What's a fair amount to give for learning?

At our State Associations show, we auction off a day in the shop with a pro, these one or two day classes auction off at $250 to $500 and up depending on what the pro is offering.

 

I just paid $550 for a 10 hour class with a top pro and it was worth every penny.

 

About the same here at our auctions.
I spoke with 2 other taxidermist that give lessons and was told $250 a day. I'm beyond the beginner level and just wanting to fine tune for comp, the experience level didn't matter, cost was the same. One told me that I would get more out of a day lesson since I was not a beginner.

 

Generally, I would say the cost of one of his duck/pheasant mounts. Essentially you will be taking away one of his "work Days" so you should compensate him for that. Especially if you plan on leaving his studio with a mount. The cost to have done that mount would be the amount you should pay.

That is how I do my classes. You basically pay for the mount and do it yourself.

Jon~

 

Jon, I never thought of it like that. That seems like a fair way to figure price.

 

Frank gets 6 bills a day, put you up and feed you. You walk away with a beautiful bird and get to view an awesome gallery.

 

I sometimes give one-on-one lessons on weekends and I charge $550 for the 8 hour lesson. Incredible that people want to learn how to wrap bodies and make body casts the way we did it in the old days...lol Good luck JL

 

First, what does "not to worry" mean? Is he saying, it's free? pay me later when you have money?
If he meant come and learn for free, then be willing to receive. Later on maybe you do the same, teach another person free of charge.

 

Put yourself in his position. If you tell someone "I'll teach you and in turn you take me to dinner", would you be wanting to receive more?

 

beagle77, I would at least offer the $$ also. He can always refuse it but it might make him more likely to help later down the line if you need it. Also, I'd send a nice "thank you" card/note also. But that's me.

 

I am very fortunate to be friends with some of the best, friends and taxidermists, and I trade sweat for learning. One that I consider a real good friend said he would teach me as long as if someone asks I teach them. But I always felt he was getting the short end, so I have been helping him build his new showroom. The other day he asks if I needed some money cause gas was so high, I asked how many gallons of gas did it take to by a friend. If the guy says don't worry about it, then don't worry about it. Offer but don't push.