We do a lot of marine work and use what Peter mentioned above a lot. I also have figured for my area that 30-40 cents a square inch depending on patterns is where I need to be. This of course can vary by your local market.
As with anything if it is not what you normally do it will take a little longer than the stated times. Plus the wet and mold and bugs, associated with boats
Matt, That's a really interesting Idea. Ive never herd of anyone quoting by square inch. Do you find it works well? How do you adjust for interiors with lots of top stitching?
It does work pretty well for me John. I had trouble when I first started coming up with a consistent way of pricing. I adjust the square inch price depending on the amount of stitching, the more elaborate or detailed the higher the cost. It also helps to know what the bottom line is or the no way point. Customer will want to haggle or get a deal so I known where the point is that its hard to make any money.
Matt, is that 30-40 cents a sq in for everything? Panels, seats, flooring? Do you calculate your area by the amount of material used or do you actually measure each seat and panel?
Pretty much just seats, definitely not flooring but similar for panels. I do not use this for captains chairs either. For me its figured on removing hardware, staples, old vinyl, steaming foam, patterning, sewing and getting it back on with new scrim and hidem if it had it. So panels wouldn't be the same but its a place to start. Just like captains chairs are more work I adjust if there is more work for french seams or what not. I measure the piece, length and width not the material yardage.
I needed a way when I started keeping my pricing consistent. This is what I came up with and just adjust from there. It does not include removing pieces more cash and carry.