I know this is a vague question, but as I am considering someday making my hobby into a full time business, I wonder what kind of workload a person can keep up. Really there are a lot of questions that must be asked first. How much business can an area provide? I know a guy in my area who won't take anymore work this year. Is it because he doesn't need the money, or doesn't have the freezer space? Or maybe he just doesn't have the heart to tell his customers that they will get their deer head back in 2-3 years. The typical deer head goes for what $250 and of that about $150 is all you get for your time. And of course the quality needs to be there to draw in the customers but I think my work is pretty good and hope to get more practice this fall (even if I have to mount a couple does). I guess a lot of people keep busy by doing wholesale and commercial work am I correct?
Thanks,
Jason
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Taxidermy, being the "ultimate artform" (after you're portraying
life), is definately the most underpaid form of art.
Being a full-time sign/advertising guy, I can tell you that
it would break your heart hearing the prices we get in this industry,
( c'mon....100 bucks for a simple boat lettering job which
is a total of 1 hours worth of work including travel?
Being a part-time taxidermist, I'm torn between the easy money in
this line of work and absolutely loving to mount these beautiful
creatures 60-80 hours a week.
My hat goes off to these people who have made a decent living.
There's not too many professions where you can be paid squat
for your time and still maintain the passion for your work..
well maybe teachers!
Jason,
Taxidermist can make a lot of money if you are in the right location. I am not and maybe this is just one thing to consider but I am now $5,000 in Debt to credit cards and to my family an other $5,000. I now work full time 8-9 hours a day then another 4 or 5 to tryand get the work in my shop done to keep my customers happy. I am getting very burnt out but I need the money to pay the bills. I would say that if you have a fair job now and realy enjoy doing taxidermy part time just keep it up so you will also be able to go out and hunt or fish when you want and not be straped to the work when deer seasons are here. Just trying to help you see the down side also, Josh.
I don't know about that "ultimate artform" stuff, but if you're looking to make windfall profits, open a rest home for old folks or become an undertaker. There's two jobs that will never fall short of turnover. 99,99% of taxidermists depend on true artists to sculpt a form that fits their particular animal, the hide is prepped and attached in some way. Still, our time should be worth at least $25 an hour, but since so few of us look at time as money, many undercharge their "competitors". Underpricing hurts everyone, yet no one wants to step up to the plate. Charge an honest wage for honest work and don't buy into these, "If I bring you TWO deer heads, what kind of deal do I get" schemes. Charge TWICE as much as a single. You can bet his plumber, his doctor, or his mechanic won't cout him a deal when he brings in twice as much work. Why should you? You'll never get rich at this, so if you have a day job with all the perks, stay there. If you've taken the leap, take a business course and see how to manage your money smarter. Use the best quality supplies and merchandise so you don't spend unnecessary time "making do", and then KEEP your prices up where you don't have to place hardships on your family. We've all been there and we made it. So can you.
It cost closer to $150 to mount a head, Gas, Elec, form, eyes, shipping, water, tanning, continuing education (seminars/shows/videos/magazines) what about replacemnet of worn equipment, freezers, airbrush, fleshing blades, needled, thread, then there is glue, you gonna go cheap and work more or spend the extra and be done with it. My accountant figures the production cost as $149.00.
Now for wages? what is your time worth? what about Federal taxes, I have witnessed many taxidermist skipping that, hey its 33% for federal alone, states gonna take another 15-25% so where does that leave you? For about twelve hours work you havejust cleared a whooping $4.15 per hour wow aint that great. NO RETIREMENT PLAN, NO PAID VACATION, holy smokes Batman no overtime either, since this is your over time wages, HOW you gonna take MOMMA OUT? Hey big spender looks like another romantic meals at Micky Dees or Burger Queen. Looking lovingly at your wife, "Honey, did you want cheese and bacon on that burger?" "Go large on that meal then I won't have to buy fries."
While some of this is just a little PUN, I see and know several Taxidermist that are that strapped and living from one deerhead to the next.
No think about this what happens when Junior breaks his leg playing tee-ball, you cant afford health insutance at those wages. Oh Shikes Momma needs a JOB! NOw who is goona take care of those kids after school? You buddy, you are already home working, you dont punch a time clock. Gotta go get Grandma's med's at the drug store you know she cannot drive. Oh' tomorrows her appointment in Tulsa at that Specialist, you get elected one more time to make the trip, "CAUSE YOU AIN'T PUNCHING A TIME CLOCK. The reletive ain't gonna pay you to take her either. So here we go what is yor time worth? You can work yourself into a grave and die broke, or raise those prices to cover the "WHAT IF'S"
Good luck
JOhn C
Is it all up to us as indivduals to set the standard? I still feel and I know most will disagree but, hey Iam a pollock... That the way supplies are sold to every Tom, Dick and Harry ,hurts the industry as a whole. What I don't understand is why some suppliers do not charge even higher prices to hobbiest. I just had two customers buy there deer head plaques right from McKenzie's. Heck I only add 20 bucks to my cost but guess what folks? MY cost is everyones cost! This in my eyes will always hurt the taxidermy industry as a whole.How can I make a profit when some can call up get a catalogue and pay my price for this stuff. Now please try to read into what I mean here! I do not mean that small time or hobby folks are not welcome , for sure they are but, they are not spendig and devoting there lives to this line of work. There is a difference here and if some can not see it get new glasses.Most business's buy from wholesalers.... I don't know about you but I do not know of one that sells taxidermy supplies. And if some start with < What we pay is a far price ... I agree But you are missing the point here. Its not WHAT We pay its how everyone in the world pays the same price! How can you make a profit that way?
