Last week I had contacted a tannery in central Michigan regarding the cost for tanning a bear cape for a bear shoulder mount. I explained that I was a beginner working on my own bear. I was quoted $42.00 over the phone. A few days later I dropped off the cape and was told the fee would be $84.00. I was told the higher fee was because I did not have a taxidermy license. Is it common practice for tanneries to charge a higher fee to a customer that does not have a taxidermy license? I dont recall ever hearing of this practice before. Thanks Mike
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won't even accept work from people without letterhead invoices or business cards or copies of business licenses. Each one works differently and tanneries need to be sure they are dealing with reputable persons/companies who understand that the tanneries will not be responsible if the work goes south on them.
George thanks for the reply on my question but it seems to me that its common knowledge (and its written on the reciept)that tanning is done at the owners risk because the tannery or taxidermist cannot guarantee that the skin was handled properly in the field. My taxidermist does not charge me a higher fee because he doesnt know me or how I handle my hides. In my case I guess I will apply for a taxidermy license so I dont have to pay the higher fee. I guess I am most disapointed because this tannery did not explain the price difference to me on the phone. A 100% increase is pretty steep. Thanks again Mike
George thanks for the reply on my question but it seems to me that its common knowledge (and its written on the reciept)that tanning is done at the owners risk because the tannery or taxidermist cannot guarantee that the skin was handled properly in the field. My taxidermist does not charge me a higher fee because he doesnt know me or how I handle my hides. In my case I guess I will apply for a taxidermy license so I dont have to pay the higher fee. I guess I am most disapointed because this tannery did not explain the price difference to me on the phone. A 100% increase is pretty steep. Thanks again Mike
When you walk into a restaurant, you're seated, you order, you eat, and THEN you go up and pay the bill. There's some expectations of service, but the restaruanteer takes it on faith that you will pay te bill when you're finished. Tanneries are the same way, but bad experiences with bad customers have led them to believe that licensed taxidermists share a common bond with them and will understand that they must pay for good and bad skins alike. Explaining that to a non-taxidermist can get tricky. But I agree, in this case the tannery could have informed you, but did they have anyway of knowing you WEREN'T a professional? Sorry about your experience.
My tannery does the same thing. It makes sense from my point of view as a licensed taxidermist. They charge the taxidermist one price and walkins a higher price.
Thanks guys for the input. I did explain on the phone that I had done only one other shoulder mount. I think the fee difference makes it tough for someone without a license to get started doing some practice heads. The practice deer can be done without the assistance of a tannery but my first tan at home bear proved to be a real challenge (due to shaving)and I wanted to end up with a better product this time around. Paying the entire regular fee up front might be a solution to people skipping out on their obligations. Im sure there is a logical reason for doing it the way they did it. Working in the construction business for several years I understand contractor discounts and maybe this is how I should view my recent experience. Great website. Keep the good info coming. Thanks Mike
i wonder what would happen in a state , and there are many of them, where ataxidermy license is not needed, nor is it offered by the state you are practicing in? Just curious!