 25 years that sum will grow to £100,000. If you have a business today that earns £40,000 per year in 25 years time that business could be producing earnings of £300,000 to £400,000 pounds if good finances are place.

@lineartapes9664 4 жыл бұрын

Such a good video. So applicable to other trades too.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

//Linear Tapes// thanks I’m glad you found it helpful 👍

@andysainsbury8384 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video. Keep up the great work. 👍

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Andy Sainsbury thanks!

@haleccles1971 3 жыл бұрын

Very good, thank you very much for your video.

@discipleofjesus253 2 жыл бұрын

Sweeping the workshop is part of the job! Do it after each customers job and add the time on.

@joeoutdoors2299 3 жыл бұрын

Really good video Alastair. I've been in the industry 24 years now most of that time as a self employed cabinet maker/installer and the last 5 running my own business mainly doing kitchen remodels and fitted wardrobes etc. I still struggle with many of the aspects you covered, I'm certainly no businessman and find myself often questioning is it worth it all but really what else can you do! It's reassuring to me to know I'm not alone Keep up the great work.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you are reassured! I know how much that helps. I hope also that your business picks up from a profit point of view and that you can increasingly feel rewarded by it in every way.

@thomasmooreillustrates422 Жыл бұрын

Great vid! Really appreciate this advice!

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! The rates talked about are very out of date now, but there are principles in it that still hold true

@barrydoxseyuk Жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@jonfenwick6200 Жыл бұрын

so helpfull , this is pure gold, so many things in here were so usefull,

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

That's a nice comment thank you, I'm glad it was useful

@dmcguinness100 4 жыл бұрын

David McGuinness, Enhanced-Kitchens, (was Sheffield based, now Huddersfield). Very Interesting and useful Alastair, thank you. When starting out, I remember calculating afterwards that on my first Kitchen Installation, I earned the equivalent hourly rate of £5.25. You are so right about ‘Every mistake is a gift’. It certainly focused me to be looking at my pricing structure.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

I think we all need to earn our stripes through early mistakes!! Do you run a team now, with your kitchen work, or are you still very hands on?

@tomvincent5596 4 жыл бұрын

Top bloke. Being part of a small family business myself I agree with every word. We are lucky enough to be in a position to pick and choose jobs with my dad creating a brilliant established business. All our work is mainly through word of mouth with our next job often being for family or friend of the previous customer. But every now and then you'll price a job for someone who has unrealistic expectations on a price and expects everything for nothing. Anyway keep up the good work. New subscriber but love what you do. True craftsmanship. Hat off to you sir. Tom Vincent

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Tom Vincent thanks Tom I really appreciate you taking the time to share these thoughts 👍

@drunkenrockmonkey 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alister a great video with lots to think about. Im currently getting stuck in to setting up my own business up again after working for a local kitchen company for a few years. This video really has made think about what goes into running a business and costs involved . Ta very much

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped Kevin. You really picked a challenging moment to get started in business! But I suppose any work is challenging right now, and there are opportunities as well as challenges. Best wishes with it all.

@drunkenrockmonkey 4 жыл бұрын

Freebird Interiors Cheers Alister it wasn’t through choice but that a different conversation. Keep the vids coming Fella👍

@chriscoulson7684 3 жыл бұрын

Really useful for me! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@lobbylobbster 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the advice Alastair, I’m a handyman that’s heading down the cabinet building side. The transition from being a ‘jack of all trades’ to doing what I truly love is somewhat challenging so it’s refreshing to share your experiences and tap into your knowledge. Thanks again!!!

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad it helped Pete, best of luck with your work 👍

@lobbylobbster 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird thanks Alastair 👍🏼

@benovations7055 3 жыл бұрын

I think you’ve really hit the sweet spot with this video, in a climate where prices are driven down with mass production and the fear of business competition its all become a bit of a race to the bottom. Every SKILLED tradesmen ought to watch this and understand without unity on this the whole industry is in danger.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this comment!

@whomadethatsaltysoup 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. As a self-employed individual, I've not taken on many bespoke furniture projects for the reasons you so clearly outlined. Often, potential customers seem quite happy for you to earn the minimum wage plus your bus fare. To many, it is just 'bits of wood' or 'my partner would do it, but he's too busy.' Even, as you say, if we are willing, at the start, to take the behind the scenes work on the chin, we just end up being busy fools! 👍

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s a classic line ‘my partner would do it, but he’s too busy’ 😄

@barringtonsmith9147 2 жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed listening just to get an insight as a customer, and not actually in the business, it has helped me to appreciate why my fitted wardrobes "seem" to cost a small fortune, as they saying goes, "a fence has two sides"

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! All of us in this trade would love to be able to better educate our customers on the true costs of this work - it surprises even us sometimes!

