Hi All,
I'm a full time web designer and part time taxidermist. I specialize in deerheads and don't really do waterfowl or birds. I have one ruffed grouse and 7 ducks of mine that I'd like to have mounted but I just don't have the time to work on them myself for no more than I know about doing birds. The ducks are in great shape: 1 pintail, 4 wood ducks, and 3 mallards. I'm wondering if someone would like me to build them a website in exchange for mounting these birds? Please contact me if interested and send me pictures of your bird work. Here are a few links to some of my web clients.
http://www.bloodbro.com
http://www.rapidriverknifeworks.com
http://www.ultimatefirearms.com
http://www.lonewolftv.com
Thanks for your consideration,
Jarrod
SW Michigan
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Jason from nuttyhost.com will set you up as website, a knockout one and host it, make changes and work his tail off for you 200.00 and that's for year hosting also
8 birds that's $25 a piece
WAY to Expensive, even fellow taxidermists don't want to pay so a guy can make a living.
Maybe your idea of a knockout site is different than mine but I've done this web stuff long enough to know that $200 won't get you squat in terms of quality, reliability, search engine rankings, maintenance, and professionalism. There are those that cut corners with cookie cutter site design and packages just like those in the taxidermy business. If he's doing it right, $200 is probably making that dude about $6 an hour so who's ripping who?
I value my work at more than that and I'd like a taxidermist who values his work too. This website offer I value at $1600...that's $200 per bird...and if I think the taxidermist's work is worth more than that, I'll adjust what I provide accordingly. The professionalism of your web presence speaks VOLUMES to your business and leads to MORE business and the ability to charge higher prices...I see this as a win-win. Sorry you took offense.
Jarrod
Satisfied Customer, I would like to see if you are willing to post your website's address so I can see what your $200 got you? I will do the same when I'm finished with the website for the person accepting my offer. Websites are very much like taxidermy. To those who do not know good quality, they are doomed to think all work is the same and bash those charging appropriately. I know what good taxidermy is and I know what good web design is. I'll be happy to explain what is wrong with those $200 sites if you post a link or two.
Jarrod
I am very satisfied with my site from nuttyhost. I do not get 200 per bird, I see this as not even close to whata Quality mnt. should draw. I don,t know who does your birds for that price but maybe you should look around a bit for a better mnt. My site is www.hoosiertaxidermist.com feel free to take a look and post your opinion here or send me an e-mail if you like. Don't know what an extra 1400 dollars could do that could justify the extra expense.
As a full time web designer you should know that Jason isn't doing this for the measly $200 bucks. But instead he's looking long term for the residuals he'll get from providing the hosting service.
You should also know your target audience. For what most (if not all) folks need in this field even a generic, "cookie-cutter" website will serve it's purpose (for most). And I would not consider Jason's designs "Cookie Cutter's". Somewhat generic, yes - but who cares? They serve their purpose...
Jeff, nice work! I did check out your site. I like your birds especially. You are correct, the best guys out there should be getting way more than $200 per bird, and like I mentioned, I'm willing to adjust accordingly based on the quality and value of the work. I did not say anyone I use was charging that, just that that was an average price I've found. There are some good guys whose wholesale prices are less than $200 and I'd swap for wholesale as well since I'm fine with airbrush work and habitat work.
Marty, call them generic, call them cookie-cutter, you've made my point for me...I did not know that the $200 is PER YEAR. That explains a lot. Sounds like this Jason does have a smart marketing approach. Get you in the door and charge $200 per year when he's basically hardly doing a thing after initial setup. My sites cost more up front because I build my sites in a way that the customer can maintain things themself with no web knowledge and not have to bother me with simple changes. My hosting is much cheaper too. I also offer functionality such as online stores, dynamic dealer searches by zip code, forums (such as this forum we're talking on!), database creation and more.
Very good point: A cookie-cutter/generic site is just fine for most taxidermists and there's nothing wrong with that. I tend to enjoy offering custom solutions to guys wanting something that separates them from others.
Honest opinion: Yes, some of the nutty host sites don't look bad at all! Most to me are quite hokey, for lack of a better word. But make no mistake they are all built with a templated system that makes for minimal setup time...charge a premium hosting fee on a site that has little maintenance and rest assured nutty host knows what he's doing. Have a client start calling him daily to make changes and updates and redesigns, and see how long that free maintenance lasts.
There will always be guys that do good work and underprice themselves, whether taxidermy or websites. Like you say though, Nutty Host knows what he's doing and he's hardly working for $6 per hour. His approach is just different than mine and catering a bit more to the majority of the target audience. My view is if you want to be viewed as one of the best bird (or whatever) taxidermists, your website should be one of the best.
Regards,
Jarrod
Jarrod! You need to read or re-read 50 CFR which relates to mounting of Migratory Waterfowl. Unless these are pen-raised birds-which I'm sure you wiil tell me they are,you could get in a heap of trouble with the Feds. I checked with them and this is considered bartering which is spelled out in 50 CFR. Just a heads up.
Jarrod, I'm impressed with your work and would be interested in your offer. The fact that you are very articulate and can spell to boot has sold me. I've been looking for someone to set up a website and am not very computer savvy so this sounds like a good deal if you like my birds. I also feel the same way about things you said. Contact me email or via phone 775-233-4540. thanks, aaron
Why is it illegal? If they're his birds he can barter for the service. It would be a different story if the birds were not his. Am I wrong here?
All Aaron would have to do is get all the info make sure they are tagged properly, put in the books what you are charging to mount all the birds. Jarrod would have his receipt that shows how much Aaron paid for his website. It is all good and legal, and is not considered bartering. talk to your accountant because your website can be a write off too!
John, Thanks for the heads up. I am aware of those laws and my accountant keeps me up on these things. They are my own personal ducks so it's no different than me taking them to a taxidermist and paying him, except we'll be cancelling out each others invoices.
If your a sole proprietorship, I believe only the actual costs incurred are deductible. Not your labor. BUT, on the flipside, you won't be claiming it as income so it's probably a wash. Now, once the "trade" is done any website costs are certainly deductible. But I don't think neither of you can deduct the labor portion of this potential transaction. Check with your CPA for clarification as I am not a CPA nor do I play one on t.v...
actually, designing a $200 website is big business for developers.. you just use the cookie cutter design and go.. you could create one start to finish in 2 hours.. however.. post your site up and then search "[your local big city] and taxidermy" if your website isn't at the top.. you paid $200 for something only your regular customers will know exists.. the website should draw other people who don't know about your business into it..
Jarrod, have yet to hear from you. Are you serious or only here to quibble. Would like to get started. call me at 775-233-4540.
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for the offer. I waded through several offers from some good folks and have already selected someone. Keep in touch for a possible future offer (send samples) or let me know if you'd like a quote on a paid site.
Best,
Jarrod