Im new at this and have a guy with a trout he wants mounted. What is the average turn around time on fish? Keeping in mind that I am a part time college student and also have a part time carpentry job. I was thinking if I told him a few months, that it would give me time to get everything situated for my business and to get all the necessay supplies...and hunting season is just 2 months away. For this fall the only time I will have for my taxidermy work is weekends and nights. So what do you guys think...3 months suffiecient allowing me time to get setup before I go to mounting? thanks.
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I have 6 months in my written contract, and I know of more than a few full timers who have a full year as a turn around time...eh? Of course you are talking one fish and these guys offer full service and do 50 fish or more a year. 3 months sounds like plenty for your circumstances.
I'm probably not one to give advice here because this is one aspect in my business where I could use much improvement on. It should be enough time, but why? Some good advice would be to put quite a bit of contingency in your turnaround time estimates. Within reason of course. But an average turnaround time on fish for most fulltime taxidermists (I'm guessing) is somewhere around 6-7 months. AVERAGE. Some things like sickness could come up, vacations that you forgot about, duck hunting, kidney stones, etc. that could throw a wrench or three into the equation. Plus, I'm not sure the level of your experience. What about an artificial head and size availibility and that turnaround time. WHat if an artificial head is not available, do you know how to cast it? IS it a LARGE salmon which might necessitate the casting of the tail and fins along with additional degreasing and drying times? Lots of variables. And most people won't bat an eyelash at the difference between 3 months and 6 months turnaround. And you're always better off finishing two weeks early vs. two days late!