@ionutonea1537 6 ай бұрын

Great video again !

@Alastair_Freebird 6 ай бұрын

Very out of date, we need to charge double the prices quoted here these days!!

@Smithb83 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent insight and advice 👍🏻

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you thought so!

@darrenpaulgreen 5 жыл бұрын

Really helpful video Alistair. As someone who is full-time employed in property maintenance but looking to go self-employed as a cabinet maker these insights are gold dust. I do a fair bit if work on the side to dip my toe in and often reduce my quotes feeling they look to expensive and equally have been told my price is too high. As others on KZfaq have said, these just are not the right customers for me (anyone who thinks bespoke prices should be comparable to IKEA are just not on the same wavelength. Will drop you an email for your spreadsheet as I think it would make and excellent starting point for my own. And would be interested in the sketch-up training too. Subscribed!

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

I’m glad it’s helped Darren!

@alexcyoung 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Really informative

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Alex Young thanks I’m glad you found it helpful 👍

@adamhasan4736 5 жыл бұрын

Great informative and thought provoking video Alistair. Pointed your way by Peter Millard & Andy Maclellan. Gave up working a year ago, did a City & Guilds qualification and now ca myself a carpenter. My problem isn't selling myself - I was a retailer for 40 years, it's just lack of confidence in my work, the speed I work at, and the time it takes for me to figure out how to make things. Your videos have certainly helped, and slowly but surely I'm getting the hang of this carpentry game. Thanks. Adam Hasan aka The fat Twin.

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Adam Hasan why the fat twin? Or is it self explanatory? 😆. Anyway I’m glad it’s been helpful and I think we all go through a similar journey.

@adamhasan4736 5 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird Short version is I'm an identical twin and only weigh 10 stone. When my future missus met my twin (who only weighs 8 ½ stone) she nicknamed me 'the fat twin'. When I was deciding on a trading name the general rule is either something relevant to your trade or something unusual (and therefore memorable) so I went with The Fat Twin, and have been proved right. Everybody I give my business card to wants to know 'Why The Fat Twin?', which means it always starts a conversation, which I find is the best way to get to know my customers, and to get them to feel comfortable with me. If a customer feels at ease with you they are more likely to trust you, and therefore even if you're not the cheapest they are more likely to choose you as their contractor.

@ovidiumihaltan7655 4 жыл бұрын

Great video mate!!!

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

askwhynow askwhynow thanks!

@Berthelsen1 Жыл бұрын

Dear Alastair. Thank you for sharing all your knowlage in such an easy understandable and systematic way. I'm a carpenter starting my own busyness in Denmark and I find your videos very helpfull.

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

That’s so nice to hear!! Are you on Instagram?

@Berthelsen1 Жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird yes. I’m “Martin Berthelsen” 😊

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

@@Berthelsen1 found and followed you 👍

@peternolan9280 2 жыл бұрын

Great insights ,Thanks for the post

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

@davidswift9120 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant talk. You’re the guy I want to have to make my shelves! :-)

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Ok!

@janeeland4531 3 жыл бұрын

A Sharps salesman was exactly as you described, he told me the discount offer would only be avaliable by the end of that day! I emailed him at the end of that day to say I needed more time to think and he then came back with "okay the discount will be available for 3 more days" needless to say I went with a local carpenter!

@michaelburton9638 4 жыл бұрын

difficult to know how to thank guys like you, and a couple of others, for taking the time to explain your experiences. It's just dawning on me how useful these types of videos are. I'm just kind of "making it go right" for the last couple of years on my own and it's not sustainable like that. This is my only income so I need to get it right. If I think of a better way to acknowledge you , I'll do it but for right now Thank you very much.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

michael burton that’s great thanks in itself. Since you are asking how to thank me, I hope it’s not inappropriate to mention that since making this video I’ve set up a ‘buymeacoffee’ profile since a few people were actually asking to give something back for my content that has helped them. So, no obligation but here is the link: www.buymeacoffee.com/freebird

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Also, if you haven’t already, give this video from Andy a watch too: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/etpie9tmvZvSfmw.html

@kylecroft5807 4 жыл бұрын

Good video very helpful 👊

@RossyBikes 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this. I have been self employed for about 7 years and struggle with quoting and barely make the rent each month. This has helped so much. Guess it just takes someone else to explain it. Thanks again.

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Ross Langley I love hearing feedback like this - I mean I’m so glad if it has helped others. I know what a struggle it can be! Also I must admit, I still don’t apply my own advice as well as I should, at least judging by my own ongoing lack of real profit! However I have taken on a lot of extra costs and for a small business to at least be breaking even is no small feat considering the high rate of small business failure. Anyway... it’s just a hard road in this line of work in my experience, but sharing and learning from each other certainly helps 👍

@bighands69 4 жыл бұрын

+Ross Langley You desperately need to have better financial management in your business. Most businesses that fail do so because of poor finances. Use the internet to study finances and accounting so that you can use it to grow your business. It will help with everything from pricing, costing and efficiency. You could use it to do less work but to earn more money or even to do more work but charge less for every job. I would highly recommend buying a cheap learn to accounting book and watch some youtube videos and start teaching yourself.

