armory pricing

[ztron24]

i was wondering what people think are average/fair prices for armory work, i.e. cleaning, rewiring, reel repair, etc. if anyone has a price list for that sort of thing a post of it would be much appriciated.

thanks in advance,
z

[CaptChris]

Normally, our coach just charges £5.00 for each repair job.

Eventually, it works out even, as some parts and repair jobs are more or less expensive than others.

You can usually ask a company what they charge for repair jobs. Just email them etc.

[DHCJr]

The problem with your question is that the Armoring community is we are very diverse. For some it is part of their livelyhood and for some it is for the fun of it. I come from the later group, but their are some things I just won't do. Not because I can't but it is not fun and money would not change that. For example, Bill Hall charges to rebuild a bib and I will tell you it is well worth the price.

For most things, on the West Coast we don't charge. For rewire, it's $5 plus parts, which is not a reasonable figure, but we like doing it. Most will charge more, but considering the work, it is worth it. For a reel or machine, usually around $25, but there are times if it is at a tournament, I won't charge. At most tournaments there is a tip jar and if we get out early enough one night we go to dinner or at least help with dinner.

I was in San Diego for a tournament on Sunday and I got asked to come by a collegiate tournament on Saturday. I repaired about a half-dozen reels and floor cords, but it was while I was doing nothing else. There are price lists out their, but the big item is how much are you willing to pay.

If you are willing to learn, help out at a major tournament. Most U.S. Armorers are very willing to teach.

[Purple Fencer]

I charge $5 plus parts on my repairs...and one some things i don;t even bother charging -- like stretching a spring or replacing a single screw...it's worth it as a loss leader.

(Yes...I'm aware this is my first post in a looooooooooong time)

Hi, Donald!!

[DHCJr]

There are a number of good Armorers who do charge and they are worth what they charge. Sam, Tim (Tim, I enjoy your children being around, but if I were a fencer, I want you working on the equipment not your children and get what I paid for) Bill Hall and others.

We are lucky in the U.S., we have more excellent Armorers than any other country. Not just per capita, but total numbers. I will reiterate this again, when you are at a tournament make use of the Armorers. When they are not swamped, get to know them learn from them and after they know you and that you can help, help out during control. You will gain more than you work.

Even after 30 years, I sometimes go to tournaments on my own nickle just to learn.

Sam, see I didn't compare you to a lawyer in your other post. Just kidding. I have always seen you give great value for the money spent.

[sallearmourer]

Donald all work that is done by my kids is personal insecption by me and the charge is different if the do the work but like I say I check there work. Except for the sewing which is done by my wife or daughter.


Tim

[ztron24]

hey all,

thanks for the responses. all valuble input. i realize that most armourers do the gig for free/ for fun/ for the good of the community. but if you were in a large club, and it was decided that you should charge for services, what do you think would be fair? i.e. 10 dollars for a rewire, 2 to fix a tip, 5 to clean a lame. if anyone has a list like this lying around, i'd be curious to look at it.

and donald, i'm always willing (and eager) to learn. as you may have guessed i might be sliding into an armourer type position at my club soon, so expect this won't be the last time i'll try to pick your brain.

thanks,
zach

[neevel]

Here's the list of armoring fees I have posted at my club:

Rewire blade- point & wire supplied $4

Rewire blade- new wire, point supplied $7
(German wire add $1)

Rewire blade- new wire & point $15
(German point will cost more)

Body Cord diagnose & repair $2-$5
(New parts will cost extra)

Rebuild body cord with new wire $7

Lame repair $5 and up
(not all lames are repairable)

Build and balance new blade $2
(wired blade supplied)

Foil “tune-up” (check tip for smooth action, $2
clean point & blade, check spring weight and
replace if needed)

Epee “tune-up” (check tip for smooth action, $3
clean point & blade, check spring weight and
replace if needed, check shims and adjust if
needed)

I try to run at least a couple of armory clinics each year, to teach people how to do their own repairs.

-Dave

[klauver]

Here's a link to a pro shop listed on the USFA page.
http://www.yeoldearmourer.com/prices.asp
Ken

[sallearmourer]

My pricing is base on the fact that I have been doing armory work longer than most people been fencing and that 30 plus years doing it has giving me some small knowledge of what can go wrong. I was working on weapons before David was out of diapers. (It's a joke Neevel) nothing personal but you are under changring for your skill and knowlege not everyone can understand how to fixed fencing gear. There are fencers who doesn't have any clue in how to repair there equipememnt.

Tim Loomis

[klauver]

Originally posted by sallearmourer
nothing personal but you are under changring for your skill and knowlege not everyone can understand how to fixed fencing gear. There are fencers who doesn't have any clue in how to repair there equipememnt.

Tim Loomis

That's correct, but thank goodness there's people who help in times of need, during tourneys etc. When even if we know how can't take the time to do repair work between bouts.
If this is your occupation you need to add expenses to cover your overhead, if it's a hobby you just need to make enough to buy yourself some toys now and again. To say that he is under charging may be wrong for him and his friends. Thank goodness there is no armorers union!

[neevel]

I'm just looking to get some compensation for the time I put in on non-club equipment, and whatever supplies I use. If I were setting up and running a both at NACs, I'd probably ask more.

-Dave

[MyraTrue]

I had the benefit of a university club armorer and university equipment for a while, and it was a nice experience. Then I had to come up with my own equipment, and be my OWN armorer.

While I've seen some prices that make me think "AH!! Thats insane!" at the same time, I think any fencer is capable of rewiring equipment, etc. But you've got to ballance out if learning if worth the hassle, or if you'd just rather pay someone else. Its convenience, most of the time.

I learned to armor. I got so desparate, I now make my OWN wires. It was worth it. But you DO need someone to learn from, and I would truely love to be able to work with someone with a reasonable qualification.

If your prices DO run a "little high", remember it might just be incentive for someone to LEARN how their weapon they depend on works.

[sallearmourer]

Just to let you all know that I have never raise or set my prices but my custmoers are the one that worked out my price list for Nac's and want I get at home.

Tim

[Rolls]

Where I come from there isn't even an option of paying someone. There are no armourers here who charge or otherwise. So, you have to learn to do stuff yourself.

Rolls.

[Purple Fencer]

when you are at a tournament make use of the Armorers. When they are not swamped, get to know them learn from them and after they know you and that you can help, help out during control. You will gain more than you work.

If I'm not being overloaded with weapons to repair, I will more than happily give a running commentary when I'm wiring a weapon...even I can teach something...when I'm not swearing in frustration!

[sallearmourer]

I always lend out tools and gave advice at Nac to fencers that was willing and had the time to fixed their own equipement plus I had a self tested area as well.

Tim

[ztron24]

if dave is undercharging it's only because he's generous with his time and knowledge. i can personally vouch for that.

[Almightynoitall]

West coast here, and it's usually more or less free, sure, you can give the guy/gal $5 per weapon on rewire jobs (some may ask for it to replace wire costs, etc.), and you should always pay for a blade replacement (or provide the new blade yourself). As a regular visitor to the armory table, I've also learned that bringing them a 6-pack of Guiness per event goes a LOOOOOOOOOONG way.

[Purple Fencer]

I've also learned that bringing them a 6-pack of Guiness per event goes a LOOOOOOOOOONG way.

Well....not with me, as I don't drink....but every OTHER west coast armorer....As Dan DeChaine would say "where's the blood supply?"