What to charge

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petejc72

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Feb 23, 2010
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64
I have a guy wanting me to halter break and clip a few steers for pictures.  I have know idea what a fair price to charge would be?  I'll have them for about two weeks, any suggestions on a fair price to charge?  Thanks.
 
J

JTM

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I'd say your looking at a couple hours a day for two weeks. You could charge him around $10 per hour. So that would be about $280 for the two weeks. These are feeder calves right?
 

DLD

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Apr 15, 2007
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sw Oklahoma
Depends on a lot of things... How many calves?  Broke to tie, or ready to show?  Just a quick, rough clip job or will they expect you to work hair and clip them tight?  I'd say with that many variables, the easiest way to charge would be by the hour, as JTM suggests.  I'd take the $10 per hour as a starting place, but be sure you make it worth your while.  Also be sure to get all your expenses.
 

petejc72

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Feb 23, 2010
Messages
64
They are feeders and I'll provide feed.  At least half a dozen maybe 8.  The plan is to tie them up for a couple hours a day and rinse and blow half of them one day the other half the next.  Don't need to be clipped real tight.
 

DLD

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Apr 15, 2007
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1,539
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sw Oklahoma
I was picturing you going to the calves, not the calves coming to you.  In that case I'd say at least $40 - $50 a day plus expenses (feed, hay, any meds you might use, etc...).  I'd be tickled if I could find somebody I'd trust to do that for that price.
 

tcf

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Mar 12, 2012
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110
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
When I have broke cattle for others I charged $200/calf plus daily feed charge. This includes halter break, washing and clipping and labor. This is a starting price, I could see charging more if I do it again I would ask $350. May sound like a lot but think of the hours, time, kicks to shin, products you use and patience expended. JMO
If I were to then take them to a show or sale I would charge $75/hd/day plus expenses and board.
 

DLB

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Jul 8, 2008
Messages
247
I had a friends 2 sons (teenagers) break a heifer for me in January.  They charged $15/day which included tieing, rinsing, blow drying, working and feeding.  I left her there for about 3weeks...so came out to a little over $300.  I'll say this...when I picked her up she was show ready and is a big ol' black puppy dog on a leash.  The best investment I've made. 
 

petejc72

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Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
64
Thank you guys for the feedback!  Made it much easier to make sure we are both getting our moneys worth!
 
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