Name:	Tall Cotton -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	10/21/2016 3:37:15 PM

For several years I have custom smoked meats for friends. I provide food at cost for all of our lake community meals that include BBQ. I have now been asked to expand some. One friend wants between 10 and 15 turkeys smoked for Thanksgiving and 3 to 6 briskets for Christmas. I can find prices online that appear to be outrageous, but I guess people pay those prices. I can buy turkeys for $1 a pound. I brine them for 24 hours. Smoke them, and then vacuum pack and freeze for delivery. Briskets run about $40 for a whole backer. I rub them, smoke, slice and vacuum seal them. What would you think is reasonable for me to charge for labor, time, supplies, and trouble?

Name:	Little Talisi -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	11/4/2016 12:04:59 PM

Just have gotten back on the forum and saw your post. I have experienced the same anguish that you are having and the simple answer is that you have been doing this for friends out of love and caring. There is no way you can put a price on your time and pride in what you do, the reward is often the thanks that you receive. The "friend" is asking for more than they should be asking for and placing the burden on you to put a price on the friendship.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	11/6/2016 8:41:14 PM (updated 11/6/2016 8:42:19 PM)

I would add the cost of....losses from no-shows, business license, liability insurance etc. and raise my prices by 50%. If you start charging the expectations and your customers will increase.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	11/21/2016 7:25:40 AM

Tall Cotton's BBQ.

Name:	Tall Cotton -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	11/22/2016 7:47:46 AM

Yesterday I delivered 10 turkeys, 4 turkey breasts, and two spiral cut hams, all smoked. Since I wasn;t sure how the hams would turn out I charged only for the meat. On the turkeys and breasts I doubled the cost of the meat. I don't know if that paid for my time or not, but it made people happy! Maybe soon there will be a Tall Cotton BBQ!

Name:	Rich -	Reply
Subject:	What would you think is reasonable?
Date:	11/29/2016 9:30:30 AM

We can always use another atery around the lake! Good luck.