RFQ/estimate question

[turmite]

Guys I have a question and thought this would be the correct place to put it. I have a project I think I want to try but need to get prices on the parts to see if it will be profitable for me after having all the parts made. What is the correct way to do this without posting an RFQ with no intention of having it fill right now. I will not do anything I consider dishonest and to me that would be allfully close.

I will have to post several rfq's simply because of needing to spread the cost out. Not because I think the parts will be all that expensive, but the product is going to take 10 parts, all fairly small and I would like to start with at least 20-30 per part. Most all of this is lathe work with two parts have both lathe and mill and two mill only.

Mike

ps Paul if you have a problem take it off!

[InspirationTool]

I think the best thing for you to do is to include desired price points in your RFQ... State up front what price would job shops need to offer for you to buy the first batch. That way shops can look at it and have a quick idea if they should price out the parts.

-Jeff

[turmite]

Hi Jef,

That's my problem though, I have no idea even for a price range. Some of the parts are plastic, some are stainless. one is a piece of circuit board and one is carbon steel. Now if these were made from wood and of different species, then I could price them.

Mike

[mikeh78]

why not post it and state that this is for possible future work. It is not dishonest, you are asking to find out what somthing costs, how else are you going to find out. I would say just be up-front about it and there should be no problems. I know I would quote on something even if it is a possibility that the parts may never get made or it could be a long time until they are. that's how business is done.
Mike

[InspirationTool]

Originally Posted by turmite Hi Jef, That's my problem though, I have no idea even for a price range. Some of the parts are plastic, some are stainless. one is a piece of circuit board and one is carbon steel. Now if these were made from wood and of different species, then I could price them. Mike

Mike, I'd start by deciding how much you want to sell it for, and then divide by 4.

-Jeff

[DareBee]

Stainless steel is going up in price by 20% as of Sept 1 and is supposed to climb another 20 - 40% by Christmas.

It doesnt sound like you will need much for this project.

FYI for all.

[turmite]

Thanks guys,

I will start the re-design and post the individual parts as I get them modeled.
Mike

[fuzzman]

Well, how I would start would be to get the cost of material, then tooling, and then run time. I agree that material cost are going up and your options are unlimited as far as where to get the best price. If the customer doesn't need certified material, then try getting material from a scrap yard or just get the minimum amount that you need to do the job. Also you can factor in if you're going to be running the job or an employee would be running it, that way you can say this is how much my time is worth. It is really hard to come up with a good price and be profitable and not maybe lose a potential customer. Good Luck.

George

[SeaSchell]

Send me Drawings as you get them. I will also quote "possible future" work.

SeaSchell Tackle Machining/Manufacturing
daschell2@cox.net
619 562-1835