Quoting for Fused Glass Commissions

When quoting on a fused glass commission, what are all the factors to consider?

Commission for Glasgow University

Quote the same way as for leaded or copper foil.  But if you don’t work in those forms, that statement will not be much help.

The elements to consider are:

·        Design time and value (making sure you retain the copyright of the design).

·        Amount of time to assemble. You need to think clearly about how long it really takes.  You need to be charging a reasonable amount for your time. Think about skilled trades people’s charges and that you have additional artistic skills.

·        Amount of glass to be purchased (rather than used) to make the piece, even if much is from stock – you must replace it after all.

·        Number and cost of kiln firings.  Be clear about how many firings might be required, if something does not work out first time.  Be clear about how much each firing costs including depreciation on the kiln.

·        Incidental supplies.  All the little things that are necessary to supply your practice, such as art materials, kiln supplies, etc.

·        Overheads. This is the cost to run your practice.  If the studio is part of the home premises, add a proportion of the running expenses of the house to the cost.  The cost of business - advertising, promotion, printing, etc., all need to be included.

·        Profit. You do need to make a profit to stay in business. Decide what that is and add that percentage to the cost.

·        Allowance for contingencies (20% of the price already determined is usual).

·        Delivery/installation costs (normally in addition to the cost of design and making).

It is advisable to find out what the client’s budget for the commission is before starting any designing.  If it is too small for their specification, decline the commission.  Otherwise, you can design to the budget.  A large budget allows expansive or highly detailed works.  A small budget restricts the size or detail possible.

Some people charge more for a commission. Some, like me charge less, as I am getting most of the money up front, rather than maybe sometime in the future.  Cash is important.

Some artists take 1/3 to make the design, 1/3 on approval of design, and final 1/3 on completion. This is widely used in the interior design field. You may want to consider requiring a non-refundable deposit of one third to make a start and the remaining two thirds on completion as an alternative. 

A contract of some sort is essential.  It needs to cover the expectations of both parties.  Cost, of course.  When is it to be completed? Requests for colours, shapes, location, style, etc.  If the client wants approval at various stages, you need to either state what these stages are, or more sensibly, decline the commission. 

The contract does not have to be legalistic.  It can be a letter stating the terms of the commission that is sent by you to the client and acknowledged by them.

Determining the price for a commission requires consideration of the costs of time and materials, and the values of what you do.  A contract of some sort is required. It can be a simple letter with a statement of the agreed conditions.