welding job bidding

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does anyone know where i can find info, on learning how to bid welding jobs, and write a formal bid. i am typically an hourly welder, but this customer wants a bid to submit to the big wigs, n i honestly do not know how to make the bid. this is the first time i ve had to bid a job outside my hourly rate.The job; This customer needs 16 gates 20' long 3 rails with 6 stiffners material 1 3/4" pipe. i just need to know how to figure in all my fuel, n rod etc.i would like to hear some feedback on how to do this.thank u,james
Reply:here we go...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...alculate+priceUnit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:thank u
Reply:Let's make sure I understand what you're saying here. The bid must for the bottom line total cost, right. Bidding by the hour is just a matter of book keeping and math. Now for a total cost bid you must be able to accurately estimate how fast you or your employee works. You're going to have go by your experience on jobs that are close to the same project. Keep in mind that if you can premake most of this stuff in your shop you're going to be able to make them faster. If everything must be done onsite it's going to take you more time. If there is any way that a store bought gates could be used. Unless you're set up like a production shop it's probably going to cost more to make the gat than buy it. If it must be a custom piece, you haven't made something like it and you really want the job you might have to one gate out of junk pipe to gage how long it will take you to make it. Keep in mind that once you make one you should be able to pick up speed on following gates.  As for fuel, rod, and other welding materials in my opinion these should be worked into the your adverge cost of welding unless some exoctic supplies are required. People always feel ripped off when there is a bunch of added on charges. They see that with everything else like phone bill,ect.
Reply:Also, define quality of finish and fitup.  Will pipe need to be coped or can you just flatten the ends.  Radius corners or mitered.  Paint or powder coating or galvanized.  Powder coating is usually cheaper than I can paint.  Galvanizing is the cheapest route--don't forget drain holes and restraightening might be nessary.Can tubing be substituted for pipe.  With tubing you can dictate wall thickenss/weight.Pipe railing typically takes more time than square stuff, since each part/end will be touched.  With square material ganged for  cutting,mitering and coping can be done.You could do just build one joint to finish.  Estimate how much time it takes for that.  Then count the number of joints to get fabrication time.Good luck
Reply:Also remember, when you bid a job, YOU are taking the risk, and depending on the risk involved, a percentage needs to be added to reflect this risk.  Contrast with doing a job time and material, where the customer assumes the risk .......
Reply:Originally Posted by mark8310Also remember, when you bid a job, YOU are taking the risk, and depending on the risk involved, a percentage needs to be added to reflect this risk.  Contrast with doing a job time and material, where the customer assumes the risk .......
Reply:One other thing I  will add is that with all of my bids now I state that cost of materials are due at time materials are delivered.  As high as steel is you can tie up alot of money in a hurry.   The only people I have had complain about this were the ones that I was unsure of to start with.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Just a couple more comments,,,,  Just fabricating something, relatively easy working up a bid.   Doing repairs, or mods to existing equipment or structures, always have to figure in the "unknown".  Whatever, you make a bid, that is your price, so you have to allocate something for risk.Also realize, working on real property, contractors license law applies ......  and in most states, a contractors license is required.   Among other things, you are usually limited in how much "up front" money you can collect .....   and this will be a percentage of the total job, has nothing to do with actual material cost.
Reply:I'd figure 4 gates per day, 8 hour day, figure high a gallon of fuel per hour, 10 pounds of rod per gate, 65 per hour, now this is figuring smashing the pipe ends of course.  So roughly 160 per gate and then tack on 30 percent for shiz and giggles.  Boom 208 per gate.  And the rate your goin Jimmy you better charge him 500 a gate.  It's been 7 months now.......