@fitzwoodfitzgeraldedwards8220 4 жыл бұрын

Very helpful 👍🏾

@muzakhan6458 Жыл бұрын

Gold nuggets every word ❤️❤️❤️ respect 🙏 would to meet you in person, your honesty is like a sunshine

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

What a nice comment, thanks so much!

@donmcleod8307 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Alistair

@neewoodycustomwoodwork7009 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

@tomasztwardzik3127 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video thanks

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Tomasz Twardzik you’re welcome.

@chriswild2458 3 жыл бұрын

Again really useful and thanks for your effort and time ,I have been a commercial contractor since 1987 and in that time have learnt some hard lessons ,my little bit of advice that I have found so useful over the years given to me by an old experienced contractor in my younger days is regarding communication “Before the event is an explanation after the event is an excuse “ Keep up the good work

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Chris Wild that’s a good one thanks for that

@chriswild2458 3 жыл бұрын

Alistair it’s much better if we as smaller contractors are all on the same page approximately ,as it gives potential clients some consistency and hopefully removes the ridiculous quotes that harm us all I think your openness on pricing is honest and refreshing and from what I see accurate ,thanks again

@michaeleinstein7097 3 жыл бұрын

Tanks for "The E-Myth" book : Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It Paperback - 29 Mar. 2001

@phalimmaguire6069 4 жыл бұрын

Really interesting talk mate , I think I do personally price my work at around 1k a meter but not intentionally as I do general carpentry and not just cabinets. I will say all said and done I never seem to make a great deal of profit from that sort of work just wages really. I would love to see a spreadsheet though . Thanks for the video really honest info and so relevant to me tbh. Cheers

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Drop me an email (find my website) and I'll send you something

@toastytoast175 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful and interesting, I related to so much ( James BH Kitchens )

@fatdogslow8011 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Subscribed.

@Paddington2000 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting video, thanks.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so, thanks for commenting

@richb265 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alistair. I just stumbled upon your podcast this morning and thought id take a look into your KZfaq channel etc. As a carpenter of 12 years looking to set up in the fitted furniture world I've been feeling out of my depth and lacking the relevant knowledge. Yet only a few videos in im finding your content fantastic. I look forward to exploring more of your content and information. thanks Rich

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

richard biddulph that’s great! I’m interested to know how you came across the podcast, just searching a podcast platform? After a break I am recording the first in series 2 tomorrow morning!!!

@richb265 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird Hi Alistair, I came across your podcast on my podcasts app on my iPhone. As a recommended listen. I look forward to listening after getting through another 2 episodes today. Great insight cheers

@michaelburton4521 Жыл бұрын

still learning from you Alistair, thankyou

@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын

Thanks for continuing to watch!

@Rosurfaces 5 жыл бұрын

glad its not just me who prices a job at x and then it take 50 times that haha

@bighands69 5 жыл бұрын

The key to successful business is good accounting. It can allow you to accurately predict costs and their impact on margins. When starting out with my first business I worked 100 hour weeks routinely. Today with the same resources I could start the exact same business with 20 hours per week. The difference is that I have a far better understanding of finances which I did not have back then. If I could recommend to anybody starting business today start studying accounting on your own. People always think they can just go to an accountant and do this but they do not understand that they are paying for an accountant to do legal standard auditing not financial optimization. 4 out of every 5 businesses that fail do so because of poor accounting.

@tonyshortell6379 4 жыл бұрын

hi, yet again informative video, iv just downloaded sketchup and already my brains fried, I believe for myself and clients to offer this service is nowadays essential iv been in the shopfitting industry for most of my chippie days, im not a puppy but interested in your courses on sketchup, your never to old to learn and im picking up some good tips many thanks tony

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

tony shortell I can also do one-on-one SketchUp training over screenshare, get in touch for details if you’re interested - look me up on Instagram or find my email on website www.freebirdinteriors.co.uk

@tonyshortell6379 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird hi alastair iv only just come cross your reply (sorry) iv now come out of my small lutonbody workshop into a polytunnel exgarden centre 15m long. my area isnow strictly understairs storage, i think now i need your sketchup whicn i think is now a must as im now designing a complete kit form with us personnally deliveries completed with painted frontages with skeleton carcasses to be fittedwith trimmings etc, while still fitting ourselves, and the added sketchup would be ideal for myself and the client to see what they are getting please can you forward me your charges, my partner is very good with computers but im not that goodmany thanks and happy newyear regards tony shortell

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

@@tonyshortell6379 hi, currently charging £60 per session one on one, find my website or Instagram to get in touch with your details

@-_AjB_- 5 жыл бұрын

I really relate to a lot of what you talk about here. Sole trader making all bespoke furniture. ALWAYS second guessing myself. Often shooting myself in the foot with pricing. I need to standardise the process. I just had 2 weeks work postponed this month at the last minute - bedroom furniture in walnut mdf. Millionaire clients. Price was £4k and they baulked. Said they would have gone ahead if it was 3k. Materials were £1600.

