(Too) big first order

[Starboard]

Hello,

I have started framing about 6 month ago as a sideline business. I have a Futura gold, but no Morso or underpinner - I usually bought my frames precut and assemble them with a small manual underpinner, which is fine for one-off jobs.

I now have a quote request for 100 pces plus of artwork, a business in the South-East – all the same glass size. I realise that "buying pre-cut" mouldings is not going to end up with a viable price point. This is a one-off volume order, bare bones decoration artwork, nothing fancy.

Would you bite the bullet an buy a second hand Morso and underpinner? Or do you think it is wiser to try and find and established framer who would be happy to cut and assemble the frames?

It is one thing to do orders with one or two pieces, this is production line stuff: probably not complicated, but "I don't know what I don't know".

Thanks

[JFeig]

If I were in your shoes, I would not accept the job. We do not know what the profit expectations or potential loss of money are for you.

You have to learn on other projects than a potential job from another person. What will happen if they are not happy with the quality of what you produce? Having the equipment is one thing, knowing how to use it wisely is another.

[Starboard]

@JFeig

Good question. Quality requirements are fairly low – this is a decoration for commercial premises and very cheap artwork. So hitting the quality specs should not be too hard.

Costs of material in USD would be probably around 17$. I am unsure how much time savings can be achieved on such a long run – compared to a one-off.

So all in, the is probably 2,000 USD investment before the word go.

Unless I can make this in a series of small deliveries – say, batches of 20, then client payment, to limit risk.

[prospero]

100 frames doesn't sound too excessive....But it's actually going to take much longer than you might think.
Even putting the hangers on will take all day and is very boring. Then you have to pack them all.

So make sure you charge enough.

There are 400 corners. 800 faces on the moulding.

With your setup I'd pass.