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Price Point

Ok, I took one of my cbg to work to show a guy that plays a guitar and I had 5 differnet people, one was my boss all wanting to know how much I would sell my cbg for. I took it to show my mother-in-law, she posted it on facebook and people are asking like crazy.

What is a average price people sell them for, I'm finding in my area there is alot of people that have a interest in buying one. Cost to make is around $35, I can make it in about 4-5days with the staining the wood, room to breath, glue to dry, etc.

I don't want to say somthing to high were no one wants them but I don't want to price them so low either.

I was thinking around $100 for a regular cbg and one that I add more stuff maybe around $150, is that to high or low?

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Permalink Reply by jabes on June 3, 2012 at 2:24pm

re the jewelry in the 70s

i started making stuff after a short course in making pieces, i was suprised at what was offered for bespoke items.

i never kept it up tho' , had a family to enjoy..:)

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Permalink Reply by Don Barnhill on June 3, 2012 at 2:35pm

Yeah Jabes, it was hard work in the I was staying up at night to get stuff done. Casting and smithing taught me a lot but I'd rather be making musical instruments! More gratifying than jewelry manufacturing!

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Permalink Reply by Josh Thompson on June 1, 2012 at 8:21am

Thanks everyone. I am working on a website now so I can show pictures, sound clips or video and I really like your idea John, I'll put people's comments on the website so others can see how they are enjoyed.

Thank you again for all the great input.

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 1, 2012 at 9:34am

Putting a price on your work can be hardest thing - one thing is for sure, only sell your stuff it it's playable and won't fall apart. I've seen guitars sold at almost give-away prices, but totally unplayable and really shoddily made - there's a huge difference between an instrument being charmingly rustic and being an unplayable heap of junk. This does the seller and the CBG movement no favours at all.

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Permalink Reply by Vick Griffin on June 1, 2012 at 4:41pm

I bought one real cheap once and had to tear the damn thing apart and put it back together. Still don't know why I did that (bought one, that is)...

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Permalink Reply by L.J. on June 3, 2012 at 12:05pm

When I started selling them I was mainly just trying to get money to buy tools and supplies to build more. Not to mention my wife didnt appreciate them piling up around the house. I sold the first couple for around 50 bucks. Because back then thats what people were doing on ebay. The next thing I knew I was working to build CBG's for people instead of me. It became more like work than fun. I raised my price to 100 dollars. And the same result. I was still pushing myself to get builds done for others instead of me. I was spending 20 to 30 dollars in parts and approximate 10 hours of building time. So here I was making about 7 dollars an hour and not doing something I loved anymore. I couldnt improve the builds, like add fretboards and inlays because the price didnt allow. As I built up the power tools I needed. I started to steamline the process and build 4 at a time. This was helpful when it came to the neck finish, headstock and tuner work, and different sanding levels (grits). This probably improved my build time but I never kept track after the early builds.I found myself working like a assembly line and not finding the early enjoyment I once had. I decided to start doing the things I wanted to do. No more 7 dollar an hour job. But do what I loved and do it for me. If i had instruments to sell fine. If I didnt I could pass them on to a buddy, or guide them to build one themselves. I ask 150.00 and up for my fretless 3 strings now. And I only sell what I am willing to give up. I would rather gift them or trade a friend for his than turn it into a job. I started building fretted instruments and I wont let one go for less than 300. Havent sold any so far!!!! But I did pay for a 300 dollar home inspection with one when my inspector said Ill waive the bill if you give me one of those guitars. I dont build as often as I like these days but when I do I keep it interesting and fun for me. I am much happier this way. Asking 100 to 150 isnt bad on any level of build as long as its solid and playable. Just dont get yourself in the position I found myself in. Let the intrigue, love and addiction be your guide not the money. Unless your looking to run a business. Good luck on the business part of this thing we love so much. Its very hard to make a buck on any craft.Especially when you start shopping your competitors. There is always the new guy selling his CBG junk or not for pennies on the dollar. Or the guy that is retired, has all day to tinker, and could care less about what he makes. You also have the burden of trying to sell something that gives so much more pleasure if you build it yourself.

I am not a newbie, Ive been doing this for years. I am trying to give you the best advice I can offer. This has always been a friendly,helpful community. And I wanted to point this issue out to you before you get into the rut I found myself in.

Just make sure you keep it fun for you brother.. Youll get a lot more out of it if you always make that your 1st rule.

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Permalink Reply by Don Barnhill on June 3, 2012 at 2:59pm

Based on design, quality and playability!

Let see, 10 -30 hours building time (or more) at ten dollars an hour! Hmm? Plus parts...$35-65 dollars..times four-the cost of materials. $140.00+ base models - $260.00+ for more advanced models - $500.00 & up for exotics.

Some luthiers can get thousands of dollars for their ukuleles that have less of a neck than these cbg's!

I have an idea! Based on design, quality and playability, let's everybody globally raise the prices on these instruments to what they're worth! Wouldn't that be nice. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by L.J. on June 3, 2012 at 4:38pm

That would be awesome. I would love to see that happen.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Petry on June 3, 2012 at 6:40pm

Glad I'm retired and not wanting to sell my builds, as LJ said keep it fun. I have found over the years that anytime you take something you do for fun and turn it into a job, you tend to end up disliking the work. If you are doing it because you have a passion for the build, be it a car, an airplane, (yes, done that too), or a CBG you won't make anything near what you can in a "real job". I'm starting my 4th build, (2nd CBG) and don't intend to sell it or any that I build. They are like children, not for sale, though I may give some away in the future. :)>