Portal Pricing Explained: Why Does Your Initial Quote Seem High?
Have you ever started a project in the Cutshop® portal and wondered why the price for just one or two items seems so high? It’s a common question, especially for those new to custom cabinetry, and we’re here to clear it up.
Understanding our pricing methodology is key to getting the most out of your project. Here’s a breakdown of the three main factors that can influence your initial quote.
1. The Minimum Usage Fee
This is the number one reason why a small job can seem expensive. When you order a small number of panels (say, just a single shelf or a couple of small items), we still have to use a full sheet of material to cut them. The initial cost of that full sheet is much higher than what your small job is worth.
To account for this, a Minimum Usage Fee is applied. For example, on a recent job that was worth $107.02, the minimum usage fee was $45.55. This fee is removed, and the cost per item becomes much lower as you increase the size of your order and get closer to using a full sheet.
2. Default Material and Hardware Selections
Our portal has default settings to help you get started quickly. However, the materials and hardware selected by default may be more expensive than what you need.
Sometimes, customers who are still figuring things out will select a high-end colour for their cabinets or expensive hardware they don't necessarily need. This can instantly double your material costs and make the quote seem much higher than it needs to be. The blog articles we've put out previously are intended to help with this, but it's important to be mindful of your selections as you get started.
3. Custom Craftsmanship vs. Mass-Produced Products
We often see a difference in cost expectations when it comes to different types of projects. Customers are generally prepared for the cost of a full kitchen or laundry. However, for items like storage units or simple shelving, they sometimes compare our prices to mass-produced, imported products you might find at large retailers.
The products we create are custom-made to your exact specifications. This is a very different market from imported and mass-produced items. What you get from us is a one-of-a-kind, high-quality product made right here in New Zealand.
How the Pricing is Calculated
Our pricing is straightforward once you understand how it works. As you add each item to your cart, the total cost is calculated based on the material usage for that item and the price of any selected hardware. It's an accumulative process that ensures you are paying accurately for the materials and hardware you use for your project.
We know it can be a lot to take in at first, but with a little practice, the pricing system will become second nature. Our Cutshop® team is always here to help if you have any questions about your project or would like to walk through a quote.
