I think I am goin to have to re-evaluate my price list. I've been sitting at $285.00 for a Whitetail Shoulder Mount for the last 3 years. The year befor last GR Taxidermy moved thie price up from $350 to $400. This year SW Taxidermy moved up from $310 to $360. I hate to do it but I think I am going to have to move my prices up. I'm only thinking bout moving them up $15 bucks. I don't feel the need to move up $50 bucks. That will put me up at $300.00 for a Whitetail Shoulder Mount. I am also thinking about sending a few capes out to get tanned because I think it will save me some time since I work a full time job.
I hate to do it becaus I have put a few price lists up already and have handed some out to my customers, but I can't loose money. I have no problem giving them a mount for $285 if they have picked up or I have given then a price list with that price listed in it. I was going to move up to $300 last year but I backed out at the last minute. I just don'twant to piss off anyone. What do you all think? Do you think it is to late to move my prices up this season? Thanks for the input.[/align]
I live up in Montana I can get anb elk done for just over $400.A buck is only $250. I am not sure where you live but I can tell you I will never pay 400 for a deer mount.But if the people around you will pay $400 I am very sure if you are as good as the $400 guy.I know the people will pay $300 any day.
The Going rate is $400 michelle, so if someone doesn't want to pay that, let him do it himself.
Shipping is up, supplies are up and labor which is hand labor is up, that is what people don't realize the work is done by hand with a few hand tools, there is no deer mounting machine, that you stick a deer in one end and comes out the other.
I don't see that any quality taxidermy can be done for $250 for a deer head and $400 for an elk, why supplies to mount and elk can run you $300, something is not right in Denmark,LOL
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"Blessed is He who Comes in The Name of The Lord"
Thanks Alex, I think I will go ahead and raise it the $15 this year to make it an even $300 and than sit down next year and evaluate my price list again.
As for getting a Elk Mounted for $400 I haven't herd of a price that low. Heck let me lay out the cost off the top of my head real quick.
Thats just for materials. You have to take into consideration Labor, Electric bill, Water bill, Rent, etc, etc. The taxidermist that mounts your Elk must not be worried about making a profit because he isn't making one.
Its quite simple...prices have climbed steadily for us and we havent raised our prices always, as the suppliers held theirs too. Now that things are this high, anyone with a lick of sense is adjusting. Its good to feel bad about having to do so, as we as taxidermists value and appreciate our customers, but you know what? Our good customers know and understand. The thing that varies is regional. The fellow above said hed never pay $400 for a mount. In most areas, you could never get one done that cheap. It just varies. Guys who could not justify spending much more then that are who keep those taxidermists busy. In my area, Im charging $550 and cant keep up with the work. My friends in Jersey are getting $575 and up and are too busy at THAT price.
The main thing is, give them their money's worth. I couldnt do all the deer that get killed around me anyway, so I just do a great mount for those who hire me, and I dont look past that.
I know the going rate for a shoulder mount in southern Michigan is about $400. I'd be pleased as peaches to get a good shoulder mount for $300. But then again, its all what you're used to.
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Whack'em and Stack'em
Bang'em and Hang'em
Chill'em and Grill'em
WOW i wish i could pay $300 for a shoulder mount. Where i live in Iowa the taxi where i take mine to gets $550 for a whitetail shouldermount. I dont really mind paying it though because he does AWESOME work.
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I took the switchback xt challenge, then i bought a hoyt.
Bill what the market supports. You are providing a skilled, professional service. Some of us can't afford taxidermy work, but the solution isn't for taxidermist to starve.Even figuring a 2% increase in inflation on an anual basis (and we know inflation is higher than that), you should be charging over $300 without an increase in profit.
I hate to do it, but I think it's tme....
