I did a couple searches regarding "minimum charge" and at least for the aforementioned phrase the last post was back in the summer of 2016.
I decided to share some thoughts I've had of late and in turn ask others the same regarding minimum charge and minimum quantity.
Currently our minimum is $45.00. If a customer walks in with a single knife to have engraved, its $45.00. However, I've also charged $65.00 for other engraving that takes the same amount of time or less, truth be told.
As for quantity, to use stainless cups for example, 25+ get my attention. Less than that, when I figure in setup and the back and forth with emails with the customer, it's just not worth it.
In addition, I have become the company of "No". In other words, there was a time I would engrave everything. However, as I look back, it served as a great exercise in discovering what I did not want to engrave. As a result, I say "No, but thank you, that's something we've done in the past however we primarily focus on (fill in the blank)". In short, saying "No" to unprofitable jobs has translated into "Yes" for the profitable ones.
Setup fee I must admit I have been a little wishy-washy on. Setup of $35.00 usually kicks in on lower qty. However on large quantity orders its baked into the cake. Setup may be mute though with a higher minimum charge.
My thoughts in a nutshell going forward;
Raise the Minimum Charge to $65.00
Institute a minimum qty on more than just cups.
Say "No" even more often.
-John