Blacksmith Plans and Planning

To be able to produce a finished work that is either to a commission specifications or which a sellable, the Blacksmiths needs to be more than just an expert metal worker. Of course his skills are important in the quality and value of the finished product, but to be able to work to his best and be sure that he is making a profit on the project, the blacksmith needs to be able to plan his work and expenses. If the Blacksmiths is producing works for sale he needs to:
· Know what are the market rates for equivalent goods
· Ensure that he can match these rates while making a profit for himself.
· Plan on what will make his product unique so that it stands out and attracts customers.
It is the second of these issues that is the most complex and requires a certain amount of both technical and business knowledge.  What is given below in regard to blacksmith plans for commissioned projects will also apply in this case. Commissioned projects are much more complex and require careful planning before they are quoted for and executed. Before undertaking any commissioned project the Blacksmith should ensure that he has planned for taking care of the following issues.

· Study the project in carefully. The devil is always in the details. A slight misreading of the metal specifications or the dimensions will not only cause you to offer a wrong quote, but, if the quote is accepted, cause the final product, on which you have spent so much time, effort and money, to be rejected.
* The input of materials is one of those costs that you need to be very familar with as if you are wrong, this can throw off your bid or even if its a long term project prices can go up on your materials. Many clients may resist this, but you can tell them that you will show proof of escalation, if any, and this will not be add your profits.
· Estimate the time you will require for the project. Your time is valuable and every hour spent on the project which is not charged for is a loss. You could have done something profitable in that period. Its best to always have in mind your competition because that is who you will be quoting against and you will need to keep your time frames as tight as possible.
· Plan your around your other work and projects, adjusting them if needed and if possible, to ensure that you are able to meet the deadline you have offered or the client has demanded.
· If the project involves any work that you cannot do yourself but have to sub contract, ensure that your planning includes both the cost and time required for the sub contracted work.
· Depending on the type of project, make detailed drawings or diagrams and have these approved by the client so that there is no misunderstanding of what the finished product will be or will look like.
· Prepare your own time chart for completing the project with stage wise milestones so you are able to ensure that your work is progressing on schedule.

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