Clipping vs Fitting Fees

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wunschelranch

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Sep 24, 2014
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Hi guys - first time poster.  Have been searching the forum trying to find my answer, so I apologize if this is a repeat.  We are pretty new to the show ring with our kids, but are trying to learn to do things on our own so we don't have to forever pay someone to fit for us.  Have some folks we've been acquaintances with fit for us (they fit professionally) and have had a heck of a time getting pricing from them.... we get a lot of "whatever you think is fair."  Being new, we really don't know the answer to that question, would love to just know a price list for clipping/fitting/working etc. 
 

shortybreeder

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Feb 23, 2015
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476
I believe big time show herds  (such as Cates or CYT in shorthorns) usually have a note in their catalog that they charge something like $10/day to stay in their show barn (which I believe includes feed, but I'm not 100% sure on that) plus $100/day at the show for all the clipping/fitting/etc. These are usually all-inclusive fees unless an unexpected vet bill shows up, then that's on the owner. I'm interested to hear everyone else's opinions on what's fair though
 

vc

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Jul 24, 2007
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So-Cal
We were charged $100 for the clipping and $50 to $100 for the fitting depending on the calf, that was a few years ago. We supplied the product.
Now as far as the fitting it may have taken 20 minutes but how many people were on that calf, one or 4?
It seems a little steep for what you have described, I've been hit with some surprises before, it comes as a little bit of a shock sometimes.

Get your kids to the clinics, have them there when the calves are clipped and fitted, they need to watch, ask questions and learn so they can do it them selves, much cheaper that way. If they get good enough at it, they will be asked to help out at the shows and make a little money on the side as well.

You are helping pay for the fitters travel, beer, room, beer, food, beer, clipper blades, and beer in those fees.

I will add that I have know people who have flow the breeder out to fit for a big show, payed for the flight, hotel, food, did not pay for fitting. Not to many places like to clip on cattle they did not sell, and if you payed good money for a calf, you want someone on it that wants it looking its best when it counts.
 

GoWyo

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Nov 29, 2008
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Wyoming
It isn't the time spent fitting at the show that is most important, but the product.  Did they look as fit as the other cattle the crew was fitting?  Did they glue and build the legs?  If you don't have an agreement on price up front, then you will probably have to pay whatever is charged as long as it is in the ballpark.  This sounds a little high, but probably lands somewhere in the ballpark.  Next time it would be better to get an agreement up front.

I know some fitters that won't be seen fitting on a critter that doesn't have a chance of getting to the backdrop no matter how much someone would pay them.  They can stand around for 3/4 of the day, but they are "booked up."  Having a potential winner makes it easier to find fitters and you can negotiate a better price.
 

Cham2135

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Jul 29, 2013
Messages
91
When we buy our show calves, our guy has a mark up on them to cover help at shows. This includes clipping before shows, hoof trimming, fitting at shows, and feeding/showing advice.
Depending on the show he factors in travel, hotel, food, and of course fitting.

Also to give a different perspective, my brother fits for a handful of families. He usually charges 30-50 per leg depending on the circumstances.
 

Tallcool1

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Jun 21, 2012
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969
We typically have the people we bought the calf from help us, so for the most part we just pay for chemicals and I will usually feed their entire crew.

If I take a steer to someone for clipping, and that someone isn't the guy the steer came from, I will usually pay $100.  Most of the time they try to tell me that is too much, but I won't let them do it for less.  It always works out in the end.

I like the post that someone made regarding publishing rates right in the sale flyer.  It sure makes it easier.

 

Mainevent

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Mar 27, 2010
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Decatur Texas
Charges usually vary for me. 100 is the flat rate for just a calf, now does that one kick? Did you attempt to keep the calf calm ex. scratching the calf? Was the calf dirty, wet or any number of other failures on your end. The price can go up depending on you in my mind. Then depending on how much work I need to do when fitting on show day the price is a 100 or less.
 

Barry Farms

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Jan 21, 2013
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456
Location
North East MO
On the steers I sell I do it for free. On calves for my friends I just ask for a little food  (lol). And for show me select heifers where I just do the head and tail I get close to $10 / head and I like to get about $50 for clipping and $25 for fitting. I am not a professional lol but I am also still in high school so time to learn.
 

Bradenh

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Jan 10, 2010
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2,646
Location
Central Texas
I usually go 50 a head to clip prior to the show if travel is covered and I have a place to stay

And then 125 if fitting the whole calf on show day

Double if I get connected on a kick and I've gotten as much as 600 dollars on slicking one particular steer dcc show cattle will testify to that one

It was a bad day and I wouldn't do it again for a million
 

ilovecows

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Nov 27, 2015
Messages
14
In my experience with fitters they charge about $120 to clip and $90-$170 to fit, the price varies per animal an if you are supplying the fitting products or they are (I am in California so prices might be higher). There are fitting and clipping clinics available to go to, Sullivan's is probably my favorite, they're a great learning experience and lots of fun!
 

DSC

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May 3, 2007
Messages
285
We charge $150 per head to clip and $150 per head to fit, plus travel expenses if we aren't already there or if they bring the calf to our barn. If they are bought from us it is always free.
 
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