Why Bespoke Furniture Is More Expensive Than Mass-Produced Furniture And Why It Is Still A Fair Price - Part 2

In the last Blog post we had a look at important, but also very obvious factors that drive the pricing of custom made furniture. Now, let’s have a look at other contributing factors that are often overlooked.

Workshop space rental/maintenance

To produce a bespoke piece of furniture, having a dedicated workshop space is crucial. A well-equipped workshop offers the necessary tools and machinery needed to create quality custom furniture, and a consistent workspace allows for efficient production. A dedicated workshop also allows for greater flexibility and creativity, as the custom furniture maker can experiment with different materials and techniques without having to worry about disturbing others sharing the space. Most makers don’t have the luxury of having access to a place they already own and that can be converted into a workshop, so renting is often the only solution.

The costs of renting and maintaining a workshop space can significantly impact the pricing of a bespoke piece of furniture. The rental cost of a workshop space will vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the workspace. In addition to rent costs, furniture makers need to factor in maintenance and utility expenses such as electricity, heating, and ventilation.

Equipment costs such as chisels, saws, lathes, sanders and many others need to be regularly maintained to ensure they are functioning properly to create quality furniture pieces. All of these costs add up and must be incorporated into the pricing of a custom piece of furniture.

Tool maintenance

Well-maintained tools are essential for any carpenter or furniture maker, especially when creating bespoke pieces. Tools that are not well-maintained can cause mistakes and accidents, which can not only slow down the production process, but also result in injury.

Ensuring that tools are properly lubricated, sharpened, and calibrated can greatly improve their function and durability, allowing the craftsman to create high-quality pieces that meet the design specifications of their clients. Additionally, well-maintained tools require less time and effort to operate, ultimately increasing the efficiency and productivity of the entire process.

Tool maintenance costs can vary depending on the type and frequency of maintenance needed, as well as the number and types of tools in use. Some costs associated with tool maintenance include the purchase of replacement parts, sharpening stones or files, cleaning supplies, and lubricating oils. In addition to the direct costs, there may also be indirect costs related to tool maintenance such as downtime for tool maintenance and decreased productivity.

However, the investment made in keeping tools well-maintained can save a furniture maker money in the long run by reducing the need for costly tool replacements and repairs, and by ensuring that each tool is functioning to its full potential. Ultimately, the cost of tool maintenance should be viewed as a necessary expense to ensure the quality and accuracy of the final product.

Other overhead costs

Other overhead costs include expenses that are not directly related to the production of the bespoke furniture but are necessary for the business to operate. These expenses may include rent, utilities, insurance, advertising and marketing costs, employee salaries and benefits, and other administrative expenses. For example, if the furniture maker has a workshop where they make the furniture, they will need to pay rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and insurance to keep the facility running.

Overhead costs can have a significant impact on the final cost of the bespoke furniture. These costs are factored into the price of the furniture to cover the necessary business expenses that are not directly related to the production of the furniture. If the overhead costs are high, the furniture maker may need to charge more for their furniture to cover these costs and still earn a profit.

However, if the overhead costs are low, the furniture maker may be able to charge less for their furniture and offer a more competitive price. It is important for the furniture maker to carefully consider their overhead expenses when pricing their furniture and finding the right balance between covering costs and offering a fair price to customers.

Dina Halkett, Founder, Nettle & Bone Furniture