A question for all experienced shapers… how many boards did you make before shaping for someone else (i.e a custom). Reason being, after my seventh board I have had a few of the guys I know ask about making them one, however I’m not sure if I’ve got enough experience (been surfing for over 20 years, shaping for 4 or 5).
If your mates are willing to pay for a board from you then hey why stop them. Obviously you will have to charge them accoriding to the quality. Basically if you hold up a board in the shop next to yours and the quality is as good or better then you can sell to outsiders(non freinds and family)Selling to freinds and family will keep you shaping and sponsor a board or 2 of your own.
Keep well
Have you seen the pic of my 13’ stand-up paddle board I’m making? It’s my first board, not even complete yet and I have an order for another (much to Ambroses dismay) and a maybe for a second order.
(Don’t worry Ambrose, I’ll include a copy of the “private property” thread as mandatory reading with each order. Maybe it’ll bring my grade up? Huh?)
How good are your boards? And how Close are these friends to you?
Last summer I made my first custom order for a good friend of mine. I have a little more experiece than you but was hesistant like you and at first was rather nercous about the process. But the board came out great and my budddy was rather stoked on it. sadly though he does not ride the boarrd as much as I would like but that is the chance you take.
Since then i have shaped two other custom orders and a fourth is in the works.
Just explain to your friends your position and if you don’t feel that confident but still want to do it…then charge them materials only. Your time, while valuable, will be spent doing something you love, so the experience and the joy you will get out of seeing a buddy with your creation in the lioneup will far outweigh a few hundred dollars profit that you could make.
You should definitly do it. A chance like that does not come all that often and you should take it. it will help you grow as a shaper and will be a very rewarding process.
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Good advice from everyone above.
How many is not really the issue here. Your friends are interested because your boards are obviously respectable.
Meet them halfway, give a good deal, and make a little money for your effort. As long as they know what they are getting, and know that they are part of your learning experience, you will all be happy.
The practice is invaluable, and if they are willing to give you feedback, they help you make their next board better.
That’s what friends are for.
trying to figure out the Inline image attachemnt. Seems that the Safari browser don’t work.
Anyhoo, these are images of a few friends who were stoked to get a custom board shaped and glassed by me.
my board count is low to so what i have done in the past is when ever takes interest in one of my boards i take them surfing with me before i sell them one. this was they get an idea of the quality of the boards and then i can see the ability of the surfer. andi can build something that will fit there surfing ability.
howdy Gill,
If they(the guys) are asking then you are ready to charge for your work, remember, don’t give this skill away cheap, charge what you think your worth than add a little more, they will still be getting a “deal”.
knowledge+skill+time=?
Everybody wants a “deal”, so make sure they understand costs, but most of all make sure they understand what you believe your work is worth.
I believe if you are reading this site and have produced 7 boards and people are starting to ask than go for it.
Good luck!
cperry
I charge a six pack of beer plus materials. If it’s a good friend I’ll laminate it otherwise they take it to their own glasser or I’ll take it to a glasser. I don’t get involved with all that sticky, itchy stuff for just anyone. I was told to shape 100 then charge what they are worth. Might take me 200. Alas, demand for my boards remains low. I’m on board 30. mike
Thanks guys, appreciate the advice and will go for it. However, Rooster, I’ll charge a bit more than a 6 pack as I spray and laminate,etc. Will post the pics of the boards as I go.
hey Craig, i think you should do it man, i’ve seen your boards and i think they are good enough to sell. i am stoked everytime i run into you at the Hole and get to see what you’ve been up to boardwise and hear what plans you have. after seeing what you did to that GW longboard a couple of years ago i reckon you could even take on restoration work for others (wanna start with the bistro??)
might see you soon, luke
one.
Herb
Maybe i am back to front but i shaped a couple hadn’t glassed them as i was the only guy doing this for 400kms, a guy said can you make me one , I hadn’t made one for myself yet, so cost plus a slab of beer and the rest is history . I am up to about 90 -95 boards now . my neighbour complained about dust yesterday . I feel if your confedant take a leap of faith if there not good enough you will find out soon enough.