Alumiloy??????

[Leefy]

Had a guy call yesterday(Saturday), up in my area on vacation and drug his pontoon logs while coming out of a gas station and had holes in the bottom. Wondering if I could fix them for him. I say sure, no problem (never say that again I will remind myself daily). He brings the unit out then tells me that oh by the way, he tried to fix it himself with alumiloy. By the time I got all of his junk ground out and heated out of the logs so I could get some 4043 to flow in, sent way more time than the job was worth.
Charged him $75 but hey, I got a $5 tip. Not bad for 5 hours work, but since I'm new to tig it is a learning experience. He spent more on the alumiloy than he spent with me and had he not used it, I would have done the job for $50.

Anyway, he said I saved his vacation with the kids on a lake and fishing and swimming for the week. That is worth something and just like anything else in life, education costs. Leefy:)

[Showdog75]

Why did you sell yourself so cheap ? Time is money and when I screw up I always seem to pay top dollar when someone else fixes my mistakes. If I spent 5 hours he'd have payed a minimun of $250 if he was nice and more if he was impatient .

[Desertrider33]

Glad it worked out for you, but that is way to cheap. Do yourself and the rest of us who weld for a living a favor and raise your price.

[SundownIII]

Leefy,

I agree with others. Way too cheap. You can be a "good guy" and still be compensated adequately for your services.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. NEVER attempt an aluminum repair with Alumaloy (or any similar product) if you think you're ever going to need to do a "proper" repair. I've had nightmares from that stuff.

Probably (and not seeing the job) I would have just cut a thin sheet of aluminum large enough to cover the damaged/contaminated area and welded it in rather than trying to deal with getting all that crap out.

[Aerometalworker]

Yep, Wayyyy too cheap. You are the "buddy" that everyone always tells me about when they say: " Well thats too expensive, a buddy of mine will fix it for $50 ". Yep aggree on the alumicrap filler........or I call it flea-market gypsy rod.

[FusionKing]

Yea what they all said...but you prolly knew that anyways.
And also no offense but considering the fact that you are sorta new to this and all it might only have been worth $50.


Laying on yer back trying to focus.


welding on used corroded aluminum.


trying to make something out of 2 mistakes in a row.


Welcome to my world;)

[FusionKing]

Here's a shot of doing exactly what Sundown described...it's a shot of my wonderfully gifted helper doing what he does best...imitating me:D




http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo227/FusionKing/100_0130.jpg

[kcstott]

I realize you are new but don't loose your shirt to people like that. You will never get those five hours back nor be paid correctly for them.
Stick to your shop rates and never vier from it. charge a two or three hour minimum if you want to give someone a flat rate.

[Leefy]

Well guys, I didn't intent to make anyone upset about the charge. The job was only worth $50 - $75 and I know experienced welders could have had it completed in 1/2 to 3/4 hours. Since I'm new to tig I wanted to see if I could ever get the junk cleaned up and lay the 4043 in there. It worked and I learned from doing. That was the only intent I had in stating how long it took me. I should have laid a patch over it and I would have but I didn't and that is why I spent the time. I have been self employed all of my life and believe me, there aren't any people in my area that will tell you that I am too cheap. I guess that is why I could retire at 55, so I guess I do know how to price. The job was worth what the charge was. You can't bill extra when you are learning. That is what this post was all about.

Sorry I upset the apple cart with my pricing. Learned a lot from doing and learned I should keep my mouth shut. My apologies to all.

[bear]

If that's what the job was worth to you fine. If the guy can get more business for you thats good too and if you can give a slight break to him for it that's good too. Advertising comes in many forms a good job done at a decent price is often a good way to drum up work. Just don't short change yerself on the really bad jobs take all the market will bear.

[SundownIII]

Leefy,

I don't think anyone was "coming down on you" for what you charged.

I think most accepted the fact that you were "doing the guy a favor".

Being a former business man, I'm sure you understand that it's not always how "hard" or "long" you work that establishes value. It's having the knowledge, and equipment to get the job done.

I agree with a couple of posters who commented that doing a good job for a "very reasonable price" can be good advertising. Just be careful that it doesn't set the tone or establish you as a guy who "works cheap". Hope you can understand that.

One thing I do know a little about (been in the marine business for a long time) is that there are cheap boaters and there are those who money doesn't mean a lot to. They all, though, understand that boating is an expensive hobby and generally an owner pays well to enjoy it.

Good Job. Glad you learned a lot from it. We're really not a bunch of "money mongers", just a bunch of guys looking out for another one of "us".