My cost accounting for painting materials agrees with the number Bob Freeman stated - just by themselves they are about $100 per frame (if I have the color already in stock). That is not counting my overhead expenses. In addition, keeping painting equipment working properly (sandblasters, compressors, cleaning the spray booth) requires more maintenance than typical machinery. It all adds up to a pretty significant bill before the first dollar of profit is made. One other hidden cost that hasn't been mentioned is the time it takes to deal with a customer. Most have a hard time when they come making up their minds about color choices. I'm sure at the very minimum it takes an hour and the average will be longer. I also budget a minimum of an hour for when they pick up their frame. It is usually a lot more. It is a hobby they want to talk about and I know that part of their expectation is an opportunity to share their enthusiasm with someone that has lots of knowledge. I don't mind this and it is part of the reason I enjoy what I do but from a cold bean counter point of view, it is unproductive time not making money.
Restating my original point I made in earlier posts, painting prices are greatly suppressed by the expectation of what is perceived to be it's value and what one is willing to pay. They are not based on cost of materials + overhead, etc. + what is a reasonable profit. That makes them a bargain compared to almost any other type of work done in the States.
I find the request for a basic single color paint job price amusing. I haven't done one of those in ages (expect for bikes I've taken to Ukraine). Nobody wants one and, if they did, they would likely get it powder coated instead. Actually I wish someone would. They don't take nearly as long and delivery time could be in days not months. Everyone wants something more special - decals, chrome masking, more colors, whatever. The only point I can see for wanting to know this is as a price comparison guide - which makes establishing that price a marketing strategy.
Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan USA