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Anthony James Brown that’s tough before Christmas 😕

@-_AjB_- 5 жыл бұрын

It's ok I've worked everyday. Just a bit scrappy. moving all the tools between jobs everyday.

@curtisdesigns7726 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and spot-on, I think a really good video and one I have often thought about doing if I ever had the time is to do so, would be to describe the difference of real bespoke to factory bespoke like Sharps. Real bespoke means there is no compromise whatsoever, so if you want it, we can make it! not..... oh we don't do a 550mm deep unit as we are not set up for that la la la Mostly the personal guy like yourself will design - make and fit so the project is managed by a person who cares. Compare that to a salesman who only cares about his bit for his commission then the factory guys who are governed by the lacklustre salesman that oh forgot his shoes...confidence building all the time! to the end where the fitters then blame everyone else because they have to sort out all the problems which has nothing to do with them, as they are probably, sub contractors!

@michaeleinstein7097 3 жыл бұрын

very useful tanks

@luisfaustino 4 жыл бұрын

Great video

@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын

Luis Faustino thank you 🙏

@noskills9577 5 жыл бұрын

Just watched this, good video - just realised you were following on IG. Followed back 👍

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

No Skills Hi!

@michaelplays2449 4 жыл бұрын

Good video

@TryThinkingAboutIt 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much indeed

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, did I touch on familiar challenges for you?

@NicoSmets 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great information. I recently fitted my own fitted closet, and I have come to the conclusion that these "high" market prices actually make a lot of sense.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Indeed they do!

@jamesdavies810 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alastair, thanks for this honest post. I’m new to your channel so I have just subscribed. So refreshing to get this kind of feedback and invaluable. I headed over to your buymeacoffee page and there seems to be loads of really helpful content there also. You mentioned a sketch up course/tutorial in this video. Have you done that and is it on the members only area? If it is I’ll sign up as a member. (Ive always believed advice/mentoring is invaluable so it’s definitely worth the sub fee) I’d definitely love to learn more about using it and integrating it into my sales and construction process. Cheers, Jim

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Hello James I seem to have missed this comment first time around. This is probably too late to be relevant but did you find my free sketchup course ‘sketchup for fitted furniture makers’ on KZfaq?

@ackec-umsekkruch-ekucki952 5 жыл бұрын

Why can you only hit thumbs up once?

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!!

@jasonhook6657 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Alistair, really insightful video! I'm no more than a hobbyist at the moment but looking at this as a potential career, a lot to consider! A quick question, what software do you use for designing? Sketchup? Thanks again, Jason

@Alastair_Freebird 5 жыл бұрын

Jason Hook yes Sketchup, we’ve been using it for some years. How do you find using it? We’ve now got it set up in a semi-automated way to produce labelled cultist layouts directly from the model. I’m making plans to produce a training course on KZfaq and Patreon aimed specifically at the needs of British fitted furniture makers, is this something you would be interested in?

@jasonhook6657 5 жыл бұрын

Freebird Interiors Hi Alistair, i need to spend more time on Sketchup to really get the benefits, as I’m only building for my self at moment it’s sometimes quicker just to pick up a pencil and a piece of paper. Plus the paid version is a lot of money but it’s something I need todo! Yeah the course sounds very interesting 👍 Really finding your videos interesting 👏👏 Thanks Jason

@rezakazemi6424 2 жыл бұрын

hi great tips , nice guy

@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@daneeyre 3 жыл бұрын

I've just come across your KZfaq content and I believe that we are a very similar business. I love your approach to your work as it shares the same ideals that we hold as a company. I really like your online pricing guide for alcove units etc and I was wondering if it was OK to borrow them(obviously tweaked for our pricing strategy). We are based in Birmingham so I believe we are both at the same end of the market albeit in different areas.

@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dan I accept that by publishing them they will be borrowed so yes that’s ok if the costs seem to work for you too! I would prefer you don’t borrow my line drawing graphics too though!

@daneeyre 3 жыл бұрын

@@Alastair_Freebird that's fine we will be making adjustments to include our own images and drawings etc. Thanks, you have some great content and I appreciate the speedy reply.