Al, I do disagree with the suppliers hurting us professionals. Pep Boys, NAPA, Auto Zone, even car dealerships sell replacement parts to guys off the street every day. I sure hasn't stopped the mechanics from charging premium prices for their work. Lowes and Home Depot sell to contractors and do-it-yourselfers -same result. Until veterinarians got some of their way, Smith &Foster sold premeasured doses of medications to pet owners to save on vet bills. (No you have to have a pack of dogs to buy it, but you can still buy it.) Our industry is no different. If I get a guy who wants to mount his own, I give him this address and tell him to have a ball. He'll either become one of us, or quickly learn he'd rather pay someone else to do it. And most suppliers DO give me a discounted price when I order in bulk, en mass. I don't take advantage of it often enough, however, cause I'm a dumb Cherokee. I order what I need when I need it, but that's a whole 'nuther story.
Al,but,a carpenter can make my kitchen cabs. and pay same price for material(s) as I would.My guess is you can by engine oil cheaper than the garage machanic's suppliers.
I believe you have a good point about devotion and time spent in putting out ( with more and more aquired experience) a better(product). I have found this to be true, most people will not take the time to do their own taxidermy.IT's just a frig--around for them so they take it to the guy/gal who takes the time to do it. Just like I can change my own auto oil, but I don't.
I believe that most people can in some way learn and do taxidermy , just as any other craft can be learnt and practiced. Taxidermy is not rocket science. A neighbour of mine does moose and deer antlers on panels. He makes the panels himself. Makes the scull plate manikin with plywood and autobody filler. And the leather he gets at the local trift store, from second hand leather jackets. And he does a pretty good job, as the finished product is acceptable. His costs are way less than mine, as I purchase from taxi. suppliers.
We are buying supplies and forms that are for the most part pretty specific for our trade( I like the word "craft" too!) They are created buy great companies and artists. My hat goes out to all of them, truely. Like some one stated once ago what we pay for forms and such is really reasonable and I agree with that. Alot of these advancements have made us all better taxidermist and our jobs easier.
There is a difference here George, but I see where you are coming from. All the places you talk about are with in 15 mintues of my home, my supplier is 1000 miles away! You see the reason for the discount suppliers for what you are talking about is convienence and competion. The taxidermy industry , as far as supplies goes , has very little competion...simply put you pay the price or tuff. And like I already stated I don't have a problem with the cost just the feeding.
Gordon, I conquer about the wood working, some what. But there are more and more items being sold that are retail...with no way to mark up for profit.(atleast not with comfort of secure costs) I think if we where all buying blocks of foam from suppliers and not sculpted items I would see more of a comparison.
What to do... Heck Iam will just keep chugging along and go with the flow. But all in all it does make our proffesion some what less of one.......
If you are good friend with the Auto stor guys, youcan get the parts for a lot less than a walk up will pay.
I have a good friend that only does brakes, the cost for rotors from NAPA for my truck is $23.00 for MOOG brand rotors, I pay more than that at Auto Zone. SUre he is doing the brakes with NEW rotors with the MOOG lifetime warrenty, I would be stupid to do it myself with lesser quality parts.
I have always felt the taxidermy suppliers should offer a better discount to full time taxidermist, even though I mount several things per year at this time I dont qualify as full time by some people standards. So when I order items, I pay the higher price that comes with less QUANITY.
Try ordering 100 deer forms at one time and see what happens :)
The supply houses are never gonna set-up a wholesale-retail priceing schedule because they know a huge percentage of their sales come from hobbiest/part timers.Sure they could assemble a list of established,legitimate taxidermy shops and give them a better price,but how are they gonna prove you do have or dont have a legitimate taxidermy shop? They could'nt.I would'nt be suprised if half of their annual sales come from hobbiest/part timers(like myself).Cut 'em some slack,they've got employees with families to feed just like you and I.Just my 2 cents.Now...wheres tha Dave Belanger feller when you need him?LOL.
Your missing the point.... The prices they charge are fair... but last year I spent over
$20,000.00 with one company. They do know how much each and every shop buys. Next time you order ask them what your yearly sales are to date.If they can not tell you right away,for sure they could find out. Also I am not trying to give any one a hard time and I don't think John C or any one else is either. Just kind of telling it like it is. Don't you see they could make even more money off hobbiest and small part timers if the would really look at the whole picture. We are business owners paying full retail for our supplies... its really crazy when you compare it to other markets. Let me ask you , why couldn't we as business owners sell to the hobbiest? Let the suppliers sell to us and let us sell to the hobbiest. Then we all could have more of the pie... The suppliers would still make there money and we could make some too! I know I would invest in stock if I could make some more profit. Just think about it>>
I never thought about the wholesale problem. If nothing else full time taxidermist should not have to pay sales taxes. I'm not a business owner but I believe in many business, wholesalers ask for a tax exemption ID that is given to you when you get a business license so that you don't have to pay taxed on items which you will resell and tax yourself. Having a current tax exemption ID will prove you are a full time taxidermist. I know gun dealers will sell wholesale if you fax them your permits and business license.
I don't imagine I can make nearly as much in taxidermy as I do now in the telephone business but the telecom business is hurting pretty bad right now, and I'm not sure how much longer I will have a job. I'd like to be able to invest in some schooling so that I could learn some tricks for quality. But with a house payment, two car payments, wife in college, and kid in daycare. I'd have to mount about 400 head of deer a year.
Thanks for all your responses.
Jason
If you order from a out of state supplier you pay no sales tax.