Pricing
Here's an example to give you an idea of what to expect based on an Eduard 1/48 Spitfire Mk.IXc. Of course, every kit is different and therefore each quote will be tailored to suit.
Cost of kit - £20
Kit built with a Clean paint finish* £250 (Time to build kit approximately 2-3 weeks**)
Kit built with a Weathered paint finish* £350 (Allow an additional week to finish**)
If after market sets are required (cockpit, engine, gunbays etc)*** - additional £100 + cost of parts
This means your Spitfire could cost from £270 up to £500 and anywhere in between, depending on the level of detail and waethering you require. This will be fully discussed with you to ensure you get exactly what you want for the right price.
To get a ballpark figure for your commision, use this form to me give details of what you require and I'll send you a price and approximate timescale based on that information. If you're happy with that, we can then go into greater detail about about the build that will result in an exact quote. If that's to your liking, a deposit will then be required that will be based on an amount that's just enough to secure the cost of the kit and any aftermarket sets.
Your build will be documented on a regular basis so you can see how it's proceeding. Once completed, you will be provided with ample pictures of the finished item for your final approval. Then and only then, will the payment of the balance plus the cost of shipping be required.
* Paints, glues and weathering materials are supplied by me and are inclusive.
** The actual time to finish a commission will depend on the scale and complexity of the kit. I will advise prior to the commencement of your commission what the estimated time will be.
*** If scratch-built detailing is required, additional time will be needed to carry out the necessary research and build the parts if possible. Again, this will be discussed with you prior to the commencement of the build.
Once your kit has been painstakingly built and finished to the highest standards, it then has to be shipped to you. With the best will in the world, this can be a risky endeavour, given the nature of the product and that breakages can occur with the slightest misstep. I will do my utmost to ensure the model is packed in such a way that this risk is reduced to the absolute minimum. Whatever I'm charged to ship is what I charge you. There will be a charge made for packaging, but again, what it costs me, it costs you.
A typical price to ship a 1/48 aircraft within the UK is around £20 and £40 to Europe. For the US and other continents, I will obtain a quote prior to commencing with the build so that you are aware of the total price from the get go.
Alternatively, if you use or are aware of a courier that you would rather entrust the safety of your purchase with, you are more than welcome to arrange for them to collect the item on your behalf in which case there will only be a charge for the packing materials.
However, I will personally deliver the item FREE to the areas shown in green. There's a £10 charge for the areas in pink simply to cover fuel. Outwith this area, I will only charge a measley 25p per mile up to a maximum of 100 miles from KY16. This distance will be determined by a Google Maps calculation that will be confirmed with you when the order is taken. This method will ensure your model reaches you in perfect condition as we will be the only ones handling it.
Delivery
How much a commission will cost will fluctuate greatly due to the huge number of variables involved. For example, you might think a 1/144 Spitfire would be considerably less expensive than the 1/48 equivalent. Not neccessarily. If the 1/144 requires extensive detailing and weathering like the example I show here, whereas the 1/48 is to be built Out-Of-Box and clean, then the smaller kit would take much longer to complete and therefore cost more in the end. It all comes down to what you want and how much you are prepared to pay. Rest assured though, I'll make sure you get maximun bang for your buck!
