[Jewelry making - Article 01584] - [Orchid] Skilled Crafts and Trades

[dan . wellman]

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Was: Comments from adults at shows

    Every Craft / Trade has it's own factors which determine the market
    value. I agree that the market value is depressed for Jewelers, only
    those who offer a preceived value greater than the ordinary can get
    more. Historically, there have been, and continue to be; very
    beautiful pieces made with only basic, primitive tools. Also you
    compete on a world wide scale. It is easy for someone in India,
    China etc. to make a piece and have very little investment beyond
    the materials. Whereas here in the US the overhead is a much greater
    burden. By adding a higher level of preceived value you can get more
    for a given piece. Do you offer the customer trust and a warranty?
    etc. I am thinking of the recent thread on returns. 

    Plumbers, electricians, etc. get paid that $100 to show up because
    they must bring their shop with them. They also can't be underbid by
    someone in India, China etc. And their competition probably has
    comparable overhead expenses. I suppose Lawyers get paid such high
    amounts because the client thinks they are worth it or that they
    have no choice. Lawyers and Doctors "practice" law and medicine.
    (Since when do Craft / Tradesmen get paid to practice if it goes
    badly?) 

    I know that in my field of HVACR (heating, ventilating, air cond
    refrigeration) there is a real shortage of skilled tradesmen. Some
    of the work I see appalls me. Then again, our "low bid" mentality
    encourages quick, sloppy work. I have known of a number of
    servicemen who have started a business and gone belly up due to the
    non payment by corporate bullies and even individuals. Usually
    tradesmen don't get paid for commercial work upon delivery. Then
    there is little leverage once the time is up to file a mechanics
    lien, unless you can afford a good attorney..... Outside of
    residential work it is almost exclusively done on "credit". 30, 60,
    90 days from billing. I am reminded of the other recent thread about
    gallery not paying.... 

    Just my 2 cents worth...You must "add value" if you are going to get
    paid what your skill and investment is worth. 

    Dan Wellman
    Speedway IN

    Where right now places to park an RV have a pretty good value.
    Sunday afternoon they won't be worth much at all. It's all about the
    market and demand.
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