SCOTT - DAN
I mostly stick with my (stocked) bark-trimmed planks - 'though people do periodically bring in their own wood. I have to turn down jobs 'cause of size, or grain etc. Still, when you need sales much as I do, I first look for solutions! i.e. A local craftsman was hired to produce dozens of cutting boards made from Tamarac - wanted his customer's logo engraved. Tamarac too grained for regular text - I used the 3-D engraving idea. (boxing the logo; the logo standing out.) - on the display side, of course. (bless those people who think of what I do as "wood burning".)
As for the "actual amount of time" we invest in meeting customer's needs? - for sure, time management is key! Things like "packing/shipping" can be incorporated into our pricing. "Dinking 'round understanding a customer's needs", well, not so much. What business isn't faced with this? (Ok - maybe, a mortician?) Just once, would like to see someone try to impose a "chit-chat fee". Me? I consider chit-chat as an opportunity to "bond" with my customer. Heck, I'm not a McDonald's drive-thru. (Still, Dan - you're right! - we definitely have to watch ourselves - time spent.)
One thing I've learned: those wood craftsmen who bring in items for engraving - wanting a "sample" engraved - saying they're gonna be producing, and selling, hundreds! - I don't fall for this anymore! I charge what I need up front; offering to deduct their "sample" cost from their follow up orders of hundreds. (rarely to I see 'em again; okay with me.)
Have 'great day, guys! (and gals.)
Bill
(Using Epilog 35W Mini 24)